The Big 2-1

Well, I must admit something.

I'm Mckenzie and I am a birthday diva.

To be fair, it's the one day a year someone is allowed to be a princess.

Therefore, I take full advantage of this... 

and this is my last big birthday until errrr 30.

Man. 

Well, I've been beyond blessed by my friends and family already. 

I cannot thank God enough for the people nearest and dearest to me and for making me feel so special.

Here are some birthday presents that I am dying over.

Dying.

via pinterest

Who needs a birthday sign shaped like a wine glass?

Not this girl.

Give me some Lilly P.

My birthday called for a celebratory venti Starbs.

Vanilla Caramel Latte anyone?

I was gifted this pretty from one of my best friends.

Thanks for creeping on my Pinterest boards and being amazing.

My roommate spoiled me with my favorite cupcakes in the whole world.

Over indulging is acceptable on your birthday ... right?

And just because I'm 21... I like to reminiscence on my finer days.

I knew I was always going to be good at make up.

#diva.

XO

Color Me Happy.

I must say that getting my hair done is one of my most favorite activities.

There's just something about having a new color or cut that makes me feel better.

Unless it's just a baaaaad color or cut.

This girl has been known to cry in the salon before.

Okay, I was in middle school but it was traumatic nonetheless. 

Anyway, I desperately need a hair cut and color and have been going back and forth 

with the ombré color.

I think it could either look really good or awful.

With my luck, I would receive the latter.

Anyway, I've searched Pinterest and here are a few of my favorites.

I want a subtle ombré. 

Nothing too crazy.... please.

all images via pinterest

This one is probably my favorite.

It's not too crazy and somewhat close to my natural up top.

Not sure I could pull off this one...but I love the contrast.

Has anyone tried this trend out?

XO

Show Time.

When I got home from Italy, I realized that I was beside on the TV shows that I love to watch.

The thing is... I watch so many.

Luckily, I am still on Christmas break (whaaat) so I have been able to catch up

but I have never had this many shows ever.

So I thought I would share them and see if ya'll are addicted as well.

1. Pretty Little Liars

all images via google

Okay, this is my favorite right now. 

I've watched since Season 1 and I cannot get enough.

Honestly, I try to avoid this one late at night... A freaks me outttt.

2. Downton Abbey

I am such a lover of history and this show has quickly become a hit with me.

Set during the early 1900's (WWI...) it is full of English drama and character.

Season 3 has not disappointed.

3. Parks and Recreation

I was introduced to this show the last few months by a friend in one of my classes.

I saw that most the seasons were on Netflix so I started watching and could not stop.

So now I'm caught up and I find myself laughing at my computer screen.

This show is too good.

Amy Poehler, let's be best friends.

4. Revenge

Talk about plot twists.

This show is crazy, the characters are crazy and I love love love it. 

The best part... so many of my friends watch this one too so it's a priority to watch.

5. Once Upon a Time

My roommate got me hooked on this one. 

I honestly did not think I would like it.. I meannnn it's about Snow White/story book characters in real life.

Huh?

But it has turned out to be way better than expected.

6. Nashville

First of all, the name of the show is NASHVILLE which is my favorite city in 'Merica.

I want to live there after I graduate and this show makes me love it even more.

Southern people, they're just good.

Anyone else addicted to these shows?

Nope? Just me?

XO

Ciao Italia!

The past two weeks, I have been spending my time abroad!

I just got home from my trip to Italy where I traveled all over and had some of the best gelato in my life. 

I am sad to see it end but I have never loved America so much.

Things that I missed include:

1. Free public restrooms

2. Ice in drinks

3. American men who ignore you 

4. Bright colored clothing

5. Paved streets

6. Cars

7. The American dollar

8. Diet Coke that doesn't cost 7 euro (roughly 9 American dollars)

9. Chik-Fil-A

It's so good to be home.

Here are some snapshots of my travels abroad.

Disclaimer: As I was typing out 'snapshots' I actually typed 'snapchats'... can you say addict?

Walking the streets of Florence

At the Spanish Steps in Roma

The Trevi Fountain in Roma... Lizzie McGuire movie anyone?

Posing at the Colosseum in Roma

St. Peter's Basilica at Vatican City

A gelato break at Giolitti's in Roma

Being tourists at the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Photo break with a trattoria owner

Photo op in Milan.

The trip was truly a whirlwind...we did a lot in two weeks plus studying.

Have any of ya'll been to Italia?!

XO

I'm Baaaccck.

I can't make any promises here but I am going to try to do this thing ha.

The holiday season is over... enter depression mode. 

I love Christmas time and I'm sad to see it end

but I hope everyone enjoyed times with their loved ones!

Look at what I got for Christmas.

If only.

But back to reality...

Here's what's been going on in my life.

::One of my best friends got MARRIED::

Some of us at the wedding.

Programs.

I made waaay too many batches of Oreo Balls.

SO easy to make: 1 pkg. of Oreos, 1 pkg. of cream cheese, 1 tray of vanilla/white chocolate melting chocolate

I was gifted these for Christmas just like the rest of the blogger world.

I have seen these on Insta 24/7

My best friend gave me a gift that combines two of my favorite things:

cooking and owls.

Score.

I tried out my new cape.

I'm a fan. 

Annnd lastly, I asked for a pair of Bean Boots for my birthday 

(a little early considering it's in Feb. but this girl needs a pair)

I saw this picture on Pinterest and fell in love:

But I have a question for ya'll...

8 inch or 6 inch?

I cannot decide and I'm not sure what size these are.

Help a girl out!

XO

What's Going On?

Hey ya'll.

So as many of you know I'm a public relations major and I have some pretty cool classes-- one of which being Social Media Theory and Strategy. 

Sounds like a lot but basically it's all about social media and how it is affecting our lives -- especially in the workforce. 

Okay, have I bored ya'll yet?

Anyway, we had to create a blog for the class and if you are interested at all, hop on over HERE to check it out.

Tonight is my sorority's semi-formal and I'm pumped.

I made this for our dessert table!

I thought it turned out pretty good (check out that ampersand) 

Also, I went to Target yesterday (and everyday...) and look what I found.

I love La Mer watches but they can be pricey.

Turns out Target is carrying it's own line of La Mer watches called Wanderlust.

I know what I'm adding to my Christmas list. 

And just because they make me smile, I love to find hilarious cat pictures.

Cat lady at its finest. 

You're welcome.

I GOTS A SPRAY TAN YALL.

I'm now a bronzed goddess.

Or orange.

Either one.

Aaaand to conclude the most random post ever (if you're still reading)

and in honor of election day on Tuesday.

Here ya go::

Liebster Award...Round 2

I know that I've done this once before but Kristyn over at Chits and Giggles
nominated me for the Liebster Award again so I thought why not! 
Thanks Kristyn!

Thanks for that and I cannot wait to nominate more bloggers.
Here are my random facts::
1. In fourth grade, I couldn't read the board at school and told mom I needed glasses. She didn't believe me for almost a year because she thought I just wanted glasses. Thanks mom!
2. I've never broken a bone.
3. I'm a bonafide TV addict. I love watching my shows:: Revenge, PLL, Downton Abbey, Once Upon a Time.... the list could go on and on.
4. I'm a huge Kentucky Wildcat fan even though I live in Louisville. It's almost heresy.
5. My favorite color was orange for the longest time because no one ever liked orange... everyone was into pink and I wanted to be different.
6. Online shopping keeps me sane.
7. Getting mail is the best--especially in college. Hint hint.
8. I rather give gifts than receive them. Christmas is more than that but it's one of my favorite times because I love getting things that people really want.
9. I used to tell everyone that my birthday was my favorite holiday. I was quite the child. 
10. I love people and writing and that's why I'm pursuing a public relations degree even in this 'jobless generation'... No, I don't want to be a nurse just for the security of having a job after I graduate. I want to do what I truly love. 

And here are the questions for me to answer!
1. What do you blog about?

I blog about whatever is on my mind, which lately has been way too much therefore my blogging has gone by the wayside. But I promise this girl is comin' back.

2. If you could bring back any person from history (dead or alive), who would it be and why?

After having this history course during the semester (and being a certified history nerd), I would bring back Lincoln. Tell me about the Civil War, living in a United States divided, why did you always wear that awful hat.... I find that period so fascinating.

3. Dogs or cats?

Easy. CATS. I am such a cat lady and I don't care who knows it.

4. What football team do you pull for?

Well, I bleed Kentucky blue but they are worthless as a football team. 

Literally just the worst.

But my brother played for Alabama so I do say 'Roll Tide' every now and then.

5. If you could travel anywhere in the world, and money didn't matter, where would you go and why?

Israel.

I want to go to the place where Jesus lived and taught. So much history and I cannot imagine what it is like. 

6. Would you rather be on a beach, the mountains, or sight seeing?

Beach hands down. 

I love the ocean.

7. If you could change one time in your life, what would it be and why?
I know it sounds so cliché but I believe that everything in life happens for a reason. I may wonder about some things in my life but I would never change anything. 

8. Would you work if you had kids or stay at home with them?

With my degree in PR, I would probably work but that is so far from now who knows what will happen. I've found that my potential jobs are less 9-5 in the office and more 24/7 wherever. 

9. What is the earliest memory you have?

Petting zoo.

Not kidding, I bottle fed a goat. Life changing I know.

10. What's your favorite flower?

I adore sunflowers. 

11. What would be your dream job?
To work for Southern Living. If you're out there reading, hire this girl! 

Alright, now for the nominations and questions for ya'll to answer::
1. Where do you see yourself in five years?
2. Chocolate or vanilla?
3. What is the one thing you wish to do before you die?
4. Favorite movie, why?
5. Marry a professional athlete, chef or CEO?
6. Favorite outfit?
7. Who's closet would you raid?
8. Favorite fragrance?
9. What's the best online shopping store?
10. Greatest thing you've ever eaten?

Ladies, you're nominated::
Ali @ Monogrammed Scrubs and Strings of Pearls
Emily Anne @ Kentucky Belle
Jan @ Jan M Loves
Katie @ Camo-Colored Chaos
Kasey @ College-Nanny Chronicles
Karen @ Walk in Love