A Few of My Favorite Things *Vol 3*

Hello everyone :)

I hope you guys like these kind of posts, it's been a very long time since I did a favorites thing post!

I'm thinking the last one was in...August??

Anywho, I am totally one of those product people. I love trying different things out, as well as hearing the things people are raving and loving. So with that quick intro, here's my favorites as of lately:

#1. Tribal Print Throw Pillow

I have been loving that aztec tribal pattern lately, so when I stumbled across this beauty in Hobby Lobby, I was stoked to say the least! (mind you, yellow is also my favorite color). I had a gift card from Christmas and used their 40% off online coupon, so it was quite a steal! I picked out four similar patterns for my living room, and I must say, they make the statement and dress up the space a little! 

#2. Dr.George Dental White Gel

As most of you know I love makeup, so I couldn't help but notice a YouTuber that I was tutorials on frequently has recieved ALOT of compliments on how white her teeth are. She said she used to use whitening strips like crazy until this stuff. I have noticed a difference in using this myself, and it doesn't leave my gums sensitive like the strips have. It's found online and is only $12!

#3 Mean Girls Graphic Tee

You guys, I CANNOT stop getting graphic tees. Oh, and anything Mean Girls. It's a problem. This is a super stretchy tank that I know will be a go-to staple for any outfit I put together this spring and summer. It's SO FETCH!

#4 Jessica Simpson Fancy Perfume

I tried on this perfume about a month ago, and instantly fell in love with it. It's main scents are pear and apricot, with hints of vanilla and gardenia. It's dainty, and feminine, but not too floral or intense. I bought it yesterday and wore it out today and two people asked me about it in the checkout line. It's a must, and for only $16, it's an absolutely wonderful perfume. 

#5 Maurices Strappy Sandals:

Okay let me start off by saying that I searched all last year for something like these and could not find them anywhere. Then on a whim, my mom and I walked through Maurices in the Boise Mall, and these screamed out to me on the display. I love a sandal that has good coverage over the top of the shoe; I feel as if the top is too open it makes my feet look big! I love that the detailing is silver, most shoes that are black have had gold accents lately and as much as that is a trend right now I'm not too big into that combo. My mama bought these for my birthday and I must say I know they will get alot of wear! 

#6 Tresemme Dry Shampoo

I love dry shampoo. I used to buy the Rockoholic Dry Shampoo when it first came out at Mastercuts all the time. It was a little high priced to me then too! Then out of nowhere, any and every hair product line started coming out with their own dry shampoos and I had to try it out. Most can leave your hair looking weighed down, flaky, white, or downright greasy sometimes. But this stuff works! I love the volume and quick fix it gives me on those in-between-wash days. 

#7 Andes Mints

An oldie but a goodie! Lately all I want are these as my sweet treat! I remember making brownies with them a couple years ago, and I must say, I stop by and get them at the Dollar Tree for a quick pick me up or chocolate craving!

#8 Ardell Natural False Lashes

My sweet little coworker let me in on these babies. Every once in a while if I do a dramatic or smokey eye look, I want false lashes for an extra oomph. For only 5 or so dollars at Sally's Beauty Supply, these work awesome. I believe the ones I use are the Demi Wispies. 

#9 EOS Mint Lip Balm

This product isn't new to me, but it's something I always replace when it runs out! I have always loved a mint lip product, and this one is no different. Very hydrating, very cute packaging. I have never tried any other EOS balm, but I know people swear by them!

#10 Lorac Unzipped Palette

LAST BUT NOT LEAST!!! Eeeeeeeeeekkkk! I'm so excited about this one. I saw the swatches for this palette on Pinterest not too long ago, and instantly I was sold. Gorgeous neutrals, with hints of rose! When I went into the store to see it in person, I was beyond impressed. Highly pigmented; I swiped my finger one time on the gold color and it seriously looked like a penny. Almost a foiled metal look to some of the shimmer colors. It also has mattes as well. I am SUPER excited and I think this might be my favorite palette I own! 

That's all the things I have to share with you this post, lovelies!

I hope you enjoyed it :)

What are some things you've been loving lately?

I'd love to hear!

XOXO, Kess

24 for 24.

Hi all!

Two days ago I turned the big 2-4! I cannot believe I'm there already! I seriously feel like I should be 21, but mentally I have an old soul of 80 something :)

Today I decided to share 24 facts about myself for 24 years. XOXO!

1. I love good smelly stuff. Candles, scentsy, lotions, perfumes. It's an obsession.
2. I cannot have the volume of something on an odd number. OCD I know, but I CAN'T.
3. I am claustrophobic, just watching tight spaces or being in really closed spaces freaks me out.
4. I hardly ever wear pink. I wore pink EVERYDAY in 7th grade, so it's usually the last color of clothing I buy.
5. People singing worship music brings happy tears to my eyes, especially when it's teenagers or older people, its so touching.
6. My all time favorite bands are Dixie Chicks and Rascal Flatts.
7. I've never watched a single Star Wars or Harry Potter. In fact, I think it makes my nephews shutter that I know NOTHING about it, haha.
8. Being the oldest sibling has been good and bad, but I always wanted an older brother.
9. I get ready for the day by sitting on my bathroom counter with my feet in the sink. Yes, I have a vanity. Yes, I still do it that way.
10. I love waterskiing so much, but I honestly hate winter skiing.
11. I think it would be a dream to open up a small clothing boutique, and really personalize it with self-esteem boosters and self-image love.
12. I HATE Hamburger Helper anything. BARF!
13. I cannot take naps. No matter how tired I am, once I'm up for the day, I'm up.
14. Yellow is my color. It is always what I'm drawn to for decorating.
15. My ideal vacation is the Bahamas. (been once, MUST go again)
16. I cannot stand doing laundry. I would rather deep clean bathrooms or anything other than that chore.
17. My clothing style is extreme. I range from dainty feminine pieces to rocker edgy. I love it.
18. My greatest passion is being a mother. It's a dream came true, and something I always longed to be.
19. When I was born, my parents were planning for a boy. My name was picked out as "cody" and everything.
20. I love Goldfish crackers. Seriously they are my go to snack!
21. I like to have blankets on when sitting. In my bed, watching tv, on the couch, reading. whatever I'm doing sitting, I have a blanket on my lap!
22. I always have secretly thought it would be cool to be in a musical. Grease or Hairspray would be a dream.
23. I'm obsessed with Coffee by morning, and Cherry Pepsi by afternoon. Seriously, it's bad haha.
24. I love graphic tees. Anything with a good quote or a funny pun is my all time favorite to wear!

XOXO kess

Truths.

I don't know how to write this post other than in the random sentences of feelings that have jumbled my brain lately. So much has been going on for me, and I haven't found the words to say.

So here's my effort to jot down these thoughts.

I am 23, almost 24.

Wow, that scares me.

The older I got, the more confident and sure of myself I thought I'd become.

That is far from how I feel.

In fact, it terrifies me.

I feel as if life is racing, in fact, whirling by me, and there's nothing I can do about it.

I've never felt this unsure or attached from myself.

I've never felt this scared or anxious.

I've grown weary and hopeless in the thought of finding a "career" and actually "loving it" and being "successful" at it.

I've grown depressed in the fact that I do not love myself, and there are very little things I like about myself.

I'm scared that I am slowly losing myself.

I'm secretly scared I will not ever have the opportunity of more children.

I'm just....living....scared.

xoxo, kess

My little secret.

Can I share something raw and honest with you friends?

I have a not so nice friend that has been a secret of mine. 

...for YEARS.

Her name?

Anxiety.

The truth is, Miss Anxiety has been a long-time companion of mine.

She leaves me with hopelessness, inexplicable stress, and quite frankly, depression somedays.

Sometimes being alone and quiet makes it better. Somedays I ache for busyness to come about to distract me. 

Those who know me personally would probably be surprised to hear me saying all this. 

I sometimes get told, "You seem so calm and positive; you've got it all together!"

That always makes me want to burst out in laughter (or tears) and never ceases to shock me.

Throughout the years, my anxiety has had its extreme downs, but it's getting a lot better. Recently, I have begun to see it as an essential part of who I am. 

My anxiety may make social situations hard sometimes, but it has also enlightened me to tune in people well. I've got an emotional thermometer inside me that detects even the slightest change in mood. 

That makes me sensitive, it helps me to write and encourage. 

I'm starting to see that my strengths are often tied to what I might label as my "weaknesses".

But I wouldn't have one without having the other. 

Perhaps it's just really about focusing on the parts that are helpful and letting the other stuff go. 

There's a verse that resonates in my heart so well when I feel this way. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” {Php. 4:6}.

To me that means that I'm not supposed to let my anxiety win. 

I'm supposed to hand it over to God and say, "Please take care of this, and turn it into something useful."

Redeem this part of me I wish were different.

Do you have a little secret friend by the name of Anxiety?

"Redemption doesn't mean getting rid of who we are, it means transforming everything about us to be like Jesus." -Holley Gerth

So let me close by saying this, both for me and for you, friend.

Do not be anxious about anything! 

XOXO, Kess

Time Flies! [Henry turns 2!]

I cannot believe my little Henry is 2!

I knew I wanted an airplane themed birthday party, but it just seemed extra fitting for a theme, because time truly has flown by. I cannot believe this sweet little wonder has grown up so fast. I feel as if I can't remember life before Henry, but yet it doesn't feel like he should have a second birthday already. I love this new stage and adventure we are at, but I wish I could freeze and hold on to this sweet short time. I decided to rent the party room at the new Kiddie Cove Pool in Lava Hot Springs for the big day. Having NEVER been there or seen it, I kind of took a leap of faith, but from the pictures and everything I was super pleased with how it turned out. The party room had big windows that overlooked the pool so guests could watch and so we could be close to all the action! Lots of people showed up, had cake and presents, and the littles enjoyed the pool. I really enjoyed decorating and setting up for it. After the grand party, Hank and I took Henry out to pizza in Lava. Before we left, I noticed a little neon sign that said "family arcade", so we went across the street to check it out. Sure enough, it was a small pool and arcade hall, and honestly half the games were out of order haha, but it was one of the highlights of the day. Henry played the crocodile bonk game, basketball, and others, and then we headed back to Inkom to my family's house. I am so lucky to have this ray of sunshine, there is nothing like him, and I cherish him so. He really lights up a room, and his smile and personality is contagious to all around him. Happy Birthday Henry bug! Mommy loves you so!

Xoxo, Kess 

HELLO 2015

Happy new dreams.
Happy new days.
Happy new desires.
Happy new ways.
Happy new year.
Happy new YOU.

Welcome 2015.

To my angel, my Grandma.

It was a Wednesday.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

November 26th is etched in my memory.

Kyllie, Cody, Hank, Henry, Mom, Dad, Kolby, and Kade were all at my family's house, each of us prepping the big feast. Since most of us worked Thanksgiving evening some time, we decided to do our dinner together on Wednesday. (Kaitlyn & Kamron couldn't make it). Mom and I set out an ornament wreath we had made you and Sharonie, and were putting last minute things together and in the ovens. I remember so vividly that morning talking with my mother about the things she remembered about her grandma growing up, and I was telling her the things I remember about you. I brought up the way you read to me, with such narration and joy, and the particular book that was my absolute favorite for you to read to me over and over again. Mom told me she thought she had the book downstairs, and I planned on setting it out to hear you read it once more, this time to Henry. It was 1:30, you and Grandpa along with Sharonie were supposed to be arriving at two.

Then Mom's phone rang.

Just thinking about that phone call sends a deep chill of sorrow down my spine.

It's something I will never ever forget.

At first I was thinking it was my Grandpa simply telling Mom that you all were running late, or simply just were too tired to come out today.

No, it was much much worse.

Mom shrieked in pure panic, pacing and crying out.

"NO NO NO. DAD. NO, OH MY GOD OH MY GOD. NO. WHAT HAPPENED?"

She ran to her room.

Kyllie and I instantly panicked, and bolted into her room. Mom was on the phone in her closet, clutching her hands and sobbing. We didn't know what she had been informed with, but we sat as close by as we could.

We then heard the news.

You had gone, Grandma.

I remember being hit with a wave of hysterical sobs, and all of us grasped each other close in our despair. It was as if the world stood still, all time had stopped. I ran out to call my sister, Kaitlyn. I trembled to dial her number, and just about as she was walking into work, she recieved the dreadful news herself.

Her moment of panic set in as well.

The rest is a total blur to me. Something about grief and the way your mind and heart deals with it is truly difficult, but all I remember is taking it so hard as a family. Grandpa came out later to be with us, and we tried to eat. Nobody had appetites. It took all our might to press on. Just like that, in a whirl we were thrown into an occasion without you. To say it was heartbreaking was an understatement.

I held Grandpa's hand for you. Long and hard.

I know he needed it.

Despite his own deep sorrow, he tried to be strong for you.

And for all the people you loved.

He was a rock, comforting everyone there, as well as on the phone calls throughout the evening.

Once again, from here there is more blur in my memory.

and there still is.

My heart is in complete shock.

I feel like you are just going to pull back in your driveway, or I'm going to open my mailbox to find your frequent postcard again.

I listen to your saved voicemails.

I look for any and everything you've given/written me.

I cling on to you, Grandma.

I probably always will.

Grandma, you were such a sincere, special person to me. Every time you told me you loved me, I could tell it wasn't out of habit or to make conversation; you told me because you felt it so genuinely in your heart and you wanted to share your heart with me. You shared your heart of gold. There is not a single thing in your life that you didn't commit to without passion. Your marriage with Grandpa was once in a lifetime. I remember the way you adored each other, respected each other, and truly brought out the best in each other. I remember living with you for a period of time, and once a week, you and Grandpa would dance in the kitchen together. You had 49 years of loyalty and love for each other, and that is truly inspirational. You were an extraordinary teacher. You adapted and harvested a love for learning in each child you taught, and you went beyond the limits of reaching out to make sure that you taught each child in the best way they could learn. At your viewing, I read students letters you had kept over the years. Almost all signed, "I love you Mrs. McCall." Students loved you. How amazing is that? You were an amazing sister. Watching you with your twin sister made me fond of wanting a close bond with my own sisters. You were so protective and affirming of Sharonie, it was the strongest of love. I remember you two showed up so many times all dolled up dressed as a pair; it was adorable to see your day to day routine together. I can't begin to tell you how much she misses you. You were literally a part of her, and that part she loves so so much.

I'll always remember your collection of cooking aprons, and how you wore them whenever you made something. I'll always remember growing up playing restaurant, and you letting us write Grandpa's order down in your aprons. I'll always remember you narrating as Grover, in my favorite book, "The Monster at the End of this Book". I'll always remember when you took us girls with Grandpa to Downeta to camp and swim. I'll always remember the time you thought you had put sparklers on great Grandma Betty's cake, only to find out they were bottle rockets. I'll always remember when you took my friend and I to Lava Hot Springs to celebrate going into junior high. I'll always remember the time we watched an International Dance Festival in Idaho Falls, and how you drove over the median and said "don't tell Grandpa, he's so finicky about cars." I'll always remember having game nights with you, Grandpa, and Hank. We got so good at the game Sequence! I'll always remember you being there to meet Henry the day he was born, and the day I became a mother. I'll always remember you helping me on my wedding day, cutting the cake and dancing. I'll always remember going to your house and watching a Peter Pan musical movie with trail mix. I'll always remember how you helped me bake a cake and surprise my dear friend, Courtney, for her birthday. I'll always remember playing "Hi-Ho Cherry-O!" and "Break-the-Ice" as kids with you. I'll always remember your random cards and phone calls, they were just when I needed them. There's COUNTLESS things I will always remember, because you were so wonderful.

Because of you, I now believe in Angels.

As you would say, "I love you beary much."

I will always dream a little dream of you.

For the rest of my life, I will search for moments full of you.

XOXO, Kess

Grandma and I 

5th Generation Picture. 

GMA & GPA's house, November 2013

Mom & Grandma, my wedding. 2009

GPA and GMA, newlyweds

Cutting & serving my wedding cake, 2009

My favorite book you read to me. 

Holding Grandpa's hand at Thanksgiving dinner, 2014

Grandma's last famous Pretzel Berry Jello Salad

Grandpa with Mom & Jennie