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.

(Credit)

(Credit)

"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