breakfast

Holiday Brunching

1:53:00 PM


While my first semester of my junior year of college appears in the horizon, I broke out from under the pile of essays and projects that are all due at various times throughout this week and decided to go Christmas shopping.
 There is just something nice about shopping for someone and watching them wonder what it is you could have gotten them! I love it. The day was beautiful, (a bit out of the ordinary for December). The sun was shining, and there still hasn't been snow. It's fantastic. I bought so many gifts, my wallet has never felt thinner.

Wrapping Paper
I definitely was shopping on a budget, and thought I would share a few tips and tricks with you guys! 
  1. DIY gifts are great. If you can find something around your house, or something for under $10 at the craft store, then you are on it. I did something simple last year for Christmas, and being away from home I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't get to put something together. But I have!
  2. Dollar sections should be your first stop. I had to walk past a whole slew of really great looking gifts on shelves, until I came to the dollar section in my local Target. They're holiday themed, and a lot of the things can be add-ons for those co-workers or friends or even family members
  3. Remind yourself. While in Target, there were also small children in the dollar section who were grabbing gifts they wanted to play with. The mother spoke up saying "We're buying for others, not ourselves." I thought this was a good reminder, and I walked away from the nice stickers. 
  4. Bring a friend. If you're as indecisive as I am, it's probably a really good idea to bring a pal that can give you some good ideas for gifts and remind you what you have yet to shop for and what you already have. 
I finished up my shopping, feeling a bit hungry and went to one of my absolute favorite restaurants with my friend for brunch. Who doesn't want made-from-scratch waffles? The meal started out with a chai tea for myself, and a cup of hot chocolate for her, that seemed to almost be taking breaths. 
Chai LatteWaffles and Bacon
The last time I ate at this particular shop, I ordered way more than I needed, so I kept it at one waffle and 3 slices of bacon. It was delicious, and a perfect ending to a day out in the beautiful weather.
When I got back to my dorm room, I was so excited to start wrapping my Christmas gifts that I bought. I bought the gold wrapping paper from the dollar store, and it's lovely! I have more wrapping paper than presents, but that's alright. I got really into it, listening to holiday music and didn't even mind the fact that I had not even 2 minutes in, gotten a paper-cut.  
Christmas basket

I'm looking at all of the gifts that sit in bags on the floor of my dorm and excitement starts to build within me. I can't wait to see everything under the tree, relax with a cup of tea or dark hot chocolate when I get home, and be done writing these essays! I should get back to that. 
If your exams are coming up, good luck! I hope you do well! I have two next week Thursday then I'm free! 
 Have you done all of your Christmas shopping? Written any cards? (those are all done too!) I hope you're getting excited!  
 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







Instagram