How to Build Your Credit

Posted on by mckennahbybee

I posted something on my instastory a few weeks ago about accomplishing another goal of mine. My goal was to get my credit score above 800. I had a few people reach out to me after my post asking how I did it and how to build theirs. Let me just say I was hesitant to make this post because I thought people would think I was bragging, but a good friend of mine gave me the push that I needed and if you don’t like it, leave.

When I first started trying to build my credit I was so confused on how to build it or why I had to put myself into debt to build it. Not everyone has parents who help teach them & we all know the school systems failed us in real world skills so hopefully this helps & let me remind you I’m not an expert. I started by getting a small car loan. If you are paying your parents and the loan is in their name, GET IT IN YOUR NAME! Get on your own insurance. Get on your own phone plan. Start making your own monthly payments. Taking on debt and slowly making your monthly payments proves that you are capable of paying someone back. We start small and next time you will qualify for more. Opening my first credit cards was the next step.

BEFORE YOU DO THIS :

  • Research to find the best card(s) for you. Ones that you can keep long term because closing accounts is not a good thing.
    • For me I found a card that has really good cash back benefits but a higher interest rate because I never carry a balance on this card which means that I buy all my regular stuff that I would use my debit card for but I just pay it off each month so I get the cash back rewards but never interest.
    • I also have a really low interest not really any benefits card that I use for emergencies or larger things I might not be able to pay right away.
    • Another card that works great for me is the best buy card, I love it because they have deals where you have no interest for 2 years or 1 year different things like that. I purchased my camera on it and re-calculated what my payments needed to be to pay it off before I started getting interest charged.
  • Set boundaries for yourself. Do not let yourself go past the limits you set for yourself & keep a level head because it’s not free money you have to pay it back. Trust me when I say I learned from watching other people’s mistakes & its not fun to dig yourself out of a financial mess.

OTHER TIPS

  1. Always make your payments on time. Set up bill pay. Set phone reminders. Automatic payments are amazing. Whatever you need to do.
  2. There is an ebb and flow when it comes to building credit which means your credit score will go down when you open a new credit card or when you get a new car loan but on the back end of things when you’re paying it back it will grow your credit far beyond where it was prior.

My last and final tip….

DOWNLOAD THE CREDIT KARMA APP

It will assess your situation and give you tons of stats based off of your current situation it looks at your total number of accounts, credit history, credit card utilization, payment history etc. If you’re not sure where to start with looking at cards, it will have suggestions for you & other things you can do to improve your credit. They make everything super easy to understand & color coordinate from Red on the bad end to orange, yellow, light green to dark green which is good. Shout out to credit karma for helping me reach my goals!!

*I decided to add one section explaining why building your credit is important especially when you’re young. INTEREST RATES. Being 21 I think a lot of people are surprised by the car I drive but for me it’s a super easy payment to make and one of the things that plays into it is that I qualified for the lowest interest rate they even make for car loans. Another benefit is being financially set up for those of you who want to get married or start a family one day. I have a high enough credit score I could buy a house when that time comes. I promise it will pay off and save you money by building your credit!!

Xx, Kennah

Advertisement

Monthly Update !!

Posted on by mckennahbybee

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

Posted on by mckennahbybee

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

 

 

 

What’s In My Make-up Bag? : Urban Decay Concealer

Posted on by mckennahbybee

Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer is my ride or die (wow that’s a mouthful). The formula is perfect because it’s very lightweight. It gives you a good amount of coverage but it’s not thick so it never creases! It lasts all day long and blends in easily. The concealer comes in a tube with an easy application wand. I apply it in upside down triangles under my eyes, down the bridge of my nose, on my forehead and chin. This gives you the most natural look instead of only doing your dark circles. I blend it out with the beauty blender and set it will a banana powder. I use the fair neutral color because I’m usually very pale, but I also have the light color and the formula is consistent between colors. If you love MAC’s Pro Longwear concealer you’ll love this one!

Xx, Kennah

Beauty Tip : Plump Lip Hack

Posted on by mckennahbybee

I unintentionally found this hack while using a lip exfoliator from E.L.F. I originally bought it to help my lipstick go on smoother. I use it 3-4 times a week and have noticed a HUGE difference in the size and plumpness of my lips. This exfoliator is THREE dollars. It keeps your lips looking and feeling so soft. It’s not too messy because it comes in lipstick form and really scrubs off the dead skin. I purchased mine from Target, but it is also available at Ulta and it has a 4.5 star rating! I use the clear one because it has big exfoliating sugar grains. For the price I think it’s good. It’s not going to plump your lips up like $800 lip injections would, but I love this and will continue to use it. The exfoliator is also cruelty-free which gives you even more reason to try it out!

Xx, Kennah

Top 10 Most Asked Beauty Questions Answered

Posted on by mckennahbybee

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

Posted on by mckennahbybee

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

2360_2859_140_f

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

hmprod

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

TIGER-MIST-BELLS-BODYSUIT-TM3470WHI_1532x2000_636197427471324115_TM110116-2495

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

4. Hoodie Matching Set

dacc737ad3680a085d1d1e774681db09

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

a6436beba56bd94a4f33a7ce650ab116

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

Posted on by mckennahbybee

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

3228f86ea612f92ea556fd4f81d6319a

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

8dc3153498a6526bef8b69653f2710e3

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

09473083d667785eff7b27b66fb68bf0

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

4. Karla Dress

a4a365edb2bf6586b4032c09c0eeb1fb

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

5. Erica USA Sweatshirt

617d4da59640c30b8a0e14e929a75f4f

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

d05b99480e6b4f1197c44300e9ecdfda

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

7d4e8a53bc822263f861edfa1d9315a0

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

Posted on by mckennahbybee

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

Posted on by mckennahbybee

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