Animals

Lending A Hand

8:30:00 AM



Helping others is so rewarding. Helping animals is even more rewarding. Don't get me wrong, people are great, but I'm more of an animal person. For one of my classes, we got into groups and had to come up with an idea to help out a charity in the community that is settled around my university. While other groups helped out kids with cancer, individuals dealing with hunger, and many other organizations, the group I was in had a passion for animals and teamed up with our local animal shelter. 
Adopted Pet
We also got to hang out with dogs for four hours
We spent our time volunteering, and setting up a table on campus to encourage other students and community members to come and help tie a tie in the blankets that would later be donated to the shelter. 
Donated Blanket

Tie-Blankets
We gave out snacks, and brochures encouraging people to adopt if they could. The thing is, pets are a life-long responsibility. I had a dog for 14 years. If you're not ready to own something that long, then it isn't right for you. I strongly believe animals have feelings and seeing the older dogs at the shelter hurts my heart because I wish I could adopt them, but I can't (because I have neither a yard nor a reliable income.) But as soon as I do, you know that's the first thing on my list. 
Save Dogs

Do you have any pets? Have you ever volunteered with an animal shelter before? What is your favorite animal? 
Thanks for reading! 
xx Kenzie

Food

Target Food Haul

8:21:00 AM


I love food. And I love food shopping. While so many people can spend hours wandering around a Forever 21 or H&M, I really enjoy going up and down the grocery aisles just checking out what's new and seeing different things. When I go shopping for food, which at my University isn't very often since I don't have a very large fridge or shelf space. 
Recently, if you read my post about going plant-based, I've been trying to find good vegan food. While my campus has a wide variety for a salad bar and some vegan snacks, I still was looking for something warm. Something I could just steam in the microwave or heat up. 
Taking advantage of the weather, I hopped over to Target. 
Food Haul

I had eaten lunch already at that point, therefore my shopping cart wasn't full with things I didn't need to buy! (plus I was on a $20 budget). Trying to find things that are vegan isn't very difficult, especially when you only buy what you need. I found so many vegan options: 
Vegan CheeseNatural Butter


ShoppingFake Meat


MushroomsSquirrely Bread
I'm not a big fan of cheese by itself in the first place, so I didn't pick up any Daiya, but knowing that they have it makes me very excited and I do want to try it eventually! Aside from the already vegan products (veggies and fruits and course nut butters(my favorite) and I picked up a few mini packets. Though I already regret not taking a big container anyway. They also had a meat alternatives section and was pleased by the selection! Also I had to get the bread, it practically had my name on it! 

 I picked up their last pack of sweet potatoes and left the store incredibly excited to make dinner!

SweetPotatoes

Maybe it doesn't look immediately pleasing but let me tell you. It tasted amazing and I am definitely going to buy Quinoa burgers (or make my own??) when I get home again! 
x 
Vegan Food Haul

Consensus?
The Quinoa burgers: ARE AMAZING honestly I may never look back after eating these
Tuscan Kale Blend: Delish! Not sure how I like warm Kale though, but still nice. 
Sweet Potatoes: Were probably on sale because it's nearly the end of their season. 
Almond Butter: Delish and I love the little packet
Hazelnut Butter: Basically healthy Nutella. It's delish! 
Peanut Butter: It's PeanutButter. Of course it's delicious. 

I hope you enjoyed this food haul, I love looking at what other people cook up so I hope you do too! Have you ever tried a quinoa burger? Is it easier for you to do food shopping on a full stomach? Are there any posts that you'd like to see coming up about finding vegan alternatives/healthier food options? Let me know in the comments! 
x Kenzie

2010

Hawaiian Throwback

8:30:00 AM



Chances that you've been one of the lucky few that actually catch when airlines make an oops and accidentally set affordable prices that go to places like Hawaii? Maybe pretty low, but 6 years ago, my family did. I found these photos while saving mine on backup and thought I would do a little bit of a throwback post like I did with Italy.  
Rainbow, HI

It was one of those things that was just meant to be. Taking off of school for a week was definitely a plus. While we might have had a close call missing our connection to Maui, we still made it and it is still definitely one of my favorite trips by far. We spent a week in Maui and it was amazing. I got freckles on my nose from the sun, and ate amazing fresh fruit, and delicious homemade banana bread from a little green hut. I never wanted to leave. 
Jessica Kuivanen
We also visited Honolulu on our last leg of the trip and had to take photos on the beach. 

Hawaii

copyright Kenzie 2016

Crater Sunrise
Waking up to watch the sunrise on top of a crater on Maui? Yes worth it. Do it if you're ever there. 

Hills
 Because then you pretend like you're driving off the end of the world, but you're not.

Hawaii USA

Fresh Fruit

Hawaii

Whale whatching
We saw so many whales (we were there in late March/beginning of April and there was so much wildlife). Being a huge fan of animals, I was definitely loving life. 

Nude Beach

Hawaii

Hawaii
Of course experiencing a luau is also mandatory. 

(takes typical 9th grader shadow pose on the beach)

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

We also had a convertible, and braids were definitely the go-to style. 
I loved Hawaii so much, even though I haven't been there for 6 years (ugh that seems like so long yikes) I really would go back again! I mean, sun, fresh food, the beach, what else could you really need? 

Have any of you ever been to Hawaii? Did you like it? Where has your favorite vacation spot been in your life so far? Anything exciting coming up? I've got one that I'm counting down to at the end of May! (can summer please hurry up?) 
What's your favorite fruit? 
Make sure to comment below! 
x Kenzie


Brunch

March Snapshots

8:00:00 AM


It's been a crazy spring. Honestly, it has been a crazy semester in general, and not wanting to leave this space without any new content for too long, I thought I would just pop in and put some of the photos I've been taking on here! The weather has been so iffy lately and the colors haven't quite popped yet, but I cannot wait until they do! 

Wisconsin

Nature

One day, before Spring break, the weather was incredibly nice! 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1*C). There weren't very many colors but it felt nice to finally get rid of the dull gray sky and feel the warmth of the sun. It had been way too long! Sadly, the warmth was cut short by Old Man Winter and there were a few inches of snow yet to be dropped.  After a few busy and hectic weeks of projects and deadlines, it was finally spring break/Easter holiday. I spent a lot of time walking up the nearby mountain. I spent my week relaxing and enjoying my time off. 
Wausau
 In preparation for the Easter holiday, family dinner, we stopped at the cheese factory that isn't too far away from my home. (Luckily this was before my challenge and I could sneak a few bites in!)
Cheese
 Easter morning we woke up and had a delicious brunch and sought out our Easter baskets before heading off to church. If your parents don't hide your baskets, I'm so sorry. I honestly look forward to this every Easter and I'm so glad my mom still hides them!
Pouring Champagne
  Like every holiday, there was a lot of food! My favorite dish is probably the sweet potatoes, so delicious! Sorry I didn't take more photos of the food, I was a bit busy and totally distracted by this cute pup!
Chicken Dinner

Mixed puppy

Being back at University keeps me busy, and makes me anxious to have warmer weather so I can go out and take millions of photos! I plan on exploring a bit more once the weather warms up. It's been a day consisting of 3/4 of the seasons. This morning it was sunny and blue skies, this afternoon it was snowing, and I just walked in from class in the rain/hail.
I hope you all had a great Easter holiday! Hopefully you enjoyed these photos! Did you do anything exciting for Easter? Make sure to follow me on any of the social media sites listed on the side bar to keep up with posts! 
xx Kenzie

April

April's Challenge

9:00:00 AM




We all love something that gives our life a bit of a challenge. I mean, how can you know whether or not something is right for you if you never try it out? Giving up sugar for me last year, meant not feeling as anxious and jittery. Yet as much as I tried to explain that to everyone, I still got sugary sweets in my gifts. In January, I changed my lifestyle again and started clean eating. It went really well at first and I was even down 4 pounds in two weeks, and then it got increasingly hard as school started. I gave up meat for Lent this year and honestly, I really loved it. I was still really intrigued  by plant-based diets. And in April, that's what I'm challenging myself to live by. 

I'm not going to force my views onto anyone in these posts, but I hope you stick around and discover fun recipes with me. If you're looking for answers to that big "why" questions, then I'd suggest youtube-ing the answer. There are so many benefits to living plant based and I think it'll be a good change.This link is one that I think is really helpful and useful in talking about veganism and how even little changes in diets can make a big difference.  I've made a few vegan snack recipes before and my campus has a few vegan alternatives that are actually really delicious! I just want to feel my best. Especially with having about 5 weeks left in the semester!  

Honestly, with summer coming soon my diet will probably change again since watermelon is cheaper and that's all I really like to eat when it's warm outside! 
If you want to follow me on twitter (I actually created a new account for just tweeting food) because sometimes I like to just look at photos of food okay? Otherwise you can make sure to follow my main account and my instagram!  Also my brand new Facebook page is up and running and it would mean a lot if you shared it and gave it a like! :) 

Did you participate in Veganuary? Have you ever given veganism a go? What are you most excited for in April? Let me know what kind of posts you'd like to see in the future! Sorry this one is so..wordy!
Looking forward to hearing from you in the comments! 
x Kenzie

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