Christmas Catch Up

I can’t believe it has been so long since my last post, but I sure needed a little break to enjoy family and the holiday. I have been so busy with life lately, that it was really nice to relax for a couple of days and just hang out with the parents and my brother. Harlie got really sick last Monday and I had to take her to the vet for some testing, thank goodness she is doing alright now, but it sure scared the crap out of me to say the least. I hope everyone had a good Christmas holiday.

I was really excited with the opportunity to make Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinner for my little family. We have always spent the Holidays in Salt Lake with Grandma, Aunts & Uncles, and all the cousins. When everything unfolded last week with Harlie, I couldn’t bare myself to leave her side for a couple of days and go out of town. So, I made the decision to stay home. Levi, my brother, did the same and the parents decided to drive home Salt Lake early. We all wanted to be together and so things changed a little bit this year. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way though, it was so nice and quiet. I missed the craziness of the family get-together, but playing games with the Levi’s and Dad, was far better than I could have wished for.

I decided since my mom wouldn’t be feeling up to cooking, it would be my turn to take over Christmas eve Dinner and Christmas Day Dinner. I actually was excited to do it.! I didn’t want to spend the entire day in the kitchen; I wanted to spend it with my family. I kept the dinners small but delicious. Everyone loved it, which I was grateful for.

So, here was the menu.

Christmas Eve:

White Lasagna

Garlic Bread

Veggie

Christmas Day:

Peach and Cranberry Ham

Mashed Potatoes

Gravy

Veggies

Rolls

White Lasagna:

-this isn’t an exact kind of recipe, I just throw it together and add as much seasoning as I want, per my taste buds- this makes a cake sized pan of lasagna-

2 box of oven-ready lasagna noodles (barilla is my favorite), 2 container (3lb) of ricotta cheese (I prefer whole milk), 2 small container of cottage cheese, Italian seasoning mix, salt, pepper, minced garlic, 2 eggs, 1 package of frozen spinach or a bundle of fresh, 1 rotisserie chicken shredded, 1-2 bags of your choice of white cheese (I prefer the Italian mix by Kraft), 2 cans of your choice of Alfredo sauce (I prefer Bertolli with aged parmesan).

I mix together the ricotta cheese; cottage, cheese, Italian seasonings, salt pepper, minced garlic, and then I add two eggs and mix together until well incorporated. You all know how to layer lasagna right? Well this is how I do mine: alfredo sauce, noodle, cheese & spinach layer, noodle, chicken & sauce, noodle, repeat noodles and layers until I reach the top layer. Then I cover it with lots of sauce and loads of cheese. Bake 350 for 35-40 minutes with foil, remove foil and bake for additional 10 minutes to make the cheese all bubbly and yummy. Let sit for 5 or so minutes before digging in, it seems to help with the slicing of pieces, or maybe it is in my head.

This is details of my layers:

Cheese & Spinach: this is the ricotta/cottage cheese mixture, with spinach on top, I sprinkle a small (I mean small) amount of italian cheese to combine the layer.

Chicken & Sauce: I mix together shredded chicken with alfredo sauce, so that the lasagna doesn’t become soup like with too much alfredo in between layers. I then top the layer with a good amount of Italian cheese to finish off this layer.

Peach and Cranberry Ham:

1 fully cooked smoked bone-in ham (7 lbs), 3/4  cup peach preserves, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup white cranberry and peach juice.

Spray your slow cookers with cooking spray (I just wipe with olive oil). Remove any excess fat from ham, make cuts 1/2 inch apart and 1/4 inch deep (I start at the top and just cut vertically then make cuts horizontally). Place ham in slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix preserves, brown sugar, mustard, and juice. Spread mixture over ham. Cover, cook on low for 8 hours or until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. Remove ham from slow cooker, wait 15 minutes to carve. Take the juices from the slow cooker, pour into a saucepan. Simmer until slightly thickened, pour over ham as a glaze or on the side as a sauce (I prefer it over the ham as a glaze).

These recipes are really easy and simple, plus bonus, they are delicious. We hardly have any of leftovers in our fridges because everyone kept eating everything in front of them. I hope you try and enjoy, if you do, let me know what you think!

Enjoy your day.

-Kenzie.

Birthday, Bull, and Buns!

The most important thing on the blog today is this,, it is my best friend Kati's 24th birthday today. I have to take a second and tell you all about her. I know I talk about Kati a lot on the blog, but what is a girl suppose to do when she spends every moment with her best friend at her side. We have had so many fun adventures together over the years. We have been through so much together too and if it weren't for her, I would not be in the place that I am today. Because of her strength and friendship, I was able to pull myself out of some of my darkest days. She is such an inspiration, because she is the strongest person I know. She has gone through so many trials of her own in the past 2 years and I could not be more proud of the person I get to call my best friend. We always have each others back and we always are the shoulder we lean on when we need it. I am extremely blessed to have her in my life and even more blessed that we are more than friends, more than best friends, she is just like my sister. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you Kati. Happy Birthday Darling! Now lets hurry and celebrate, cause I can not wait to give you your present. Your going to die.!!! Eeeekkkk!!!

Five on Friday

 

 -one- With the multiple early mornings and late nights these past couple of weeks, Red Bull has made an appearance back into my life. It sure is going to take a little while to get into the swing of these extremely long days, day after day. I am ready for it and I am going to conquer it though. So, thank you Red Bull for making your Blue Edition, because we have become best friends over this past couple of weeks.  

-two- I have so much hair, if you can’t tell, well believe me. I have a freaking ton of it to deal with. I have had to learn so many tricks in the past weeks to keep it up and out of my face while I am serving. So, I have to say how incredibly thankful to whomever figured out the sock bun! I have worn it more times than not while working and I love it. It isn’t heavy on my head, looks amazing, and works wonders. 

-three- Tropical Smoothie Café. Why in the world have I not tried this before, oooh myyyy goshh! I am officially becoming a regular here. After receiving multiple snapchats and hearing about all of my friends going to Tropical Smoothie Café, I tried it for first time on Monday. The Bahama Mamma is completely delicious! Easy, Simple, and Delicious! It was so nice to swing in, grab my smoothie, and head to work. So yes Tropical Smoothie Café, you will be seeing more of me, lots more of me. 

-four- I officially have all my Christmas shopping done. I am now just waiting for 1 present to come in the mail. I have wrapped everything, tagged everything, and it is all ready to go under the tree. I am so excited for Christmas morning and to see what everyone thought of what I bought for them. I am rather jealous of what I got my mother, I will admit, I kind of wanted to keep it for myself. Guess I will just have accidentally have it land in my closet one day and I will just have to accidentally put it on, haha.

-five- I have to let you in on something; I am not a huge lover of Christmas music. I actually find a huge majority of it to be annoying. I have no idea as to what sparks the annoyance for me either, because I don’t mind some songs. I don’t mind having a Christmas song come on the radio once in a while, but a constant Christmas playlist just may possibly drive me up the wall. I do though love a few songs and The Christmas Shoes has been my favorite song for as long as I can remember. Anyways,, I came across this song while scrolling through Facebook and instantly fell in love with the acoustic side of the song; such a beautiful way to present the song. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.!

Much Love, Kenzie.

Oh Christmas Tree

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, How Presents Look So Pretty… lol, yeah just made that one up..  Presents under the Christmas tree, oh man does that get me giddy. I love wrapping presents and making them look all pretty, setting them under the tree, and waiting for the moment that the recipient(s) gets to unwrap what is inside. I will not lie; I am funny when it comes to wrapping. I like my paper to match my tree, yes I know, some of you are rolling your eyes right now. Another thing, I like to make sure that each present has some kind of decoration; whether it is a bow, ribbon, dangly accessories, or all of the above. I love presents when they look perfect, I am a perfectionist.

Our Family Christmas Tree

While I was growing up Santa would always bring a million presents that were scattered all around out living room. He always wrapped out presents in different wrapping and of course each one of them was beautifully decorated by his entire little elf friends. Well, in real life, my mom would spend hours wrapping all of our presents from Santa. Each child had their own wrapping; mom said it was easier to see which presents belonged to which child, while she was placing them under the tree on Christmas Eve. Of course, each one was wrapped perfect with bows and ribbons that matched. I loved it while I was growing up. Knowing exactly which presents Santa brought me, I sure thought I was special with him wrapping my presents in their own special wrapping and a bow or ribbon to match. Man, I loved Christmas morning as a child, and I still do.

I really can’t wait to have little kiddos of my own, I am so planning on doing this with my children. Plus Mom was a smart thinker, it would be so much easier to tell which presents went to which child when placing them under the tree.! Kudos to you, Mom!



Holiday Traditions

Part One//Part Two//Part Three//Part Four

Much Love, Kenzie.

Stocking Stuffers

I don’t know if I get more excited about the actual presents on Christmas or watching everyone open theirs. I get so much joy shopping and picking out things for people, I just love gifting. I love watching someone as they open up a gift and get super excited for what is inside for them. There is nothing better to me, honestly. I love Christmas stockings, small little gifts that are so much fun to get! We usually always get the same things in our stockings along with a few little knickknacks that mom throws in. It usually consisted of underwear, socks, a gift card, candy bar, and then the few knickknack items she decided to throw in that year. As a child, I got a lot of nail polish, hair accessories, fun colored gel pens, colored pencils, markers, jewelry, and small toys. When I have little kiddos of my own, I want to do the stocking stuffers that I grew up with, underwear, socks, a gift card (never more than $20), a candy bar or fruit, and then a few special knickknacks that matches that child’s interest. Here are some knickknack ideas that I threw together for you.

Mom//Wife//Older Daughter//Friend

//Underwear//Brushes//Foundation//Lockets//

Dad//Husband//Older Son//Friend

 //Watch//EarPhones//PhoneCharger//Smooth//AirFreshener//Boxers//

Children//Minis

//BowTie//Pajamas//Socks//Watch//
NailPolish//Bow//Flowers//Pins//Pens//Bracelet//Pajamas//

I hope you enjoy. Happy Shopping.
Much Love, Kenzie.

Holiday Traditions
Part One//Part Two//Part Three

Life as of Lately

These past few weeks have been a complete whirlwind to say the least. I was (and still am) filled with so much excitement when I was given the opportunity to start serving as a second job. I have always been such a ‘people person’ kind of personality; I love to interact and meet new people. I won’t lie though, I have been pretty nervous about the entire thing. I mean hello, this is a whole new play ground for me. I have never served in my entire life; sure I have slung jeans at buckle and opened new accounts at a bank, but I haven’t ever had to wait on a table. So yeah, I am nervous to start waiting tables.

Waitressing always seemed like the ‘perfect’ second job for me though. Everyone that knows me personally, tells me that I have the perfect personality to be a server. I am excited that I am starting at Buffalo Wild Wings with my first serving job though, because it is such a fun environment inside. Totally loud and full of excitement, plus it’s a bonus that I get to meet lots of hot guys. Beer + Wings + Sports = Hot Guys. Come on we all know it.! and I get to watch all the sport games that I actually follow, which is actually only Baseball, but I’m sure this job will make me a sports fan. At least that is what everyone keeps telling me.. So,, I guess I need to find a Football Team; Broncos, Cowboys, Steelers, Saints,, ooh the choices haha.

Here is to new adventures and new friends.!

If you’re in the Southern Utah area, come in and ask to be seated in my section.

I’d love to have you!

- Kenzie

Sweet Treats

Christmas time always means; Cookies, Cakes, and Candies, Galore! I must admit that I have a much love hate relationship with all the sweets that come out around the holidays. I love to eat their deliciousness, but I sure do hate that when I start, I can’t stop. I think I may have a problem; the first step is acknowledgement, right? Okay yes, I have a serious addiction to the sweet table at the holidays. So, I thought I would share one of my favorite holiday sweet addictions with you.



Cranberry Bliss Bars

-Bars-

1 cup butter, very softened

1 ½ cups brown sugar

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon kosher salt

2 tablespoons orange zest

¾ dried cranberries (Craisins)

¾ cup chopped white chocolate chips

-Frosting-

8 ounces cream cheese, very soft

2 tablespoons butter, very soft

3 cups confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons orange juice

-Topping-

½ cup dried cranberries

8 ounces of white chocolate chips

-Bars- Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla and orange zest and best until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients, except cranberries and white chocolate chips. Add wet and dry ingredients and beat until combined. Stir in cranberries and white chocolate chips. Spread on a parchment lined 10”X15” pan and bake at 350 for 20-24 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. It is very important to not over bake! Let cool and, if possible, remove from pan and slide onto counter or cooling rack in one piece. It makes cutting them into triangles easier this way.

-Frosting- Cream together cream cheese and butter; add vanilla, orange juice, and salt. Beat in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Spread over bars when completely cooled. Cut into 16 rectangles (4 rows with 4 columns) then cut each rectangle diagonally, you will then end up with 32 pieces.

-Topping- After the bars have been cut, sprinkle cranberries on top. Melt 8 ounces white chocolate, I melt the chocolate in a Ziploc bag and then snip a small hole in the corner, drizzle the chocolate over the triangles and let it harden completely.

These have to be my all time favorite holiday treat, now I am allergic to orange so I used mango or apricot juice and leave out the zest, it still tastes delicious! I got this recipe from the Simple Girl blog years ago, so click here if you want too check out all her other recipes.! They are scrumptious, I promise!

Holiday Traditions, Part 1 // Part 2

Pajama Party!

I love Holiday Traditions and yesterday I wrote about one of my favorite, the Christmas Eve Story. I decided since I have so many Holiday Traditions that I love; I will just make this into a little series. There is just something so magical to me about Traditions; no matter the celebration. It could be Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentines, 4^th of July, or whatever. I love traditions and that they continue for years and years. You look forward to that single tradition each year, just like the Christmas Pajamas that we do as a family each year. I love getting a new pair of Pajamas on Christmas Eve.

Ever since I was little I always knew what present I was going to unwrap on Christmas Eve, Pajamas. Usually we got them as part of our ‘brown bag’ exchange with the family and I just love it. My mom is always the best at picking them out, she has spoiled us kids for years. See, My brother and I, aren’t that tall, but we have super long legs. Nothing is more irritating than cute pajamas that don’t cover our feet. It never seems like we could get the right length in Pajamas, but Christmas Eve, we knew that we would receive the perfect pajamas. Always long enough to cover our little toesies.  This year I am crossing my fingers and wishing away on a star, that I receive cute Pajamas like these below. Aren’t they just adorable! Gah, I love them! If not, I guess I will have to break down and go get me some. I am totally in love with the purple and red print!



The Christmas Story

There is nothing better than a family tradition; that tradition you know you will carry on with your own kids someday. I love that my family has such wonderful traditions. We grow older and our lives change, we know that it will forever stay the same. I love that. Something passed down, generation to generation, something you looked forward to a child (still do to this day) and your children and their children someday will hopefully do the same.

Christmas Eve, after we have all filled our bellies full of yummy food, we all scurry into the living room for the story. The little children take places on our laps, in order for us all to be as close to the story teller as possible. Grandma always picks out a new book for Christmas Eve and an ornament for each of us in the family to have as well. The ornament always matches the story perfectly; I love it. One of the “older” cousins always reads the story that Grandma picks out; crazy to think that I have been in the “older” group of cousins for 6 years now and haven’t read the story yet. That is by choice though; Grandma without a doubt has tried for the last 5 years to get me to read it. I just hate reading out loud honestly.

Of course I still have all 23 ornaments; some homemade and some store bought, but I love every single one of them. The thought that someday I will have my own Christmas tree, in my own home, with all of the ornament on it, makes me happy. I know that this Christmas Eve story is a tradition that I will carry on with my future children and I hope that they fall in love with it as much as I have growing up.

I have linked up with Lisa Nicole to share my favorite Holiday Tradition.

What’s yours.?

Link up with her and share!

Much Love, Kenzie.

Snowed In

I was really excited for this past weekend. The national weather said it was going to snow, yes snow, in Southern Utah. I love snow. That white fluffy stuff sure makes me happy and then I woke up on Saturday morning sick. I am talking really sick, that stupid flu bug finally crept its way up to my doorstep and decided it wanted to stay awhile. So while everyone here in St. George was able to enjoy this beautiful white fluffy stuff, I was in bed.

I was really upset about missing my training on Saturday at Buffalo Wild Wings because it really is fun; it’s so much harder to try and learn everything all by yourself. I have thoroughly enjoyed training so far, it’s a lot of information that I have had to take in, but I am super excited to be part of such a fun environment. Instead, I was coped up in my brother’s bed while he and his roommate Ashton took care of my sickly little self. I wasn’t about to drive home on Saturday in the midst of the snow storm, it was a blizzard outside and I just wanted to curl up in bed.

When I finally decided that I would make the trek home on Saturday around 6pm, it was a mad house. May I remind you that Southern Utah doesn’t see snow and if we do, it surely doesn’t stick to the ground but for about 2 seconds. 6 inches later, people who don’t know how to drive, it makes for a disaster. Long story short, being a somewhat experienced driver in the snow (thanks to ND and snow days of Diamond Valley) I was the creepy person knocking on windows trying to help people get unstuck on my way home. Good deed, done. I lived just outside of St. George and as I was driving home the snow got deeper and deeper, finally when I arrived it was around 8 inches or so. Yesterday when I ventured outside with Harlie, I would honestly say we got at least 11 inches or so.

I am sitting here at work this morning attempting to write this blog post while I am freezing. You see we only have one heater here at the cleaners and it gets really cold in this building at night. Especially when it is only 1 degree outside; my fingers just may freeze and fall off..

I hope you all have a happy Monday!

Much Love, Kenzie.

It's Finally Friday.!

I love Friday’s for a couple of reasons,,

one, it’s the beginning of the weekend

two, it’s time to link up with these lovely ladies below

April: A LIZADVENTURES

Christina: CAROLINACHARM

 Natasha: HELLO! HAPPINESS

Darcy: THE GOOD LIFEBLOG

Which I have to say that I am an avid readers of them all; love their blogs.!

-one- Starbucks Coffee. Yea I get it, I sound like a record set on repeat with this one. Seriously though, when it is 9 (YES 9) degrees when I leave the house just after 6 in the morning, that stuff is calling my name to warm me up!

-two- Facebook. Honestly, I love how I can ask advice and all my friends pitch in. Like for instance, I have wanted to get my teeth professionally whitened because the store stuff no longer gives me the outcome I am happy with. It stays white for a day or two and then it seems to go away for me, maybe I am just used to good bleach or something. Anyways, I wake up to, I kid you not, like 30 comments. Great advice from all the people I trust.! Thanks guys! P.S. you know any tricks or which is better; laser, bleach trays, or the blue light, let me know.!

-three- Fabric Wraps. Seriously guys, these came in the mail yesterday and I was so excited. Like a little kid on Christmas, jumping up and down with joy when I opened the package up. You will have to check out the etsy shop! Adorable and totally affordable! The pic below is from her shop.

-four- I started training this week for Buffalo Wild Wings and I have loved the crew so far. So many friends, energetic, and fun people that I have come in contact with over just this last few days. So excited that I will get to kick off being a server for the first time with their company.!

-five- self explanatory.

Did You Know.?

Common Facts:

My birthday is August 28, therefore I am a Virgo

I have hazel colored eyes (green/brown)

I drive a 2014 Toyota Corolla and love it

I am said to be a Yellow personality

I have an older sister and a younger brother

I never attended college

I am a lover of limeades, coffee, and tea

Fried Green Tomatoes is my favorite movie

Turquoise, Lime Green, Coral are my favorite colors

I am extremely scared of mice, snakes, and heights

Interesting Facts:

I am allergic to: Oranges, Pecans, Grass, Hay, Weeds, and Penicillin

I hate: Black Olives, Raw Onions, Non-Cooked Tomatoes, and Cherry flavored medication

I don’t drink caffeinated soda, but I love coffee

I just started to like beer about a year ago

I have the worst gutter mind

I don’t really watch sports, but I am a Red Sox’s and Ute’s fan

I snore when I laugh and then I make a sound like I can’t breath

I haven’t watched Lord of the Rings, nor do I want too

I don’t watch scary movies because I have to vivid of an imagination at night

I love TV series, but hate when they end

Only my best friend would know:

I am way to open about certain things

I talk in my sleep, a lot

I cuddle especially when I sleep

I am extremely self-conscious about my body

I only turn down ice cream if I don’t feel good

I am a horrible singer

I can’t stand stupid people and stupid questions

I have the same recurring dreams and they freak me out

I cried way too much in SOA last season

I always have to have my outfit match perfectly

.Single, Status.

The Age Old Question,,

What's Your Current Relationship Status.?

Mine; Single.

I know, shocking right.! No,  I don’t have some handsome boyfriend, fiancé, or husband with pictures all over my blog. It’s just me, my friends, and my family. In all honesty, am happy being single though. My last relationship was such a hard breakup for me; it will take an amazing guy to change it. I am not going to settle for just any ol’ Joe off the street. He has to be someone who is worth spending my free time with. He will have to love and get along with my family and friends, because I am not ever going to give up what I have now; for a man. Just saying, he has to fit right in with us.

Let’s get a little personal here;  I never thought I would be where I am today. If you asked me a little over a year ago, I would have never thought I’d be single. In all honestly though, I thought the last guy I was with, was the one for me. I was wrong though. I learned that I deserve much more than a boy standing beside me. I deserve a man who wants to take care of me, who wants to stand beside me and help me through the bad times, who wants to make me happy, and who loves my family and friends. I deserve the absolute best for me. So, here I am, single and happy. It will take some amazing guy to change that.

So, in all retrospect, I am happy being single for the time being. No, that doesn't mean I don't miss knowing that I have someone to come home too, snuggle with, or kiss whenever I darn well please. I am saying, that I am happy being single, until the right man walks into my life and is worth changing my mind about being single. When he does, I will be (hopefully) ready for it.!

A Holiday Me

I am all about:

• Christmas Cheer
• Christmas Cooking; Cookies, Pies, Bread Loafs, Ham, Cranberries, and Stuffing
• Christmas Lights; indoors and outdoors
• Christmas Movies;  Miracle on 34^th Street, The Santa Clause Series, The Polar Express, The Christmas Shoes, Home Alone Series, The Grinch, and many more
• Christmas Pajamas; lets get real, you love them too.
• Family and Friends
• Green, Red, and White Christmas Trees; Santa, Gingerbread, Elves, and Snowflakes
• Holiday Traditions
• Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Mocha, and Cranberry Bliss Bars
• Parties and Ugly Sweater
• Present Shopping and Wrapping; making them all pretty and perfect
• Snow, Cabins, Snow Fights, Tubing, Fires, and Snuggling
• Stockings

That is just a few of my favorite things...

I absolutely love the Holiday Season and yes I know I have said this before, but there is just something about the joy this entire season brings to everyone around me. It makes me happy, simply put. I find so much joy planning and shopping for others; I barley can contain myself when it comes to given them presents. I am horrible that way, but I love seeing all the pretty wrapped presents under the tree. Something about it just makes me giddy inside; like a 5 year old child. All the delicious and fun traditions that come along with the Holiday Season. Plus, the fun get-togethers (yes, I said get-togethers, I am from Utah) that you have planned with all your family and/or friends; and hello, to all the delicious food and goodies that are involved in those gatherings. Gah, just the entire atmosphere that surrounds the holidays brings a smile to my face.

Thanksgiving Weekend

I feel like I haven’t blogged in such a long time, but it was so nice to spend the entire week and weekend with family and take a little break from the blog. I thoroughly enjoy all the time that I get to spend with my family around the holidays, there is nothing better.! Mom and I prepared Thanksgiving dinner all of Thursday morning, except the Turkey, that was Dad’s job this year. Dinner was delicious, if I say so myself; Turkey, Homemade Stuffing, Sweet Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies, Cranberry Sauce, Deviled Eggs, Potato Salad, Hot Rolls, and Pie; talk about a food coma. I am so incredibly thankful for the wonderful family I have. We have so many memories and as we sat around the table, reminiscing, laughing at all the crazy and fun things we have all done over the years. In that moment it hit me, how blessed I am to be so close to them all. I don’t know what I would do without each and every member of my family, blood or not. I have to be the luckiest person to have them all in my life.

Wednesday, I brought the Carmichael tradition of Pie Night to St. George. I was excited to start this tradition here with all my friends at home. Pie Night = night before Thanksgiving, everyone brings a pie ( or dessert ) and we eat, talk, and play games or watch a movie. We made it PieJama this year, which was a blast, cause we all cozied up on the couch to watch bridesmaids.

Enough about thanksgiving though, my friend Ashley and I went to see her boyfriend’s band play at George’s on Saturday night. I haven’t ever hear them play before and I loved them.! Sadly, I couldn’t find any way to share a direct link with you. So you will have to CLICK HERE to be transferred over to their facebook page. Seriously though guys, you have to listen to them. If you like artists/bands like City and Colour, you will love them.! Take a look and let me know how you like them!

Last news,, I am so excited to announce that I got a second job. I am super excited; I will be a server at Buffalo Wild Wings here in St. George! The restaurant will be opening December 16, so come and see us! I have to admit, a little nervous because I have never served before, but I am super excited to start with B-Dubs! Such a great restaurant food wise and the atmosphere just makes it a 10+ in my book! So ya’ll seriously, if you’re in the area, stop on in and enjoy some wings and a beer or two.!

I linked up with Sami today for Weekend Shenanigans.!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend, only 22 days till Christmas.!

Much Love, Kenzie.

A Gentleman and A Lady - Part Two

As I said in this post, I recently read this blog post about how to decide if you are dating a real man or a boy. It gave 10 key points on how a real man would treat his lady, and I fell in love with it. Because ever single women deserves to have a ‘real man’ in her life; someone who knows how to treat a lady and the relationship they have together. This got me thinking though, what about a woman. What kind of qualities should a women posses to be a ‘keeper’ in a man’s eyes. A Gentleman and A Lady, part two.

10 WAYS TO KNOW YOUR WOMAN IS A KEEPER

A man wants a catch, the one he couldn’t possibly let go. The one he would do anything to reel in. So here are 10 signs to look to know that you have a lady and a keeper. This was obviously wrote by a man, which is what I love truthfully. A real man knows what he wants in a woman and these are amazing qualities in a woman. I added my own two cents in their though, so if you want to read the article in which I found this, then click here.

1. She doesn’t look for attention. A woman who doesn’t look for attention, are the women who are worth giving attention too. Women who are content with their own self confidence and don’t look elsewhere for validation, shine from within and will add to a man’s life.

2. She can hold a conversation.  Believe me; it is important to have physical attraction in a relationship, but it isn’t the most important when you’re talking about something that is long term.  A woman, who truly keeps your attention, makes you excited to see her, or just talk to her – every day- is one worth holding onto. A man wants a woman who is intelligent, well-spoken, witty, and funny with killer looks. No women is worth settling less for, not a single one.

3. She is comfortable in any situation. In a relationship you’re not going to be alone all the time. A man wants a woman who will be able to live life to the fullest, while they are by their sides all the time. Meaning, a man can bring you to any social event and leave you alone if he needed to go and talk to someone or grab a drink. He wants a woman who will be comfortable in any setting; family events, outings with friends, double dates, and even nights in.

4. She doesn’t start petty arguments. In a healthy relationship, two people should be able to work out their complications with mature conversations. A man wants a woman to not throw their past in their face or use it as ammunition against you, especially is she has already forgiven your for the mistake you made in your past. Relationships are never an easy road with no differences; when a woman can handle a conversation with maturity and work through the differences, she is a keeper.

5. She encourages you. A man wants a woman to stand behind him and encourage him to chase after his goals and dreams. Everyone in life will seem to lose their fire and drive at some points in life, when there is no one to share them with. You, should be, the first person he runs to when he has exciting news.

6. She is your sunshine on a gloomy day (and everyday). Are you excited to talk to her when you wake up first thing in the morning? Or kiss her on the forehead when you’re together? Does seeing her name pop up on your phone during a rough day make your forget about all of the worries of life? Does being with her take you into your own world where nothing else matters? If you said yes to all the above, hold on to that woman.

7. She puts in effort for you. (To me this is the same thing as #9 in the other post and I love this.) You have to put in effort for the relationship to last, both of you. Because a relationship isn’t about you, it’s about the person your with, and making them happy. Because seeing them happy will make you happy, and vice versa. Don’t stop the romance in your relationship. It can be as little as getting your nails and hair done, so you feel good, to look good for him. But it is more than that too, put in effort to make each other happy. Take time for each other.!

8. You can laugh together. Seriously, this is such a big one. A man wants a woman he can laugh with. Life needs laughter, love, and happiness; so does a relationship.

9. You can cry together. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Times will get tough, things will get hard, and you will need to be each other’s support team. You need to be there for him, and he needs to be there for you. You can feel stupid to cry in front of him, and he should be able to fully let loose and emotionally let go in front of you.

10. You have similar views for the future.  The future is there, whether you are ready for it or not. Your life should never be dictated by someone else. There are things that you want in your life and there are things he will want in his life. Are they the same? If you want the same thing in life, at the same time; great. If you don’t settle thinking he will just forget all about it, cause neither will you. Long term relationships are all about compromise, with that you will have a long and happy future.

Someday I will find my prince charming, whether that is today, tomorrow, or later in life. When that man walks into my life, I really will be grateful for these articles. Because it has opened up my eyes to what a good relationship should be like. I can say that I am grateful for all the bad relationships and relationships that just didn’t work out, because it will sure make me grateful for the day that a real man walks into my life and sweeps me off his feet. He will be my gentleman and I will be his lady.

James Michael Sama write some amazing posts, he gives different kind of advice and things that a man and a woman should take some time to read. Click here to check out his blog. This post was made all because of my love for the post that I came across.