1/24/2019 0 Comments MovingSo last august we moved into my latest rental house for my junior year of college school. Located just off campus the spot was and is still perfect. The house is small, yet has ample storage for all of my shit so it worked. Little did we know the landlord would be taking back the house from the rental company and his customer service would be a joke. We were charged random fees, had unexpected visits, threatening emails, the list goes on. While these individuals have piss poor people and management skills, this little place became my cute home for the past 9 months.
Fast forward to now, my boyfriend has just this week graduated from college (congrats b!!) and bought a freaking house. Words can't express how much I admire his hard work and accomplishments. We will be moving into the new place in just 2 short weeks! So just a little back story, we looked for a few months at fixer uppers and that was the plan to buy something and then update the whole damn thing. However, after months of searching and saving Adam found a house that had just been flipped and is now brand spanking new. This has me SO excited, let me tell ya. The colors are gorgeous, the counters are perf, its main color is grey (my fave) and it's just the cutest. So Mackenzie, what on earth is this post about you may ask? About my nerves to leave this tiny rental for the beautiful home adam bought. While my excitement to move in is through the damn roof, I still find myself being a little bummed about leaving the rental. I did the same thing last year with our old house and while I feel so silly, the memories made in this house have brought me so much happiness. The distance to campus and work is close and brings me convenience which I love. We’ve raised our sweet pup to be a little shit in this place and she loves the ease of having a fenced in yard to run laps around. Is this place the best? Good lord no, we have ran into so many issues here that I will be happy to leave behind me. Yet I love our cozy living room and memories here! However, the new place will offer more space, room to add a fence, upgraded appliances, and bigger closets. What comes down to it, its the comfort and routine that I’ve developed here that I’m nervous to let go. Will I love the new house? Most definitely. But getting myself to let go of my comfort I've developed here will be the key. I think another thing that has my nerves running wild is the fact that I will be done with college in just ONE YEAR. Seeing Adam do all of these adult things reminds me of how quickly it's approaching for me. Changes take time and most importantly take patience. It's human nature to be nervous of new changes, but letting go of the nervousness and fear is a must to avoid being stuck in the past. As I'm sitting here avoiding packing I'm reminding myself there are so many exciting things to come and it's time to move forward. Take leaps of faith and welcome changes people!
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2/7/2018 0 Comments Boutique Shopping 101Happy Thursday!
We are ALMOST done with the week and I'm not sure about you all, but I desperately need the weekend. Something that is near and dear on my hobbies list is shopping and if you know me, you know it's so true. One of my favorite kinds of shopping in particular would be boutique shopping. Originating from the Greek language, a boutique is described as, "a small store selling fashionable clothes or accessories." As a boutique shopaholic and actually working at a boutique, I've found some tips, lessons, and observations that I wanted to share! Obviously, these may not be relatable for all, but I hope they will be helpful to some. 1. Boutiques will often be a bit more expensive. Now I don't mean that all boutiques will break the bank (while some will) and that you should avoid going in. For sure go in and check out all boutiques you come across, because you never know what you will find inside. Just know that items in a boutique are typically considered more pricey to shoppers. 2. Not all boutiques are the same. Many boutiques will carry the same brands of clothing, but that doesn't mean all pieces are the same or that the prices are equal. All boutiques have their own sense of style and bring their own level of dressiness or comfort to their inventory. 3. Sizes will be all over the place, be sure to try all items on! If there's one thing for certain boutique sizes are even more random than normal department stores per say might be. Sizes are never the same, sometimes even items from the same brand are crazy different. Smalls are either as big as tents or are tiny enough to fit a doll. You really just never know until you pick that shirt up off the rack! 4. Just because the price is high, doesn't mean the quality is. While I LOVE boutique shopping, but I'm often saddened by how badly the clothes hold up.. One thing I do know, the tops you pay around $40 are being bought at wholesale for around $12 a piece. Which that is 100% how the business works and I am in no way criticizing it, BUT just take careful note while shopping what you're truly paying for. 5. Find the hidden gems. I've made a habit of stopping in almost every boutique I come across, mainly because of tip #2. But also, the prices at some boutiques are higher than others, (some even carry the same items) so nothing makes me happier than finding a cheaper priced boutique with the same brands and types of clothing! Most recently, I came across a boutique in Brown County, Indiana that is a true hidden gem! They have great products at almost half the cost. Places like these also give you different options for finding the looks you want at a lesser cost. I hope these tips and observations are helpful as you boutique shop! If you haven't shopped at any local boutiques, don't let what I mentioned above scare you away. Instead, use these tips to become the best boutique shopper you can be! xoxo, mackenzie 1/13/2018 0 Comments Trendy U Review Full of life, spunky, and kind-hearted. Just a few things I would use to describe this wonderful human being I was able to work with this weekend. I have followed along on social media for a few years now, watching her journey of becoming an influencer on social media. From working as a manager in a local favorite boutique (Raelynn's), to quickly growing an inspiring personal brand and blog of her own, she is one of the most driven and true people I've met. Steph Weber or "Trendy In Indy" as some of you might know made her, has become one of my favorites in the world of bloggers. Her blog consists of all sorts of fashion, beauty, and travel tips, stories, tutorials, the list goes on and on. So how much of a fan girl was I before meeting her in person this weekend? Well, lets just say I've got her blog bookmarked on my browser so I am always reading what new information she has to offer. I try to find bloggers (sometimes vloggers), who are true to themselves and their audience, which can be hard when you begin to be a popular influencer. However, this woman has rocked her true personality since day 1! Upon creating Trendy In Indy, Steph has now grown to start some services of her own, known as Trendy U. The types of services she offers ranges from Trendy Wardrobe, Trendy Virtual Styling, Trendy Packing, Trendy Personal Shopping, Trendy Shop Local Mini Sessions, Trendy Makeover, and Trendy Event Styling. SERIOUSLY PEOPLE, she's offering it all! She will even shop FOR YOU when you don't want to shop for yourself. Now how freaking awesome is that? She has all sorts of options for whatever you are looking for at all different price ranges, and is willing to work with your specific needs! Being a fan girl of Trendy In Indy with a messy over sized closet, I was automatically interested. I was SO nervous to welcome someone who I looked up to (and had better style than me) into the mess of a closet I had going. However, she dove right in and was more than kind reassuring me that she would have it all organized by the end of the 2 hours. Boy was she right, I am feeling over the moon people. She has my cardigans with my cardigans, jackets with my jackets, basic tops with basic tops, like it could not be any better. When it came to finding those pieces that we both knew were literally terrible, she was sure enough to let me know if needed to go, but in a more than kind way. Most of the time though, I knew it was bad as soon as she held the item up and would say, "okay thats terrible it's gotta go" and she'd reply with "oh thank you." So overall, (as you can tell) this experience was GREAT. I'm even meeting up with her again to do some follow up shopping on pieces she helped recommend for me! We went through each and every article of clothing in my closet and discussed how to style it, head to toe. Steph had ideas that I would've never before thought of, leaving me with WAY more confidence and "trendy" knowledge than before. I cannot thank her enough for organizing my closet, helping me purge the more than used items, and giving me tips that are MUST HAVES. I can't wait to meet up with her for my 2nd Trendy U service! Be sure to head on over to Instagram to follow along for her great tips and tutorials she has at @trendyinindy. Next, head on over to her website to check out her blogs and the Trendy U services, I'll link them below. I promise you won't regret it! Steph is one of the coolest and most down to earth people you'll meet!! xoxo, mackenzie 10/13/2017 0 Comments 2018 GoalsNew Year, New Me?Happy New Year!
Once again, the year has flown by and those resolutions made mostly went down the drain. I used to be so into listing all of these big changes I would suddenly make in my life, but lets get real.. they never happen. So I've decided this year to make some smaller goals that are less dramatic, with hopes that maybe I can accomplish them! In no special order, here are some small resolutions
If you're like me and won't accomplish those huge goals then make some small ones and attempt to tackle those! Here's to 2018, which I will be ringing in on my couch since it's about -2 out! xoxo, mackenzie Happy Monday!
Today has been miserably hot walking around campus. No wind, no clouds, nothing to give ya girl a little break from sweating. But it's currently 6pm so I've almost made it through. Since starting school in late August I have successfully landed myself a couple part time jobs to keep me busy and also not broke while I'm in school. I am working at a boutique and also a little restaurant/butcher shop. Quite the opposite in job type right? Way different yes, but I am loving them both! I love clothes and love to eat, so I'm satisfied :) While I love my jobs, I feel that I am SO busy. I work roughly 20 hours a week at my boutique and 6-10ish at the restaurant. Oh and of course, don't forget my full time job which is being a lil student who takes 17 hours. Overall, I have found that minus being a little tired here and there, I am able to manage both my jobs and schooling. If you're currently a student somewhere at any school and don't have a job, one lucky you, but also if you can work do it do it do it. It keeps you busy, keeps you moving, and for myself it keeps me from sitting at home shoving my face with yum yums all day/night. Second, even if you are well off or have a credit card that ma and dad pay for, it's so nice to have your own little income! You will feel accomplished and I promise your fam will be happy that you're working! Side note, some people are just simply TOO busy with their studies to work, and that's so okay. Just if ya can, go for it! Hope this short blog got you all a little motivated on this hot, hot, hot Monday. xoxo, mackenzie p.s. I LOVE my jobs so go check them out and if you're ever in Bloomington, check them out! https://bloomingtonmeat.com/smokehouse/ https://www.piaceboutique.com/ 7/25/2017 0 Comments Top 10 Beauty ProductsOne of the biggest reasons for my wallet always being a little thin, is any kind of beauty products. I could shop alllllll day long.
I'm more of an all over type of beauty buyer, there isn't one brand or collection in particular I stick to. I just can't pass up the good deals I come by, so why not mix and match? Just this month I bought 20 e.l.f. cosmetic products for just $28, TWENTY EIGHT DOLLARS FOR TWENTY PRODUCTS PEOPLE. For that price, I can wear anything. I've found many great quality items in local drugstores, yet there are still some items that just can't be bought cheap! Here are my top 10: 1. Clinique 3-Step System Type 4 - I have such oily skin and finally after trying every face wash and moisturizer nearby, Clinique found its way into my life. By far my favorite skin care system I've used, and definitely recommend! http://www.clinique.com/products/12795/3-step/oily-type-4 2. Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator - Like mentioned above, my skin is oily x10 and this product tremendously helps reduce my shine throughout the day. It can be applied and reapplied later throughout the day. http://www.clinique.com/pores-skin-care-clinique 3. Mary Kay Beauty Blotters Oil Absorbing Tissues - Nothing is worse than the shiny, cakey feel for myself, that's when these suckers come in handy like no other. I keep them in my purse and use them as needed throughout the day to keep the shine level to a minimum. https://www.marykay.com/en-us/products/skincare/beauty-blotters-oilabsorbing-tissues-180204 4. Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner - If you've got corse, dry hair like myself, this product is great to get some hydration back in your hair. It smells so good and gives your head a great clean feel. http://www.ulta.com/moisturizing-shampoo?productId=xlsImpprod6370151 5. TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier - I use this product each time after washing my hair, holds my wavy curls in place without leaving a heavy product feel. Smells great too! http://www.ulta.com/catwalk-curls-rock-amplifier?productId=xlsImpprod4750179 6. Mary Kay Lash Intensity Mascara - I love a bold look for my lashes, this product gives a great volume. https://www.marykay.com/en-us/products/makeup/eyes/mascara-lashes/lash-intensity-mascara-300023 7. mark. By Avon Eyeshadow Palette - This palette gave me great shimmery colors that lasted all day long. https://www.avon.com/product/mark-by-avon-eye-contact-hook-up-eyeshadow-palette-58096 8. Maybelline Fit Me Liquid Foundation (Matte + Poreless) - I have recently been looking all over for a great foundation to tackle the oily skin of mine, but I hate spending $40-50 on a tiny bottle of foundation. So through recommendation, I tried this foundation and for $7 minus the coupons you can find in your local ads, you can't go wrong here! You can even find your shade online, check out the link below! https://www.maybelline.com/collections/fitme 9. Mary Kay Foundation Primer - Who doesn't love their foundation to stay on all day? 10. The Wet Brush - Original Detangle - This lovely brush is no joke, no matter the hair types, wet or dry, etc the brush is for you. Combs out all of my ratty tangles in no time. These lovelies are sold in almost all major department stores, online, and of course in beauty stores all over. http://www.thewetbrush.com/index.php/detangle/the-wet-brush.html There are my top 10 must haves, be sure to check them out for yourself :) xoxo, mackenzie 6/20/2017 0 Comments Losing the Freshman 15Happy Tuesday!
Like all other girls (probably guys too) I promised I would never gain weight when I went to school, let alone 15 pounds. I look back now laughing at how I told myself I was going to go to the gym and eat healthy when I left home. I consumed way too much pasta, breadsticks, and pizza. Since being home, I realized just how terrible I ate and how inactive I was, so I have been trying so hard to get my butt back in shape! I recently joined a local gym here in my hometown, known as Reclaim. Typically I am so bad about going to the gym, however I am in LOVE. The place is great and the money that was put into signing up for classes keeps me going back. I've learned through listening to lectures at the facility that eating is HUGE, like seriously huge (80% they tell me). So while I haven't seen crazy results, my eating habits are probably why. The best tips I can give (as a very new individual to working out) are listed below!
Best of luck to all of the new college students heading out this fall & to those who are in the middle of their schooling, I hope the tips help! xoxo, mackenzie 5/26/2017 0 Comments 20 Things I "Literally Cannot"We've all got these weird things that gross us out, however I've determined that I am grossed out and scared of just about everything! I truly am such a wimp, so here's a list of things that either drive me crazy, make me cringe, or a couple that make me pass out :)
There you have it, a list of completely random things I am not a fan of. xoxo, mackenzie 5/26/2017 0 Comments Returning Home After CollegeFor starters, it is so crazy to think that I've already got one whole year of college down, I swear I was just graduating high school like 2 seconds ago. Although I was matched with a roommate from hell, my first year was wonderful. I of course had probably 17 mental breakdowns, but I survived.
Upon returning home here are a few things I've noticed:
xoxo, mackenzie |
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