2013

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      Wow! What an amazing year 2012 has been. For me it was a time of renewal and change, moving on from the past and getting out of my hometown to start something new. And now as the new year begins I have been compiling a list of resolutions to try and accomplish throughout the year. I know many people think resolutions can be cliche but to me, they are symbols of hope and faith in not only yourself but also the new year. 

My Resolutions: 

• Go to China.
• Pass all my classes.
• Get a new Tattoo.
• Read something everyday.
• Be honest in everything I do.
• Be FEARLESS. 

     I am also going to try to participate in a 2013 bible challenge if any of you are interested. It seems like a really enlightening way to start the year: Bible Challenge.

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Just remember if you set your mind to it, you can do it. 

Much love,

Kenzie

Something Different

     I know it has been awhile since I've blogged. And honestly, I've been avoiding it. This past semester has been an emotional whirlwind of worry and stress and quite frankly it was probably best that I took a break.
     I feel as if every day I grow into something else, or in a more practical sense, a bigger, better, smarter version of who I was yesterday. I have learned to let go of things holding me back but also at the same time make peace with those things as well. It happened, it's over, today is a new day. I find myself upset less and less. I have become acquainted with school, now longing to return to my new home. These past couple of weeks with family have been tremendous and wonderful. God has surely blessed me with a great set of parents who love me dearly.

     And so brings me to my point of this post. I know I have few followers, but they are still followers. And when I created this blog I made a goal to hold on to my responsibility and share with others my viewpoints on how I feel about everything in this beautiful life, both dark and light. My goal is to be as real and down to earth as possible. I have a lot of aspirations for this blog and I believe that if I keep trying eventually it will help me with my future career. I am an avid reader of abeautifulmess.typepad.com, and her post today was the 365 day photo challenge. She spoke of how it inspired her because of how she changed over the course of one year. This got me thinking, as of right now I am evolving and a lot of things happening in my life are hard to take in and are sometimes very overwhelming. But how awesome would it be to just try to embrace the change. So. I've decided that as of 2013, I will be me. I will be who I am supposed to be and bear no shame in sharing with others my love of adventure, fashion, beauty, music, and best of all writing. I will try to post daily photos of my life/self portraits and share with you guys via this blog. I want to target my hobbies and really try to bring out the best in everything. 

Until next time,
Kenzie

Stuck in a Funk

     It's been almost three months on my own and they honestly feel like the longest three months of my life. I thought by leaving and starting over I would be happy but I find myself in a continuous rut, it's the same problems that follow me, just a different place. I can't put my finger on why I've been so down, the only solution is that I long to see a familiar face around here. It's been a struggle for me to make very many friends here because I have been so busy with my classes. I'm scared if I will even pass math, I hate it so much, but I'm determined to keep trying. Everyone has been telling me the first year is the hardest and I hope that they are right. Before I came here I imagined my life as being full of fun and new adventure, finding friends with similar interests, excelling in my classes, working out all the time, and just being all around fabulous. But that is not the case at all. Instead I've found myself drowning in school work, no time management skills whatsoever, constantly missing my family and my boyfriend, feeling heartache because people are all the same wherever I go, and the walls of my dorm are literally closing in on me. I don't know what to do. I'm so used to seeing someone I know everyday, and then I go to not knowing anyone, spending weekends alone, with nothing to do in this tiny room.

     I keep thinking to myself that maybe I will be happier if I move into an apartment, but then what? I will really be alone. Sammy is only home every other week. At least here I can access the campus facilities simply by walking, if I got an apartment I'd have to find some way of transportation to the campus. I just can't put my finger on my wants right now or even my needs. I feel trapped... I'm having second thoughts on the the things that I was so set on only a few months ago. Now, I'm not even sure what I should do.

Advice would be greatly appreciated,

Kenzie.

Video Compilation of Our Ireland Trip

So... Here is the video compilation of Sammy and I. It is so beautiful. I worked so hard on it, and I hope that you guys get to enjoy a bit of what we did. Thanks.<3

September Goals

    I know most people have already posted their goals for this month, so I decided to create my own. I'm the girl that's always making post it notes throughout the week, trying my best to accomplish everything on the list. So I created this list to try to finish by the end of September.

(Watercolor by yours truly)

What are your goals? Do you have any songs that inspire you to do more? I chose this song, because it's the first song I learned on the guitar. It reminds me of around this time of year because that's when I really got into guitar.<3

Much love,

Kenzie

Lately.

     I know that it has been a while since I've posted anything but I have been so swamped with everything that I honestly have not had time. I am busy, but happy. I've been living here in Denton for about two weeks now and although at times I get lonely or sad I still have my phone, that helps me communicate with my parents and friends while I'm away. Phone calls, messages, and Facebook have literally helped me overcome any fears about being away from home.
      I'm so excited to say that Sammy came down and visited me this weekend. We had a really fun time, Friday afternoon we went to the Movie Tavern and watched "Killer Joe." It was a really creepy movie, so if you like to be weird and creeped out then this is the movie for you. Friday night we went to a local hookah bar and laughed with friends. I didn't much like the actually hookah but the environment was fun.
     Saturday was game day and we kicked it off with tail gating at the campus hill, after a home victory we went and hung out with a few of my friends and ate at hamburger joint.
     This morning Sammy and I woke up, went and watched ANOTHER movie, "Lawless" which was very good, and afterwards had dessert. We ended our day playing pool and laying around in my room. I know this probably isn't the most interesting to everyone else, but I just want to be sure to remember what a wonderful time I had this weekend. Life seems good right now, and I hope that it remains this way and only continues to be brighter from here.

    None the less, it is so hard to say goodbye to this sweet boy. I can't wait until we see each other again. 

Much love,

Kenzie.

Spirit Animal + Give Away

Do you believe in spirit animals? I do. I feel lately like I've been really wanting to connect with mine, because I feel as if she has something very wise to offer me. My spirit animal is a deer, I have felt strongly connected with this animal since I rescued a baby deer about a year ago. Sometimes there are moments in your life where something just clicks, and you automatically understand what kind of lesson that nature is trying to teach, the kind of message that God is trying to send you. I wanted to share some links with you about spirit animals.

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"Deer, Power Animal, Symbol of Gentleness, Unconditional Love and Kindness"

Some of you may be wondering, "What is a spirit animal?" Well... 

Click here.

I also found this interesting "How to" page on focusing on your spirit animal, maybe perhaps I need to focus more on this. 

Also! There is a give away on Blue Eyed Night Owl's blog by Woodland Dwellers! Is an owl your spirit animal? You can earn extra entries by blogging about it as well. And I thought well, this would be perfect! She sells different animal totems. I thought that they would be adorable for around the garden.

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Do you have a spirit animal? If so what kind is it and why? And even if you don't... Which animal do you think would be yours? What animals inspire you to act as a better being?

Much love,

Kenzie

My Etsy Experience - "FabulousnessFinds"

Hi all! I hope everyone is doing well! Today I am writing about my Etsy experience with Ms. Georgia Whalen. I had ordered two pieces of vintage jewelry back in June and was extremely satisfied with the quick delivery and the love put into the packaging that I have decided to blog about it! :) 

      Fancy those crackers... Mmm. Anywho, when ordering vintage jewelry always take in consideration that it is VINTAGE, it's old, it's been used and 9/10 times it won't always be perfect or in mint condition. When I received my package in the mail I immediately discovered that she had so kindly sent me a matching necklace for my antique style ring. This warmed my heart. Next while examining my new beautiful jewels I noticed how clean they were! I mean, I was expecting pretty but the shine on my ring and the cleanness of the pieces were just extraordinary. I am a happy customer and my new pieces of jewelry are timeless, so thanks Georgia! 

(Photo Credit: Georgia Whalen)

Not only did I have a great Etsy experience but Georgia was also willing to do an interview for my blog. Interviews are always a great way to learn about your seller. I am very thankful for her cooperation and lovely personality!

                                                                        Question # 1:

What first inspired you to create your shop?

"Vintage has always been a huge part of my life but it was only earlier this year that I actually began selling it. Prior to which, I was working as a sort of ‘avante garde’ jewelry designer where I used broken vintage components in my work. However, when purchasing my vintage stock from suppliers, I often received pieces of beautiful vintage jewelry that were still in great condition. I couldn't justify breaking apart these gorgeous pieces simply to re-purpose them into my own work, so I decided to begin selling them. From there, I've expanded into other areas of vintage and I’m excited to be offering my first vintage curated clothing collection this fall."

Question # 2:

When searching for vintage finds, what qualities do you look for in an item?

"First and foremost, if I love it, I buy it. I think it is really important that I be passionate about my product. Once an item has caught my attention, I have to do a thorough check for quality and condition. It is also essential that I am able to authenticate the age of any piece I sell. Unfortunately, so much of the “vintage” sold online is wrongly attributed – even worse, I've seen many pieces don’t have an age listed! Personally, I feel it is my duty to provide buyers with an accurate and authentic age of the vintage items I’m selling."

Question # 3: 

Is your Etsy shop your only job?

"My Etsy shop is my only job. When I decided to open my shop earlier this year, I wanted to commit to it completely. By working solely on my Etsy shop, I was free from the distractions that having an additional job could bring and was able to focus solely on establishing my business. It was a little scary, but thus far I’ve been blessed with amazing customers and have been able to continue to grow my business."

Question # 4: 

What hobbies do you enjoy when you are not working on Fabulousness Finds?

"When I’m not working on Fabulousness Finds, the majority of my time is spent on my school work. I’m going into my third year of university, majoring in Astrophysics. However, having an Etsy shop takes a lot of work and commitment which means that my work tends to spill into all aspects of my life. Luckily, my hobbies and my job often overlap meaning I get to spend afternoons with friends digging through thrift stores, attending local auctions and estate sales and of course, Saturday morning garage saleing."

You can check out her shop here.

If you or someone else is interested in an interview for your blog, website, or Etsy shop feel free to contact me. I'd love to have you at my blog!

Much love,
Kenzie

Benefits of Lemons

There are many benefits to different types of fruits and vegetables that we see in our local grocery stores every day. Lately, I've felt more drawn to natural foods and this past year has been a year of new tastes for me. I started drinking water more often and soon I began adding lemons into the mix. Not only was I making a sweeter drink, but I was also contributing to the vitamin c intake of my body.

Quick Lemon Benefits

Lemons may be linked to killing and fighting off cancer cells. Lemons have also been known to rid the stomach and other parts of the body of cysts and tumors. Lemons are able to fight off bacterial infections and fungi as well, they even regulate blood pressure. It's a natural anti-depressant and lowers your stress levels.  They're a natural facial cleanser, and help fade freckles and sunspots. Use them to clean your home with instead of chemical induced cleansers. And did you know that you can use the whole lemon? Even the bitter rime? Just place your lemon(s) in the freezer and when frozen, take a cheese grater and grade the the lemon over your meals or drinks, (Whiskey anyone?) not only will it make your meal and drinks more flavorful but it will benefit your body as well! How easy!?  

Photo Credit: lunashineshine

Photo Credit: JoshuaByOak

Photo Credit: Blushie

How do you use lemons in your everyday life?

Don't forget to check out my Etsy shop here. 

Much Love, 

Kenzie<3

My Sweet Life Necklace

So as you all know, I was the winner of the Sweet Life Necklace give away. Mimma of My Sweet Life was so kind to me and you can really tell that she put a lot of love into this necklace. 

I really enjoy this necklace! I have worn it with so many different outfits and I've received so many compliments on it. I can't wait to see what designs she comes up with next. 

Everyone should go check out her shop and see all of her beautiful jewelry.<3

Much love,

Kenzie

New Tattoo

  Yesterday I went on a little journey by myself. I had doodled a design that I really liked and wanted to get my next tattoo. After I got my first tattoo (it's on my side) I really wanted to get one on my left shoulder blade. So I did. It represents so many things to me. The saying, is Irish Gaelic for "My Soul Is Free" because lately I feel that my soul has been releasing burdens and moving on. I'm not stuck in the past anymore nor am I haunted by it constantly. The moon is full because in my life, the moon has played a vital role in many events that have happened to me. It has always been there. I remember so many times looking up to the moon, feeling happy, feeling sad, feeling old, feeling young, feeling alone, and feeling in love. So many emotions connect me to the moon. The stars are my Sagittarius constellation, and my personality really shines through on this tattoo. So I hope you all like it! Not to mention the music video, I have been listening to Angus & Julia Stone for about four years now. And now they are solo and I am really enjoying the new work they are coming up with. Enjoy.

(Pardon the bad Microsoft paint skills. Haha.)

Missing my boy today.

  

Facing A Transition

      I just want you all to know that in times like these, my blog gets deep. Like REAL deep. And I don't care who sees because as I said before, I am transitioning into a new person and I will be raw with my emotions. I will be real with my feelings. And my heart, mind, and soul will all be exposed.

     I hate the days where I'm constantly questioning myself. Who am I? What do I want with my life? I think many people struggle with identity crisis's all throughout their lives and I'm only a small percentage of the population. It's like this: I once described myself as a parallel. I am a parallel person who experiences life through the lens and the beat of my heart. I know, it doesn't make sense to you. But let me explain further... When I pick up my camera and I take those photos, those are my memories. Because you can sure as hell know that I'm not going to remember something like this with my type of brain. My brain soaks up EVERYTHING. From smells, to sights, to the sound of people's voices... It's like a sponge. But it leaks out at the end of the day. So there. That's that. When I look at things I feel as if these memories are going to matter one day, as if they are already being written down in a book of my life, written by some foreign stranger whom I don't know nor will I ever know. But he knows me. And he's showing the world who I am.

      The beat of my heart controls the other side of my parallel personality. I'm going through this change that I can't quite put my finger on, and in some ways it scares me because I've never felt so powerful before as I do now. I feel brave. I feel strong. I feel fearless. Part of me wants to run away to Alaska, waitress in a diner and document my carefree life. Part of me wants to run away to California, try my luck in stardom. Part of me wants to work in New York and run a large business. And part of me wants to stay here, in my own comfort and solitude and enjoy my time doing nothing. But no. This is not who I am. Although I am a dreamer and a wisher, I am a logical thinker. I know what is best for me and as of right now I am sticking to it. Until God steers me into a different direction directly, then I will really know what I want out of this life.

     But I think first and foremost I need to make a bucket list. Because the new me is tired of being afraid of life's struggles, the new me wants to take these struggles and overcome them the way they've never been overcome before. I want to be fearless.

(In memory of my kitty whom I can't find. She ran away and I'm praying and hoping she will come back.)

Much love,

Kenzie

Advertising on Humming Bee Vintage

I have decided instead of using "Adchoice" I will create my own type of advertising. I did not like how it would bring up random advertisements like dating sites (Can you say yuck?) Here you will be able to advertise your blog or shop in a simple and affordable manner. The ads will run 10-30 days depending on which you purchase from the time that I post them. So if you purchase it on Monday and I'm unavailable until Tuesday your ads will start on Tuesday, not Monday. Pretty good deal if you ask me. I will be honest with you. Lately I have been getting 40+ page views per day. So that means that several people are keeping up with my posts and the numbers are only growing. It is not a large investment and definitely no waste of money. I believe that it will help everyone get connected to each other. Thank you. 

Large Ad (220 x 350)

 Your ad will be ran for 30 days. In the Large ad, you will be able to host a give away or a host blog post if you so desire. You can choose to do both or only one, it is all up to you. This is a great way to get my readers to head on over to your blog and see the cool things you have to share! ;) Hosting a give away is also a great way to give readers a taste of your product and truly appreciate your work. 

Ad price: $3.50

Medium Ad (220 x 220)

With the medium ad, your advertisement will simply be on my blog and ran for 15 days. I will also feature you in one of my blog posts in some way. It may be small or large depending on what you want to do. It is also entirely your choice. Just email me and let me know your ideas.

Ad Price: $2.50

Small Ad (220 x 105)

Your ad will be ran for 10 days.

Ad Price: $1.50

How to pay: Email me at hummingbeevintage@hotmail.com and first let me know if you are interested. 

Thanks, and much love,

Kenzie

www,hummingbeevintage.etsy.com

My Etsy Experience - Herbolution

I've never had major issues with acne. But when I become stressed or it's just not my happy week, my face breaks out in oil, blackheads, and painful pimples. I got tired of searching and spending money for stuff that either dried my face out, didn't work, or I had an allergic reaction to. So like I have in the past, I turned to Etsy and I discovered Herbolution. When I first received my package in the mail I was ecstatic, both the facial scrub and toner smell A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. 

PROS:

*It actually worked

*Organic

*Packaged with care! 

*Glass bottles, so you can recycle them

CONS:

*It could be bigger

*Paper on the packaging is not water proof! (DUH!)

Herbolution was also very kind in their response to my blog post. If you are reading this you can receive a 10% discount. All you have to do is use the code "HummingBeeVintage" at check out to receive your discount! I highly recommend it! 

MUCH LOVE, 

KENZIE<3

Don't forget to check out my etsy shop! 

www.hummingbeevintage.etsy.com

Summertime Sadness

I feel that the past two months have been an intense growing experience. The moment I walked away from people I've known my whole life was the first time I had actually felt free. I now possessed the freedom to be who ever I needed to be, even if it wasn't the person that everyone else knew. And in these past two months, I have used my time to grow spiritually and emotionally, to really become in sync with who I really am and reach out towards my dreams and aspirations, to turn what once were heartful thoughts into a deep and beautiful reality. 

“I think it happens to everyone as they grow up. You find out who you are and what you want, and then you realize that people you've known forever don't see things the way you do. And so you keep the wonderful memories, but find yourself moving on.” 

-Nicholas Sparks

Earrings/Forever21

Necklace/FabulousnessFinds

Cardigan/Target

Dress/Local Store

Belt/Earthbound

Bracelet/H&M

Shoes/BLOWFISH

Day 4 & Day 5

Day four... We woke up early once again and had previously booked a train tour down to Cork prior that morning. We took a taxi to the train station which was in the center of town and I was cold. Clad in denim shirt and jeans I wouldn't stop shivering! So Sammy gave me his jacket and I walked about the train station looking like a little girl with his oversized jacket-(Yeah, I know, I'm adorable!) He then bought us breakfast which was the best food we had eaten there all week. They were little stuffed sandwhiches and I am so dissappointed in myself that I didn't Instagram it! But I feel guilty for my followers because I always feel like I'm instagraming food! Woops...

Our train ride was about three hours long. But totally worth it. We arrived in Cork and toured the town, learning a bit more history. Next we arrived at the Blarney Castle, the place where presidents and celebrities have traveled to kiss the Blarney Stone. It was breath taking! The landscaping in itself was beautiful but the castle was magnificent. We climbed about a hundred steps to get to the stone and Sammy and I both kissed the stone, and so now we are forever "Eloquent."

Next we walked through a forest that soon (I say soon but really it took forever!) led on to a quaint country dirt road, and us being from Texas were immediately relieved. It's funny how small things that remind you of home can fill you with so much joy. As we walked we found a lake with two swans who had just happen to have three babies tagging along behind them, continuing our journey we met a friendly horse who was happy with some roadside oats that we had picked for him. We then headed back and ate at a cafe and shopped a bit in an Irish store. All in all it was a great day.

Day Five

On Saturday we woke up early and jumped onto the Dublin Tour bus once again to refresh our memories on parts of the town, (Because we fell asleep on Tuesday! Haha!) We toured the Guinness Warehouse, Toured the Human Body Exhibit, and some other local Dublin tours. We also went on this fun little Ghost Bus tour which had us laughing the whole time! 

I loved Ireland. It was an experience that both Sammy and I will never forget, no matter what happens. But it made me realize how much I love Texas, and it also made me appreciate the small things just a bit more. 

Much love,

Kenzie

Day 3... A little town called Howthe

Day three was probably one of the most romantic days out of them all. Most of the days Sammy and I were together this week, we just acted like two best friends, which is great. But there was something  about this little town that inspired me. I guess you could say all of Ireland inspired me. We took a train down to this little town and sat for awhile just staring at the ocean. It was Sammy's first time to REALLY see the ocean so it felt great to capture it on camera. We at lunch in this adorable little restaurant called the Brass Monkey and had fun walking through the park, which was literally covered in adorable families, flowers, and birds. FUN!