Thankful Thursday

Last week in this post I talked about how November always brings us to the time of the year when we really start thinking about what we are thankful for in our lives. So to continue on with this Thankful Thursday I am going to do during the month of November here are 10 things I am thankful for this week.

 

 

-ONE- My Toothbrush. The first thing I do when I wake up. To me there is nothing better than the feeling of a clean mouth and freshly brushed teeth. Plus, then I don’t kill everyone around me with awful morning breath.
-TWO- Cell Phones. Being able to communicate with all the people that I love on a daily basis is such a nice thing. Plus I love that no matter where I go I can have photos, music, calendar, and internet right in my hands.

-THREE- Sadness. Because honestly you never know how good something is in your life until you have experience sadness. Its helps develop the person you are and helps grow you into a better person tomorrow.

-FOUR- Laughter. Because what would life be like if we didn’t have things to laugh about on a daily basis.

-FIVE- Seasons. I love when seasons change and it brings new life to Mother Nature; spring flowers, summer nights, fall leaves, and winter snow. There is so much beauty in each season that is brought to us.

-SIX- Water. The ability to have clean water that comes straight out of a tap or bottle is something I know that we all take for granted. Being able to keep our bodies hydrated without doing more than putting a cup or bottle to a spout is the nicest thing.

-SEVEN- Internet. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to be sharing these things with you.

-EIGHT- Holidays. The joy that brings families together to celebrate is a wonderful thing. I am so grateful that there are set holidays that we all look forward to as families. Being able to see the joy in little ones faces around the holiday season is magical to me. Plus, I love shopping for people and giving gifts.

-NINE- Freedom. To live in a country with so many opportunities before us is really a blessing. The soldiers who fight and veterans who have fought to keep us with the freedom we have is a blessing. I am so beyond grateful for all the wonderful people in the military who fight for us.

-TEN- Inspiration. I am so thankful for the daily inspiration to make me smile and gets me going to achieve the goals and dreams I have for myself.



dreams

.via.

Have you ever thought what your dreams could possibly mean? I have some of the most off the wall random dreams. The kind where you wake up, wondering where in the hell did that come from. Supposedly dreams are a reflection of what is on your mind. I get the ex-boyfriend stuff and your family or friends, but what about people that you haven’t seen in years or even thought about. What about random adventures, falling, running, or being chased. Cause you betcha I have had all those kind of dreams. I have always been interested in trying to figure out if they actually mean something though.

So this is what the Dream Mood Dictionary says about my dreams:

Free Falling: did you know the popular myth for falling is that if you don’t wake up before you hit the ground you will die.? Well, I am sure that isn’t true. So, it says that falling dreams often reflect a sense of failure or inferiority. You have lost your foothold on life and you are insecure about the future of it, you feel like you’re going to fail. I get into low parts of life when I feel like I have lost myself or my footings. This makes perfect sense as to why I would dream about free falling in a time where I feel like I am failing or losing my foothold on something.

Adventures: Are you bored in life? To dream of adventures or that you are an adventurer is a reflection that you are lacking adventure in your life. You crave excitement and variety. OR it could mean that you are too self absorbed in your ambition and have forgotten about the people along the way who have helped you get to your standing now. I guess I am craving excitement and adventure in my life.

Running: Avoiding something in your life. Running away from something, not someone is a reflection that you are trying to avoid something in your life. You need to realize the significance of what you are running towards, because that could be your determination. But if you are running and you can’t run fast enough then you are lacking from self-esteem or self-confidence. Running is such a common thing for me in my dreams. I vary from the kind of running, so avoiding something or someone is very common feeling for me. I also deal with a lack of self-confidence when I feel like I am losing grip on myself. Such common things in my life that I deal with.

Being Chased: is a reflection that you are avoiding a situation that you don’t think you can conquer. If an animal is chasing you: unexpressed and unacknowledged anger; person: difficult goal or task in which you are avoiding; but if you are enjoying be chased then you like being the object of desire. This is so close to running for me, avoiding a task or goal in which I don’t think I can conquer.

Ex-Boyfriends: This is such a large range of reasons to why an ex would appear in your dreams. The most common is 1) you have finally let go of the feelings you embraced with that person 2) they have an emotional hold on you or 3) you compare yourself to their new partner.  I have had a lot of different dreams in this department, because I know that I was hurt so bad in my last relationship. I know that I still harbor emotions in which are hard to let go, because I am scared of being hurt. So moving on and excepting what happened was a very hard thing for me to do. These kind of dreams make perfect sense to me because of what I went through and the emotion that was embraced during the healing.

Acquaintances from the past: represents aspects of yourself that you are still trying to get to know. You are either refusing to accept certain things about yourself or you are trying to understand who you are. You are always soul searching, so to see an acquaintance is a very common thing in your dreams. Learning to understand the person in which stands before me; impressive. Makes complete sense though.

Isn’t it interesting as to what your mind can come up with while you are dreaming.?

I sure think so.!

Happy Dream Ya’ll.!

-kenzie.



lost myself in Sephora

This past weekend I went to Salt Lake with my mom to visit family and attend her doctors appointment. I have always found joy in being able to see family that lives there. Since we live a little further away, it gets hard at times to make it up for visits as often as we would like. Sunday night my Uncle Derrick and Aunt Christie brought their 4 kiddos over for dinner and fun. I love little mister Luke (above picture), he is such a character.  He kept saying to me "Kenzie, you going to take another picture of me?" Isn't he just a little heartbreaker.?

So while we were in Salt Lake, Mom and I did a little shopping. Lets just say, I may possibly be an addict of Sephora now. I walked out with my little bag and $250 less in my pocket from one store, but it was sure worth it. These are a few of the little treasures from my first time in Sephora.

Sephora Eye Shadow

Smashbox Photo Finish

Sephora Powder Brush

Naked Skin Foundation

Nars Loose Setting Powder

This was just 5 of the 10 items I bought myself. I was so excited with my purchase and I am loving my new little make-up makeover!

Friday, Friday, Friday.!

Happy Friday.!

I don’t know about you, but it seems like this week has just dragged on and on for me. I am happy that it is finally Friday and I hope that the weekend doesn’t fly right on past me. Well you know the drill ya’ll. Friday means it’s time for a little link up frenzy.. So here is the link ups for today.

Five on Friday , Friday Letters , and That’s Fresh Friday

Dear November: Now that you have decided to grace us with your presence, all I can think about is Christmas. Of course I am excited; this is one of my favorite times of the year. Everything that surrounds Christmas excites me; the smells, the lights, the decorations, and of course all the joy in little children’s faces. Plus I have the notorious Christmas shopping list that I need to get my butt in gear and start accomplishing, especially before all hell breaks loose at the malls.

Did anyone else think that Tim McGraw looked absolutely amazing at the CMA’s and then there is my girl Kellie Pickler who looked stunning? I think these two look are my absolute favorite from the CMA awards.

both are via

Ya’ll know my obsession with my nails. So here is the new do for my nails ladies.. Aren’t they perfection?

Since Christmas is weighing heavy on my mind, I can’t stop thinking about the one item I was for Christmas. That would be a CoolPix S9500 18.1 Megapixel Digital Camera in Red or Black. I am need a new camera so desperately it’s sad. Even though I would love a really nice camera, I will be happy with a point and shoot camera that I can take with me everywhere.

Since I don’t have really any set plans this weekend, I was thinking about making a little something something in the kitchen. Since it’s the holiday season all I can think about is pies. Chocolate Silk Pie, Apple Crumble Pie, and of course a Peach & Blackberry Cobbler Pie..

Yummmm…! Better get to baking.!

Peach & Blackberry Cobbler Pie

Well I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Much Love, Kenzie.

Thankful

November has to be one of my favorite times of the year. I think it is because it is really the true start of the Holiday season. Signs of holiday joy are always popping up through out the month. You start thinking and shopping for all the special people in your life. Best of all, I get to see all my family numerous times through out the next couple of months. I absolutely love the feeling and joy that the holiday season brings to me. Also, November is the time of the year where people actually think about the things in their lives that they have to be grateful for.! Even though we have something to be grateful for each and everyday of our lives. Anyways,, I thought it be appropriate to write down a few things each Thursday of what I am thankful for. So if you would like to join along with me, email me and I will throw a little link thing on my page next week. Love to have you join along!

-ONE- Family. I don't know what I would ever do without my family. They are the supporting rock that keeps me grounded and the wings that keep my spirits high. I am extremely blessed to have such a wonderful and supporting family. I know through thick and thin we will always be there for one another and the support that each other needs to fall into.
-TWO- Friends. It is never the quantity of friends, but the quality of friends that makes friendship wonderful.  I can truly say that I have a wonderful group of friends that I can count on, lean on, learn with, and make memories. But you know what is even better; I have the absolute best friend a girl could ask for. She has and always will be there for me through absolutely everything. She is more than a friend, more than a bestie, she is my partner in crime and my sister.
-THREE- Home. I am grateful to have a roof that keeps me safe and sound every day and night. The best thing about it though; It's not a house but a home. Filled with memories, warmth, love, and security.
-FOUR- Sight. Being able to watch the sunrise on the way to work this morning was beautiful and its little things like that I take for granted each and every day.
-FIVE- Happiness. This is something that I never realized I would be grateful for. Until about a year ago, the feeling of happiness wasn't something that I thought was important. I mean of course you have your happy moments, but the feeling of waking up and being happy just because you are truly happy and content with life. It is such an amazing feeling that I am truly grateful for. It was quite the journey to finally be in a place of happiness, but now I am so grateful for all the trials that have gotten me here to this place in which I stand now. Happiness is such a wonderful feeling.!

and since it is Thursday I am going to do a little salute to the past..

#throwbackthursday

I am excited for winter because of the boots, sweaters, scarfs, and cooler weather.

I sure miss summer though and the lake days.

Much Love, kenzie.

Randomness

It's that time of the week to link up with

Shanna for a little Random Wednesday fun.!

-one- I am obsessed with music that just grab the soul and speaks to it. So I heard this artist last night from a friend and now I am obsessed. Ladies and Gents her name is Lindsey Stirling and she is amazing!

-two- I am a huge lover of the holiday season and I am so excited that it is finally here. can I tell you 22 days till Thanksgiving and 48 Days till Christmas..! You know Holiday is in full swing when Starbucks breaks out the holiday cups!

-three- I am so grateful to call these girls my best friends. They are the best.! #myfriendsarebetterthanyours #myfriendsarebabes

-four- So I get horribly dry scalp in the winter time because of the colder weather and my dry skin. I was told to try this mint conditioner from biolage and I am officially in love. I only use it a couple times a week, so I don't get product build up. This conditioner is thick and creamy, but it is awesome and hello too no dryness.

-five- I am still completely in love with my car and it only cost me 40.00 last week to fill her up. Talk about exciting.!

well have a good hump day everyone.!

much love, kenzie.

Weekend Shenangians

Happy Monday Ya'll

This morning I woke up completely refreshed and ready to go. Which rarely happens on a Monday. Especially when I don't fall asleep till way after midnight. But, I did and I feel great today. So it's time for a little Weekend Shenanigan with Sami! Ready, Set, Go.!

Sami's Shenanigans

Thursday: I made a huge purchase. I traded in my Dodge Nitro for a Toyota Corolla LE Eco Plus and let me tell you. I am so in love with the car. It gets amazing gas mileage and when I filled it up on Sunday, no worries it only cost me $40.! Gah,, in love.

Friday: After working all day, I was ready for food. So I went with a friend to get some pizza. Have any of you had the chance at trying Pizza Factory's thin crust margarita pizza.? Let me tell you, its amazing.!

.via.

Saturday: I went with the boys to the 2nd Annual Fall Fuel Fest. A full day of dirt bikes and rhino races, texas twisted lemonade, and hot motorcycle boys. It was such a fun day!

Sunday: I meet the boys for breakfast at Bear Paw, ran some errands and of course spent way to much money is Ulta as usual. Then it was off to see Last Vegas with Kati and the girls from Canyon Media. I completely recommend this movie. All of us girls were continually laughing through out the entire movie. After that I went on a date & guys this one is super cute.! Second date for sure.

Well I hope you all had a great weekend. I wanna hear about it.!

-kenzie.

Who Would You Rather Date.?

So this isn't new news,, but I am a proud Red Sox's fan.

and I am super proud of my boys for bring home the title

World Series Champions 2013

I have always loved the little surveys where you have to pick this or that.

ET Online hosted this survey of who you would rather date. 

So,, why not.. let’s see who you choose.

Luke Bryan or Blake Shelton

John Legend or Usher

Brad Pitt or Michael Fassbender

Daniel Radcliffe or Dane DeHaan

Scott Caan or Alex O’Loughlin

Corbin Bleu or Brand Daugherty

Stephen Amell Or Colton Haynes

Jack Gyllenhaal or Hugh Jackman

so who would you choose.??

-kenzie.

Ghosts of Halloween Pasts

Happy Halloween Ladies and Gents

I have always been a lover of Halloween and yes, I have always been that girl that spends a lot of time thinking about what I am going to dress up as. I had it all planned out this year, I kid you not. But then I woke up super late this morning. No time to even look at myself in the mirror and contemplate what I was going to do with the mess my hair was. I threw on a beanie, clothes, and ran out the door.

Ladies and Gents I give you the costume this year.

Now I didn’t do the headband, because I always get horrible headaches from those skinny hair elastic type headbands. So I just opt out of doing the headband with this outfit.

Who cares anyways right, and if you do… shut it.

When I read this quote below I laughed so hard, because I have to admit; I have been there.

"In the regular world, Halloween is when children dress up in costumes and beg for candy. In Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it." Mean Girls.

And after spending hours searching for evidence, I could only find one picture. Yeah,, for a girl who takes a million photos. How in the world do I not have a million photos of my Halloween costumes.?

This is the one and only photo I can find.

Ghosts of Halloween’s Past

2008

2007

2006

But Ladies and Gents,,

This is my dad. He is the same Alien, year after year. And it never gets old.

Happy Halloween Everyone.

Have Fun & Be Safe!

this throwback on Halloween is Sponsored by

Priority One Jets

check out their blog

Just Tell Yourself Its Make Believe:

7 Terrifying Haunted Attractions Around The World

-kenzie.



Chicken Stir Fry

Clean Eating

As I have strived to become the best me, I made the decision to start eating clean. Now, don't get me wrong. I have made a few horrible eating choices, but you can't change your entire eating habits all in one week. You can just do your best and give it your all. My weakness I have found out is 1) Lunch Time and 2) Dinner Out. Since I go to work early, I don't leave myself much time in the morning to get a lunch prepped and ready to go. So, I have been planning out meals that I will take with me.

Second, I go out to dinner with friends a lot. I usually eat whatever sounds good and enjoy a drink with it. I need to start making healthier choices while I am out to dinner. I won't stop eating out, just cause I am changing my eating habits. I am just going to become smarter about the choices I make. So, wish me luck in the week to come with meal prep.

Chicken Stir Fry

I have been in search of yummy, easy, and healthy recipes a lot lately.

Well I found this one. Simple, Easy, and Quick.

Ingredients

Brown Rice – Cook as Directed

4 cups Water

2/3 cup Soy Sauce

1/4 cup Brown Sugar

1 tablespoon Corn Starch

1 tablespoon Minced Ginger

1 tablespoon Minced Garlic

1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

3 Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon Sesame Oil

1 Green Bell Pepper, cut into matchsticks

1 8oz can of Water Chestnuts, drained

1 head Broccoli, broken into florets

1 cup Sliced Carrots

1 Onion, cut into chunks

Directions

Cook the Rice as instructed on Package.

Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and corn starch in a small bowl; stir until smooth. Mix ginger, garlic, and red pepper into sauce; coat chicken with marinade and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir bell pepper, water chestnuts, broccoli, carrots, and onion until just tender, about 5 minutes. Remove vegetables from skillet and keep warm.

Remove chicken from marinade, reserving liquid. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir chicken until slightly pink on the inside, about 2 minutes per side; return vegetables and reserved marinade to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until chicken is longer pink in the middle and vegetables are tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve over rice.

A few Healthy Tips:

Most Stir Fry Recipes call for White Rice - Use Brown Rice or Shirataki Noodles

Don't overdue it on the oil. Small Amounts.

Make veggies the star of your dish - Bell Peppers, Squash, Carrots, Celery, Broccoli, Cauliflower, or whatever sounds good.

Don't buy ready made sauce from the store. It may be quick and easy, but homemade sauces are much better for you. If you don't like the one about try this Spicy Ginger Sauce.

Green Tea is a great drink to go along with Stir Fry, but the boost to your metabolism is an added bonus. Plus hey, it cleans your palate so you taste all the flavors.

I hope you enjoy.

Kenzie.