Getting & Staying Inspired

I’ve had people ask me before how I stay motivated & for me motivation & inspiration go hand in hand. If I’m feeling inspired the motivation follows to deliver the things I need to get done. There are my fool proof ways to get or remain inspired.

1 // Find an inspiring place and visit it often. This could be a quite corner of the house, a specific coffee shop or park. For me this is anywhere I can see the sun setting or my favorite street of fancy houses that I want to live in one day.

2 // Make a playlist. I truly believe music is one of the most powerful things in the universe. The way a song can make you feel and empower you. Nothing makes me feel more on top of the world that when I am screaming the words to my favorite song at the top of my lungs. My playlist includes songs like One Man Can Change the World by Big Sean & 7 Rings by Ariana Grande.

3 // Get rid of distractions whatever those may be for you. Turn off the TV, put down the cell phone, & if you need to get out of the house and go into the office to keep your focus DO IT.

4 // Read a book. When I’m feeling like I need a reminder of why I’m pushing for the things I want I pick up one of my favorite books and even reading a chapter will make me feel better. There are so many great books out there and a different one might speak to you but once you find it, keep it close.

5 // Listen to inspiring words of others. Find yourself a podcast, youtube video or ted talk that really resonated with you & save it to your favorites in your web browser so you can pull it up whenever needed.

6 // Visualization. I do this 2 ways. One is laying down in a quite room and closing my eyes while I envision my perfect life. What it looks like, the kind of things I can do and the people around me. I picture every single detail. It can be as crazy as you want. If you want to buy the most expensive bag in the Louis Vuitton store PICTURE IT. If you want to spend 2 weeks in Hawaii PICTURE IT. The second way I do this is by sitting & looking at my vision board, more details on a vision board here.

7 // Make sure you are taken care of first. If I’m feeling really stressed out or overwhelmed I’m never in the right head space to be doing anything creative. Self care is so important. Go to the gym, get a massage, take a bath or just zone out for awhile if you need to.

8 // Take a break & try something new. The world is a great place to find inspiration. Traveling is a huge one for me, but if you don’t have the time or funds head to a new restaurant or part of town.

9 // Surround yourself with the people who make you better & inspire you. These people should believe in your as much as or even more than you do. They are positive influences and will humor every crazy idea you have. I cannot stress enough how selective you should be with who you spend you time with.

I hope this helps you if you’re feeling stuck in a rut or like you’ve hit a plateau. Keep pushing! “Most things have been done, but they have not yet been done by you.” – Quote from Big Magic, my favorite book by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Xx, Kennah

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You are the Average of the 5 People you Spend Most Time With.

Have you ever heard the saying you are the sum of the 5 people closest to you? The 5 people we spend the most time with influence and shape our lives much more than you might think. Your mindset, success, and interests are all affected by these people which is why it is so important for you to be picky about who you spend your time with.

Surround yourself with people who you would like to be like and remove those negative or toxic people from your life. It’s essential to your health, happiness and success. Find people who challenge you mentally, befriend the person who makes it to spin class every week, the family chef or the super mom/dad from down the street. Look for mentors who you can learn from and who can guide you, those who have achieved things you would like to also achieve. One quote I heard that has stuck with me is don’t take advice from someone who has not already done what you want to do. They might be between you and where you want to me but they have NOT made it.

Really when you break it down it is common sense. Muscles need to be tried and tested to grow in the gym we lift weights and break down our muscle so that it can rebuild stronger, by surrounding yourself with these people who challenge us we grow and learn and become the best version of ourself. If we live in this comfort zone and we are complacent we can never live up to our full potential.

I don’t know about you but my biggest fear is not taking advantage of my capabilities and the gifts I’ve been given. I want to become the best friend, mom, sister, wife etc. (insert your goals here!) There are books We can read and Ted Talks and YouTube videos and tons of other resources but the most influential is the people who are actually in our life on a day to day basis. Choose wisely.

Xx, Kennah

Monthly Update !!

When I first started this series of monthly updates, I didn’t know it would end up being one of my favorite things to write. I love being able to share and talk about all the things I’ve been using from apps to websites and products and music. It also gives me an excuse to try tons of new things. Last month I recommended the Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversation and I’ve still been listening to it this month. I listen in the mornings and it really helps me start my day with a positive attitude and a humble heart. Cannot recommend it enough. Plus its Oprah, who doesn’t love her??

Apps :
  • Kourt App from Kourtney Kardashian. (You probably hate the Kardashians but their beauty and health knowledge is unmatched).
  • My Water App. (It reminds you to drink water throughout the day, you input your information and it tells you how much water you should be drinking but I actually upped mine to be 80 oz a day).
On my playlist :

Earned It – Bootstaps (A nostalgic version of the 50 Shades of Grey hit).

Delicate – Taylor Swift (Not sure how it’s taken me this long to find this song but the album is soo good).

Electric Love – BORNS

Whole Lot in Love – Austin Burke

Also been listening to a whoooleeee lot of JT since his concert.

Say Something – JT

Supplies – JT

Summer Love – JT

Things I’m Loving :
  1. My new favorite exfoliating face wash. It helps me control my oil and makes my skin super soft!!
  2. This facial spray with aloe, herb and rosewater is a great mid-day refresher. I also use it in my hair on day 2 and 3 when it needs a little extra love. I bought it s month ago and it’s already half gone.
  3. I caved and bought Anastasia Beverly Hills new Amrezy Highlighter. I swatched it on my hand in the store and fell in love instantly. It actually looks wet and dewy.
  4. I have been looking for the perfect white ruffle sleeve top and I think I have found it.
  5. Loving cropped skinny jeans right now & I’m stocking up for summer. These Vervet Destroyed skinny jeans are in my cart and ready for checkout. These Distressed Hem skinny jeans are out of stock in my size, but I’ll be back for them.
  6. Just bought this mini black denim skirt. I paired mine with a cream sweater and a gold belt and got so many compliments. Would also look adorable with this button up.
  7. I’ve been doing a ton of health and wellness research because I’ve been sick a lot this winter. I found these wellness shots at target and found them online as well. They’re blue green algae wellness shots, blue green algae is a superfood packed with proteins, vitamins and nutrients.
  8. White PEACHY Tee. Only $23 and it looks so soft and comfy, I need it.
  9. Newport front tie top that I’m on the email list for because its out of stock in my size, but I am 100% buying this for Seattle.
  10. Been needing a new pair of athletic shoes and I found these alpha bounce adidas also love these adidas Originals Deerupt Sneakers.
  11. I’ve been redoing my closet (which i will make a separate post about) but one thing I bought is this red Levi’s Tee.
  12. I posted about this lip mask last month because I had just got it but my updates is… it’s amazing. As good as everyone’s been saying. After having it on I can’t stop rubbing my lips together because of how soft they are.
Favorite Shops to Spend time on :

World Market – I love to go into this store as well they have the best furniture and I got the best smelling body scrub from Huntington Soap Co.

LA Hearts Swimwear – I spend a ridiculous amount of time looking for swimsuits for summer body inspiration.

Thrillest – Has the best travel guides, I have been using it to look up yummy places for my upcoming trip with my sister to Seattle.

ASOS – Again been redoing my closet and some of it has been from this shop! They have EVERYTHING.

Xx, Kennah

Derma rolling

Dermarollers have become quite popular amongst Instagrammers and youtubers. Dermarolling (micro-needling) isn’t something that you can just say okay ya let’s try it. You need to research and make sure you’re buying a reliable and durable product because if you use it wrong it can cause a lot of damage. Most are a plastic roller with a bunch of teeny tiny titanium needles. I was super intrigued and actually pretty scared to try this because rolling 540 fragile needles on your face doesn’t sound safe or pain-free. If you’re reading this you’ve probably been thinking about trying it out so you really just need to find what is going to work for you.

How it works:

Derma rollers trick your skin into thinking that it has beed damaged so it creates and sends collagen to the surface to repair. When there is nothing to repair it grows new collagen reducing wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, fine lines and other skin conditions. It boosts blood circulation reducing the size of pores. This is also a great way to help you skin absorb product (like aerating a lawn).

Finding the right roller: 

Needle size is definitely something you need to read about and decide what your goal is. Be sure the roller you purchase is made with durable needles that will not rust or bend easily as these can damage your skin. Only use rollers that have thin needles on your face, thick needles should only be used on the body. The number of needles is also something to consider. 200 needles that are widely spaced apart is light coverage and you will have to use it frequently to thoroughly treat the area. 540 is ideal coverage.

0.25mm – This needle size is mainly to help you absorb product, it can also aid in re-growth of hair. This size needle is virtually painless and it a good place to start.

0.5mm – At this length you’re going to see your best results with hyper pigmentation, large pores, small scars, and small wrinkles. It will help you product collagen and is still pain free.

0.75-1.0mm – Some people use a topical numbing cream for this size needle, but others find it is very tolerable. You can play it by ear with how you respond to pain. This size is great for wrinkles, scarring (acne scars), and stretch marks. DO NOT USE ANYTHING LARGER THAN THIS ON YOUR FACE UNLESS YOU ARE A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL.

1.5-3mm – Used only for the body to aid deep stretch marks/scars.

 

The Process: 

Start with a clean face, no make up and no germs! Use a cleanser and then put a little alcohol on a face pad and rub it over your face. Make sure your derma roller is just as clean! I use a small spray bottle I got from Target and rubbing alcohol. Pull your skin a bit so it is tight, but not too tight where you’re stretching it out. Roll in every direction like you’re recreating a * (vertical, horizontal, diagonal going both directions) going over each section 7 times. Try to keep the pressure equal (medium-light) and don’t drag it at all. After you’re finished apply your serum that your skin will soak right up. Clean the roller again and put it away in a safe case until next use! *DO NOT USE REGULAR DERMA ROLLERS AROUND THE EYES. There are specific rollers for around the eyes and nose.

 

I have loved using my derma roller, I use it on my stretch marks and lips to plump them up. After a few uses I’ve noticed my stretch marks don’t feel as deep. My lips also feel and look much plumper. Results can take up to 6 months to see, but I’ve seen mine start working right away!

Xx, Kennah

 

 

 

Top 10 Most Asked Beauty Questions Answered

1. Why do some lipsticks make my teeth look extremely yellow?

Lipsticks like any other make-up product has colored hues. If the hues aren’t great for your skin tone a lot of times you end up with yellow looking teeth even if they’re normally white! Warm-tones cast a yellow based hue onto you’re teeth while a blue hued lipstick will cast cool-tones making your teeth look whiter!

2. How often should I wash my make-up brushes?

You should wash your make-up brushes AT THE LEAST once every month to ensure you are using clean brushes and not distributing dirt and bacteria. If you are using your brushes more often they get a lot of build up, wash them every 2 weeks!

3. Do face primer’s actually work?

Most primers are made with silicone which acts as an adhesive to hold your make-up in place and make it less likely to smear or smudge. Just like painting your walls you need a base coat to help your make-up stay. It can also fill in fine lines and absorb oils! If you feel like yours isn’t doing anything, do some research and try a new one.

4. How do I contour my face?

I know it seems like a scary task to learn, but it’s actually pretty simple if you imagine a light above your face. The places that are shadowed you contour while the places that shine you highlight. Most people already have a bronzer or a color that is slightly too dark for their skin. I start at the top of my ear and brush in towards my mouth and nose angling slightly down going just below my cheek bones. Remember to use only a little product at first and build up, once you have too much product it’s hard to get rid of it, but you can always add. I then brush the top of my forehead along my hairline. Make sure everything is well blended harsh lines are not your friend.

5. How should I layer my skincare products?

Lucky for you I created a post specially for this question. In a quick summary cleanser, exfoliator, toner, spot treatments, serums, eye creams, moisturizer, SPF.

6. I only have 5 minutes to get ready, what can I do that will make the biggest difference?

My biggest problem is my dark circles. Concealer is everyones best friend and my number one favorite that I cannot go without. Next is a quick touch up on the brows. I brush and fill them in quickly (not perfect sharp edges). Mascara can completely change your look and cannot be forgotten! Finally is the perfect pout. That pop of color gives you the finishing touch.

7. Eyes or Face First?

Most people will tell you to do your eyes first and then do your face because of fall out, but I have a very specific routine. I don’t do my eyes first because I like to brush a little foundation onto my eyelid because mine are extremely red and I love the edges of my shadow to look really blended. First I do my foundation, then my eyes. If any fall out happens this is where you can brush it off and finish with concealer, contour, and setting powder.

8. How do I make my hair grow faster?

  • The first thing is your DIET! Your diet reflects in your hair, skin, and energy levels. It is so important to feed your body nutritious food.
  • Do less with your hair (styling, products, shampooing, and coloring).
  • Massage your scalp to stimulate blood circulation.
  • Loosen tight hairbands.
  • Get regular trims.
  • Supplements can be a huge help something with biotin and anti-oxidants.

9. How to do a dutch braid?

Here is the video I used to learn! It’s actually quite easy and very similar to a french braid.

10. How to remove gel nails?

I soak my nails in acetone to remove them, I prefer not to file them off because it ends up filing my natural nail and makes it thin and brittle.

Xx, Kennah

 

5 Multi-Use Pieces for Summer

I made this list with the college girl on a budget in mind. It is a list of a few articles of clothing that you can use in so many different outfits this summer that way you have to buy less!

  1. White Soft & Sexy Tie Front Tee

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I found this t-shirt at American Eagle and fell in love the second I saw it. Pair this top with a pair of jeans and a blocked heel for a casual girls lunch. Got a date night? Slip on a curve hugging pencil skirt and some heels! This shirt is perfect to wear to an outdoor concert with a denim jacket. You could even go for a festival look with denim shorts, a black belt and some boots. Need a swimsuit cover up on the boat? No problem.

2. Black Bomber Jacket

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This piece will work year round, but is perfect when paired with some comfy leggings for a summer movie night at the theater. Wear it over a bodysuit for a dressy date night or NBA game. Running errands? Jeans and some Adidas shoes will add the finishing touch for this street styled outfit.

3. Crochet Bodysuit

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This cute crochet bodysuit doubles as a swimsuit! Wear it on one of those anything-can-happen nights.

4. Hoodie Matching Set

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This cute matching set can be dressed up with heels, or dressed down with sliders or even sneakers. You can mix and match the top and the bottom with other pieces, the possibilities are endless!

5. Tee Dress

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This tee dress is super comfy no matter how you wear it. A corset belt will give this dress a sexy curvy look. Wear a baseball hat for a causal running errands look.

Xx, Kennah

 

 

Brandy Favorites

This post is all about my favorite summer basics from one of my favorite stores Brandy Melville (and yes my car has their alien logo on it). All their clothes are beautiful and very affordable! Their line is now available at Nordstrom (in City Creek if you live in Utah!)

  1. The Simone Tank

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This cute tank is so versatile. I would pair this with a cute pair of ripped jeans and nude heels for a lunch/shopping date. Throw a leather jacket over the top for a night out on the town.

2. Juliette Denim Skirt

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Denim Skirts are back! The raw edging on this skirt gives it the perfect casual look. I would wear this with my superstar adidas and a t-shirt.

3. Reina Bodysuit

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The perfect black tank that goes with everything! Chic and sexy by itself, but it can be dressed up or down.

4. Karla Dress

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Gingham is a huge trend this summer, you can rock it in this casual summer dress!

5. Erica USA Sweatshirt

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I am obsessing over this sweatshirt. Fourth of July (and 24th of July if you live in Utah) never looked so good. Throw this over shorts on a chilly summer night.

6. Coco Top

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Two of my favorites in one. Wrap tops & blue hues. I’ve been loving blues and the vacay vibe for this summer!

7. Jenny Tube Top

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Such a simple classy look. Sexy shoulders for date night. I would pair this top with a skirt or a cute pair of shorts and a short heeled sandal. Add a choker for a more intense/edgy look.

Xx, Kennah

Muah or Blah? : St. Tropez Self-Tanning Mousse

Summer is fast approaching and if you haven’t had time to get out in the sun before that first pool party you may be thinking about a sunless tanner. Look no further I’ve found the best of the best. St. Tropez’s Self Tanning Mousse is a guaranteed MUAH. It has helped me in my times of need on more than one occasion. The coloring is perfect and doesn’t make you look orange at all. It’s such a natural looking tan nobody will even be able to tell it’s fake. I purchased the application mitt and it gives me a flawless finish every time. They even make a face mitt (and no this will not make you breakout, I tested it!) There’s no streaking or splotches and best of all no orange hands! I start out by exfoliating and making sure my skin is nice and moisturized. Once you’re completely dried off pump your Tanning Mousse which is really more of a foam onto your mitt and start with a bigger area (not your hands or feet!) and work your way out to your hands and feet. If you start with them they always end up looking to dark for me. Be sure to rub it in circles to prevent any streaks. After applying one coat I dry it with a blow dryer and then apply another layer and repeat. I usually wait a bit before getting dressed because my skin feels tacky almost. This tanner can transfer onto your clothes so be sure to wear darker clothing. It does wash out if you get it on something, but I like to be extra careful. All that’s left is to wait for your color to develop! Don’t worry if you feel like you’re too dark, after rinsing it will lighten up! This self tanner does have a smell, but it isn’t the typical self tanner smell that I hate! I try to apply it 2 times before my event to get a good coloring! If you’re nervous about the price try it out in this beginners kit or get the best bang for your buck with this spring kit that comes with 2 bottles of tanner ($32 a piece) and 2 application mitts ($10 a piece) all for only $40!

Xx, Kennah

Hair Training Crash Course

Washing, drying, and styling your hair every single day is an unwanted hassle and is so time consuming! Did you know by washing your hair too much you could actually be damaging it? Shampooing too often can leave your hair feeling dry, making it prone to breakage. It could also have the opposite effect you’re going for and cause your scalp to over produce oil making it greasy faster. I train my hair so it lasts longer between washes and you can too! My hair grows very quickly and is always shiny and healthy looking. All this requires is a little patience because training your hair overnight doesn’t work. If you wash your hair everyday start by washing it every other day, you’ll notice the less you wash it the less you will need to wash it. Of course at first it will be super gross because it is used to being washed everyday so prepare for hat and ponytail days. Your hair will get used to your routine and will produce less oils. The thicker your hair is the longer you can go without washing. Everyone is different and not all of us are lucky enough to only have to wash our hair every four days. You can determine how long your hair can go without getting too gross. Things like working out and the weather can effect how long you can go. Here are a few tips I use to make my washes last longer.

  1. Dry Shampoo – chances are you’re probably using this product wrong (I was too!). Dry shampoo needs to be applied BEFORE your hair looks and feels greasy. Use it on day one hair and everyday after to help absorb as much oil as possible.
  2. Conditioner – while in the shower only apply a small amount of conditioner to your ends careful to avoid the scalp!
  3. Oils & Products – don’t put too much product in your hair even on just your ends! Decide what is absolutely a necessity for you and get rid of the other products. You may think by applying oils to the ends of your hair it’s not going to make your hair greasy – WRONG – it travels up your strand of hair and gets to your scalp.
  4. Boar Brush – using a boar brush will help you evenly distribute the oils from the top of your end through your ends so the build-up isn’t at your roots. (Most people say to brush out tangles with another brush and then use this one!)
  5. Pull it back – when working out, showering, AND when sleeping! Something I never thought about was when you go to sleep with hair or skin that needs to be washed the oil transfers onto your pillow case (make sure to wash them often). When you lay down again with clean hair it can make it dirty and oily!
  6. Don’t Touch it! – if you haven’t noticed the more you touch your hair the greasier it looks. That’s because the oils from your palms transfer to your hair! Try not to mess with your bangs or brushing it back in the same spot over and over.

Some people even take it a step further and use a clarifying shampoo every few weeks to get rid of all the build-up of oil they have. Another this I’ve seen a lot is an apple cider rinse, but that seems silly to me because for me its about avoiding having to wash, dry and style continuously.

Thanks for reading! Let me know how these tips work for you or if they’re something you already practice! Keep those locks luscious girl.

Xx, Kennah

 

What’s in my make-up Bag? : Amazonian Clay Foundation

I’ve been looking for a new Foundation for a while and I have finally found one that I am hooked on! I’ve loved every beauty product I’ve tried from Tarte, so I decided to give their Amazonian Clay Foundation a try. It’s full coverage which I feel is a must, but it isn’t heavy and it’s oil-free! Something a lot of people don’t know is that some foundations contain oil and that’s what is actually causing your face to become so greasy throughout the day. If you didn’t already know I’m extremely pale and I’ve had a really hard time finding foundations that match my skin, but Tarte has multiple colors that can work for my skin coloring. They even have a shade matcher where you can select the girl with the closest skin-tone to yours and it gives you 3 color options! Amazonian Clay has 25 total color options. Tarte has done such a good job at creating a perfect color and formula that works for everyone. If you don’t believe me read the reviews on this product, every single person loves it! It is SPF 15 adding a good extra layer of protection for your precious skin. Another plus is that is this foundation goes on and blends easily, it leaves you with a very naturally beautiful look.

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Xx, Kennah