adventure

Walks Along the River

1:00:00 PM


The Summer has officially begun! 

To make the most out of my Summer, I've been going for walks with Sadie. Lucky for me, my dad lives near the river and I love it. I try to pick the best time to go when it's not too hot for Sadie, since we don't want any burnt dog paws! 

The views are so gorgeous! I've always lived in this part of town, down the street but I haven't really gotten to have a good walk along the path. 
The mosquitoes are ridiculous at this time of year, so I also have to choose to go right after dinner as opposed to waiting a few hours because they'll be ready to use me as a meal. 
No thank you. 
Sadie really enjoys it, see that smile?

What bothers me though, is that on the trail there is one tree that is surrounded by broken glass. I'm not really sure who I'm supposed to talk to about that. But I do make sure Sadie doesn't go near it. If you feel the need to break something, how about doing it in your driveway or at a shooting range perhaps? Other than that, it's a perfect trail and I really love walking it. I'm also glad I have such an enthusiastic walking partner! It's also nice to see other pets with their owners walking about. Nobody shared our path in the Winter, but Sadie and I don't mind sharing ;) 

It's so pretty I really can't get over it!
While we walk I always look  at the houses across the street. Sometimes I make up stories about the people who might live in them. Kind of like the Sims but in real life. Is that weird? 
The sunsets are amazing over the water, and the sky is always a pretty shade of blue! I still can't believe all of this was hidden by a big heavy blanket of snow only a few months ago! 
This just proves that you don't always have to travel far to see something really nice! 
I do hope you all are enjoying your Summer off, or if It's winter for you then I hope you're enjoying Winter too! I hope you put down your phone, shut your laptop and get outside!!!
Even if it's for an hour, go do it! 

xx
Kenzie 
(Don't forget you can check out the Get in Touch page and find ways to follow me on BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest!) 




Feed my starving Children

Feed My Starving Children

1:00:00 PM



"Someone out there, is happier with less than what you have."

 This past weekend, my family and I decided to help out with Feed My Starving Children. 
If you haven't heard about it before, Feed My Starving Children is an organization where volunteers come in and package food to be delivered to children and families in countries that are struggling to feed their children. 
  It's a really good opportunity to give back to those in need. This was the second year we have done it. 
  Last year, we volunteered later in the day, this year we switched it up by signing up for an earlier shift. The event was held in an airplane hanger, with tons of volunteers. 

 The day was a bit dreary as we arrived, I had plugged in my earphones and was listening to a calm ocean sound, imagining myself on a beach somewhere as I was feeling a little anxious. I think I may have dozed off on the car journey over, oops!

The first thing we did when we got there was put on our hair nets,sign in and sit for a short orientation and welcome. I tried to take a few pictures, but it's a little difficult to do on the fly! The main people, talk about the importance of what the volunteers are about to do. It's nice to feel important!


After the short orientation, we're shown how the packaging works. The volunteers (that's us) get a station. In each station, each person has a job. There are three ingredients, soy, vitamins and potatoes that are scooped up, put through a funnel and into a bag to be weighed and sealed. Each station also makes up their own cheer, some go full out and others kind of just mumble along with the crowd. 
This process is actually not very difficult, and it goes quick. 
(the potatoes are on the left and the soy and vitamins are on the right side!)

They mix these ingredients with water when they get to their countries and feed the children. It's meant to feed children that are younger than a year or two. 

This was and is a really good opportunity for those to get involved in their communities and meet other volunteers as well! There were a few people in my group that I didn't know. 
We only volunteered for 2 hours, but the two hours went by fast. At the end, the people running the event offer a chance to taste the stuff we made for the children. It's a potato consistency with not very much taste. I guess if you're starving you wouldn't really be thinking about what it tastes like! 
You can also purchase things that people from the different countries have made and sent along. As we walked out we grabbed a cookie. To avoid being trampled by the herd of people I waited outside for my family to be reunited with me and venture out on the rest of our day. In the end, it's really nice to know that you've helped someone's life become better by doing something that seems so small. 

How do you give back to your community and the world? 

See you next time! 
xx
Kenzie





adventure

The Largest Mall in the US!!!!

12:19:00 PM



This past weekend, my family packed up the car and traveled to Minnesota. 
  My cousin was having her graduation party on Saturday and we were there to help celebrate. The drive from my house to my cousins is only about 3 or 4 hours depending on traffic. It's really not that bad, and I kind of like traveling by car anyway. 
  We had a lovely dinner on the lake Friday night which made me miss boating and being on the lake. 
 The next day, the day of the party, we headed over to the Mall Of America. For those of you who don't know, the Mall of America also known as MOA, is the largest mall in the United States (and they're currently adding on to it!). I've been there plenty of times as I'm lucky enough to have family living there. The Mall of America has 520 stores, and about 50 restaurants! Trust me, I've been there plenty of times and I'm still not sure that I've seen the whole thing!
     The first store I went into was Forever 21. It's huge! I did manage to take a few pictures just to show you! 


I actually had to stand back pretty far in order to take this photo! This is going downstairs to their second level from their first level. It's huge! 
This is just the downstairs. If you love Forever 21, I recommend coming here! 
I did spot a few clothes, but I was really excited to also be headed to LUSH, so I had to be wary with how much money I had to spend. 
I did manage to find a golden heart necklace for just $1.93, which hey that's pretty good! 
It's cute isn't it? I love understated necklaces! 
After Forever 21, I popped into the Gap with my mom, then H&M. I knew we would be back in August so I wasn't too worried about not being able to find something. Plus I don't enjoy spending money if I don't have to! Then I was on my own off to LUSH. Finally, after months of waiting! I was really excited, as soon as I spotted the sign I just couldn't wait. 
It smelled so good! 
Don't worry, I did manage to buy a few things. Almost $40 worth. All BathBombs! 
The shiny silver one is not a product of LUSH it's actually a shower scent! 
From LUSH I got, Secret Garden, Fizzbanger, Avobath, Yuzu & Coco Bubbleroon, Butterball, and Creamy Candy Bubble Bar. They all smell so delicious! Especialy the Bubbleroon! I cannot wait to try them out! I will definitely let you know what I think! 
I also took more pictures of the Mall in case you haven't been, which seeing as many of you live in far away places I would think that you haven't! 
On the left, is looking over from the second floor. And the right is Lego Land! The Mall of America has an indoor amusement park which I have been to many times! It's lots of fun! 
I cannot wait to go back in August! 
xx
What are your favorite LUSH products? Where's your favorite place to shop? 
Let me know in the comments below! I do love hearing from you! :) 
xx
Kenzie







caramel

Caramel Crunch Bars

1:00:00 PM


 Being home now on Summer break means I get to try out some recipes! This one was actually brought on by my mom, who wanted to get rid of the caramel bites we had in the cupboard! They're really easy to make, and don't take that long at all! 
   



You will need:
8 inch square pan
4 and  a half graham crackers
1 package caramel bites
2 tbsp Milk
1/2 cup cocktail peanuts
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup coarsely crushed pretzels
4 oz semi-sweet melted chocolate

First things first, line the pan with tin foil, leave the ends of the tin foil extending over the sides of the pan. Grease the foil, I used regular Pam spray. 
Place Graham Crackers on the bottom of the pan. I'm not really sure if I actually used four and a half crackers. I just put them on as they fit. Besides, at the end when you eat this, it really doesn't matter if they do break since you have to break it apart to snack on it anyway!

Microwave the caramel bits and milk (together) in a microwavable bowl for 2 minutes. Stirring every 30 seconds. This being said I just did four segments of thirty in the microwave! 
Make sure the caramel and milk are well blended. 
Then pour the the mixture over the graham crackers.


Don't forget you can definitely lick the spoon if you really have to! ;) 
I put all of the peanuts, marshmallow and pretzels into one bowl, so it would be easy to spread them on top!
I didn't have any mini marshmallows so I used big ones instead and I cut them up into fourths!  
Then melt the chocolate, I used semi sweet and milk chocolate, since we didn't have a full bag of semi sweet! 
Drizzle the top with chocolate. 
Refrigerate the entire thing for an hour. 

When you're ready to eat, use the foil handles to remove the Caramel Crunch from the pan before cutting into it! 
Serve and enjoy! 

I really enjoyed this one and I'm really glad I found this recipe! I hope you give it a try! :) 
xx
See you next time! 
Make sure to share this post (as well as others) on twitter. instagram, pinterest, and wherever else you may be! 




discussion

Music Is Good for the Soul

1:00:00 PM


  There are a lot of things music does for us. It can be used as a distraction from that not-so-great day at work or school. It can be used in the background of a party or a commercial. It can make someone feel sad, or angry, or happy. A certain song can bring up some really good or really bad memories. Without music, we would lead pretty bland lives in my opinion. 



Can you imagine a world without music? There wouldn't be any radio, or songs to sing along to as loud as you want down the freeway. No background music on tv, or commercials, or movies. 
It would be weird. Wouldn't it? 

For me, music is something that keeps the stress at bay most of the time. 
Music is a life-changing thing.
Personally, I spent four years in choir, I made new friends and sang great songs. 
I also made a twitter account, yea I have two. Actually, sorry I have three. Don't judge me. One is my personal twitter, for friends and people who know me in real life or from blogger. Another is a fan account for a certain band and the third is just one where I can rant if I don't have anything to write my frustrations down on. I can write whatever I darn well please and nobody can judge me or yell at me for it. 
Getting off topic there sorry. 

Music connects people. Kind of like Youtube channels. I became a fan of this group or this person and I can tweet about it, and find different people who also love this certain person or group. That's what I love about music. No matter where you come from, or what your age is, what you look like, you can connect with hundreds of people all over the world just because of one song or person or group. How cool is that? 
Together, you watch the artist grow and gain more and more fans (even though it can get really tough to share your favorite with thousands of other people) you still feel proud of them. 
That's what I like about music the most. 

So what are your favorite artists or songs? 
I have a few favorite songs right now such as;

Pompeii by Bastille
She Looks So Perfect by 5 Seconds of Summer (5sos)
Under the Boardwalk Cover by Top Shelf (I saw them on my cruise in 2012 so I wouldn't expect any of you to know who they are!)
Drop In the Ocean by Ron Pope
Starlight by Taylor Swift
Better Than Words by One Direction
I need you now by Olly Murs
The City Never Sleeps by Ed Sheeran
Moving to New York by The Wombats

There are a lot more, but those are just a few that have been on constant replay for me. 
Do you have some favorites? I'm sure you do, I would love to know them! Just comment below! 
Also, do not be afraid to give me an email or tweet or follow on instagram! You can see those on the get in touch page at the top of the blog! :) 

Thanks so much for reading! I'll see you next time! 
xx
Kenzie



bars

Easy & Quick Peanut Butter Bars

5:26:00 PM


  There's something you should know about me. I love peanut butter. A lot. I love the Reese's peanut butter candies, I love spooning it out of the container and spreading it on my sandwich, it's so yummy! I know these aren't super healthy, but they are great if you have to bring a dish to a party or you're the one throwing a party! I know I haven't written a recipe post in awhile (sorry) but my sister is having a graduation party so there are many in the works!  

   There are a few things that you're going to need of course: 

1 cup butter (that's two sticks or 8 tbsp), melted
2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
2 Cups Powder Sugar
1 cup Peanut Butter
1 and a half cup Chocolate Chips
4 Tablespoons of peanut butter


To begin, melt the butter. After you've melted the butter, pour it into a medium sized bowl. 
Add in the two cups of Graham Cracker Crumbs, Powder Sugar and 1 cup Peanut Butter. 
Once you've done this, mix the ingredients together. It should look like this when you're done. Though, I did decide to add a little bit more Graham Cracker Crumbs in the end. 


Once you've mixed the ingredients together. Take out a 9x15 pan and spread the mixture into it. 
Once you've done that, put it in the refrigerator while you get the chocolate part all set!

For the chocolate part, melt the chocolate chips, I did say this in another post that had me melting chocolate chips. It does say it on the bag if you are unsure of how long to put them in the microwave for. Mine says a minute per cup, and since there was a cup and a half, I put it in for a minute fifteen seconds. 
After you take out the chocolate, do mix it up right away that way it'll be smooth. Then add the Four Tablespoons of peanut butter to the chocolate and stir until smooth. 
Take out your pan from the fridge and pour the topping over it. 

Looks good doesn't it? Trust me, it is. 
After that's all done, just set it in the refrigerator again for about an hour before you cut it.
This is the part where you can go have what's left in the bowls you've just used. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone ;) 
These took me no time at all, I also had a lovely view of Sadie catching some sunshine near the patio door. 


These are my favorite, and whenever my mom makes them they go pretty fast. I hope you give them a try! 

xx
Kenzie



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