I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!! :D

Hello my friends, I hope that your Sunday is starting off right; I started mine off with this good ol' cup of coffee! It's pretty much delicious, and it's all because of this guy. Goodness, I cannot believe a whole week has already gone by! Let me do a little recap of my adventures since the last time we talked:

1. I went on the most perfect date with a very handsome guy! :) We went to a theme park to play put put golf, and then proceeded to have a delicious dinner under glowing lights! Not that this is relevant, but I had a delicious Greek chicken pita sandwich, and some warm/cheesy/creamy spinach & artichoke dip with toasted pita bread slices...... are you drooling yet? Words don't do this food justice.... I tried :(
2. I went to my school's club fair, and got to enjoy hanging out with my new, awesome friends, and also sign up for some new clubs!
3. I went SHOPPING for some new, fall clothes, which instantly put me in a fantastic mood! I don't know why, but adding a few new additions to my closest made my mood ten times better that particular day. Crazy how that works, huh?..... By the way, you all should go check out Old Navy's Labor Day sales! They. Rock.
4. Today I bought the ingredients to make this delicious Greek quinoa salad & these clean-eating berry muffins! I am going to portion the salad into mason jars, and eat it for lunch the rest of the week. As for the muffins, they will be my breakfast! (crossing my fingers they turn out yummy)!!
5. I started my lifting regime again!! #teammuscle For any of you that want to start working out and/or lifting, you should go check out bodybuilding.com. On the website you can find workouts to target certain muscle groups. 
6. I got a call from my little sissy saying that she got asked to her first, high school, homecoming dance!! Ahhhhh I was so excited for her, but at the same time.... it's bittersweet. I can't believe my baby sister is going to be going to her first dance already. On the bright side, I can't wait to help her pick out her first dress! :) 
7. Lastly, this morning, for the very first time....... I went to a Christian church. My good friend Jill (bless her heart for inviting me) had asked me last night if I wanted to go with her. Normally I would have made up an excuse as to why I couldn't go (because I like to stay home on Sunday's); however, an excited feeling crept over me, and I wanted to say yes! So I did just that, and let me tell ya friends....... I have never in my life felt so moved. I feel close to God today, and quite frankly, its one of the best feelings I've ever felt.

Say Yes to New Adventures

TOP LEFT: This is me doing my "I'm so nervous for my date tonight" look. But gladly, it all went well. Luck must have been on my shoulder the whole time! :P

TOP RIGHT: I woke up early on Friday morning in order to get in a nice 2-mile run before my classes started. I love running early enough to watch the sun rise; do you ever do this?  

BOTTOM LEFT: Sooooo Thursday was an EXTREMELY busy day for me, well, that's what it seemed like anyway. So in order to make it feel like all my hard work had been recognized for the day, I of course treated myself to a creamy, delicious cup of almond milk/vanilla malt frozen yogurt!! On top of this wonderfulness I had peanut butter M&M's, organic granola, one Reeses Peanut Butter Cup, crushed Butterfinger, and caramel turtles. It's basically the best thing on earth.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Tuesday's and Thursday's are some of my busiest days. I work out at 6 in the morning, and have to go straight from my workout to my 8 o'clock Spanish class. Time was pretty slim, and I had forgotten to bring something for breakfast to eat after my workout. So, I ran to the store to grab some of my favorites. A cold bottle of coffee paired with a chewy, energizing granola bar makes for a very awake me during class!

Blogs to Follow:

Back to Her Roots - I discovered Cassie's blog yesterday (after looking at another one of my favorite bloggers post). Cassie is an amazing food blogger, as well as a graphic designer, country gal, new mommy, and wife. She seems like the kind of person I'd love to call my friend!

Dearest Love - Thanks to Logan over at Logan Can, I discovered Jenna's blog. Every Friday Jenna hosts a link-up party called "Coffee Date" (that title alone made me excited to see what her blog was all about!) I would be pretty happy if I could go have coffee with her someday! She is a cute 2nd grade teacher that lives in Atlanta, and blogs about the wonderful things in life. Go have a look-see; you won't be disappointed!

Enjoying the Small Things - Wow. I am so incredibly happy I came across Kelle's blog. She is definitely a person you guys should follow. Not only is she a beautiful mama.... she is also a wife, writer, blogger, photographer, and so much more!

Random Links:

Ooey, Gooey Chocolate Chip & Toffee Bars

Must Have Shoes For Early Fall

15 Autumn Pumpkin Projects & Recipes

Summer Meets Fall With Pressed Flower Candles

Crisp Air

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls

Random Facts:

• I don't sing in the shower because I'm always afraid of someone hearing me... even when i'm the only one home
• I don't like wearing bras. Once I'm home, it's gone (well... unless I have company). Common ladies you know you do it too!
• I don't catch onto jokes as quickly as most people. If I don't get it, then I try and play it off like I do by laughing
• I eat peanut butter every day whether its on a rice cake, a banana, another kind of fruit, on my toast, or on my oatmeal pancakes
• Gum to me is like a cigarette to a smoker
• Country music has my heart
• I have been told I have vampire eyes, like the Cullens on Twilight 

Captures Of The Week

THIS WEEK I'M LINKING UP WITH:


Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you all have a wonderful week! Keep in touch with me through Instagram; I would love to chit chat with you! :)

--McKenna <3

Palisade Peach Festival 2014

The following information is directly from the Palisade Peach Festival Website

A bit of history: Early historical records from The Museum of Western Colorado indicate that “Peach Days” was a popular event held in the late 1800s. Some of the first peach trees in the area were planted in 1882 by John Harlow and his wife, Jean. John built a canal system that brought water from the Colorado River into Palisade (which was finished in the late 1800's); by the early 1900's more than 25,000 pounds of peaches were being shipped daily from Palisade to destinations around the region. Palisade soon grew as a town and other fruit crops followed such as apples, apricots and cherries.

Today, Palisade peaches are the pride of Colorado, world-famous and shipped far and wide. They are sought after by people who drive hundreds of miles to taste the best and take several bushels home to preserve and enjoy throughout the year.

We didn't get a funnel cake, but if you've never had one....you're really missing out. It's basically fried bread covered in powdered sugar... are you slobbering yet?

My cute friend!!

Dun Dun Dun.... the FAMOUS Palisade Peach Ice Cream :) It was definitely worth spending my 3 bucks!

Soo..... this was new this year. Taylor was brave enough to do it! I on the other hand, stood on the sidelines and took pictures :)

There she goes! What a daredevil!

Of course, I couldn't NOT buy a bag of homemade kettle corn.... another thing that was definitely worth spending 3 bucks :)

That hair though!... Tay and I decided that this is what we want to be for Halloween this year.... thoughts? :)

To anyone who plans on going next year, I recommend going around 7 or 7:30 in the evening (it ends at 9 PM). Why? The weather was perfect; it wasn't scorching hot. Last year when I went with my family we went in the middle of the day, and will never do so again (unless of course we want to be wiping beads of sweat off our foreheads the entire time.... isn't that cute).

 From the homemade peach ice cream, to the 80's party jam afterwards, and everything in-between, Tay, my roommate/buddy ol' pal, and I had such a great time at the festival this year! I hope you enjoyed the pictures, and have a wonderful, relaxing, peaceful Sunday :)

-- McKenna <3

Today On Campus: University Center

As I was sitting in my apartment today (totally bored), I thought of a new, fun segment I'd like to start on the ol' blog: Today On Campus. Can you guess what it's going to be like? Let me give you a little insight..... I basically will be "people watching" and/or "spying on people like a creep", and then I will write about it. Fun, right?! I'm giving all you fellow CMU goers a heads up, okay? I don't want people think I'm literally a creep, but rather, okay..... who am I kidding... it's kinda creepy, Ha ha!

Honestly, if I could make people watching my career, I SO would. It's fun, interesting, educational, and creepy all at the same time. Okay so, right now I am sitting in a corner table in the University Center (my first culprit). So far I have seen the following:

1. A girl wearing the same shirt as me (awkward.....)
2. A mama walking her new college girl around campus (probably hating that he's all growed up now)
3. A daddy walking his baby girl around campus, helping her find her classes (he had hair down to his back!)
4. A man munching on some food while texting on his phone (but really he's probably looking at KSL trying to see what new toy he wants to buy....)
5. More families.... (I wish my family was here! Sigh....)
6. More students entering the building.... It must be getting close to dinner time? 
7. My good friend, Christine, just walked through the doors! Whoooo she flew in from Hawaii today! Excuse me while I go give her a big hug!!...... 
8. Awww! The cutest couple just passed... holding hands... I bet they'll have cute babies....
9. I smell food.... I was right... I think the cafeteria just opened for dinner
10. Ah, just saw two bro's wearing the same camo hat (is it twin day?)
11. Oh hey cute guy over there in the corner with your family.... do you need help finding your way around campus...? 
12. Lots of guys wearing mid-shin-length socks..... new trend? 

I may look like I'm Pinteresting but really I'm watching you... cause I'm a true spy... LOL

Well, that's all for today, folks. It's time for me to go home and get some din din before I head to the Palisade Peach Festival later this evening (will be posting about this later)!! I hope you have a fabulous Saturday night!

Lots of love,

-- McKenna <3

Goals To Accomplish During Fall Semester 2014

I can't believe it's that time of year again! Earlier this summer all I could think about was, "Noooo... it's one more day closer to school..." Buuuuut that's not the case anymore! I'm actually super excited to go back in about one week (minus the fact that I will miss my family lots and lots...sigh). I really enjoy learning, challenging myself, meeting new people, experiencing new things, and setting goals to accomplish. Speaking of goals..... I was reading Caroline Ciener's, a fellow blogger, post titled "9 Things to Accomplish in the Fall" (you can go read it at this URL http://www.eastcoastchic.info/2014/07/9-things-to-accomplish-in-fall.html ), and it gave me the urge to make my own list! So, here it goes..... my list of things to accomplish in the Fall semester:

1.) Get a 4.0 GPA

•  I earned a 4.0 GPA my first semester of college. I then set a goal to earn another one my next semester, but sadly fell short by LESS THAN 1% of an A in one class, which gave me an overall 3.97 GPA. :( It really sucks to work so hard towards a goal for so long (and yes I cried over it) , but I am turning that negative into a positive, and coming back this semester even more driven! 4.0.... I am coming for you. 

2.) Join one or two clubs

• I am really looking forward to joining a few clubs this semester. I could kick myself for not doing so my entire first year of school, but you live and you learn right? Clubs are such a good way to get involved, have fun, learn, and network with a bunch of success-driven individuals! Plus... it looks good on the ol' resume ;)  

3.) Go to more school events and social gatherings

• In order to get a 4.0, a lot of time has to be devoted to studying for exams, tests, and quizzes. Last year I spent probably 90% of my time studying. This year I want to make sure I manage my time well enough so that I can have time to enjoy all the fun things that go on at my school. Go Mavs!

4.) Get a part-time job

• I need want that little extra money for my Starbucks, frozen yogurt, and shopping addictions.... Yes I am guilty of all three! :P 

5.) Make time for relaxation

• I am surprised I didn't have many anxiety attacks last year! I stress myself waaaaaay more than any normal person should. To counteract my craziness, I want to make time to go to a yoga class at least once a week, grab takeout and watch Netflix movies (with my awesome roomie), or maybe get my non-fat, iced, Oprah Chai (with cinnamon sprinkled on top) and get lost in a book.

6.) Meet lots and lots of new people

• I have made some really awesome friends from some of my classes last year, and I hope to make even more this semester! I can't wait to get back and catch up with them all :) Sadly however, my best best best friend moved back home, and will no longer be around to workout with me in the mornings, go on random trail runs with me, go get Wednesday & Friday night fro-yo treats, or come over for random girls nights (usually involving movies, frozen yogurt, and lots of deep conversations) ... I will miss her so much.

7.) Make time to blog

• Since this is my new addiction, I absolutely HAVE to make time to blog! I won't be able to post something everyday (or else my study sessions will be non-existent, lol); however, I'm hoping to post two or three times a week (same days each week to make my schedule more organized).

8.) Be money smart

• (See #11 and #4 for the reasons why....)

9.) Workout 5 days a week

• Working out super early in the mornings makes me feel on top of the world! After working out I feel confident, healthy, fit, strong, and it makes my entire mood better. In order to put my best efforts towards school, I have to put my best efforts into the body that fuels "best efforts." Was that too confusing? Ha Ha...

10.) Plan out healthy, affordable, meals, and snacks each week

• No explanation needed...... I just want to be money smart, and healthy at the same time. 

11.) Limit my Starbucks and Frozen Yogurt outings to twice a week (lets be real... probably 3)

Well, there you have it, friends. I probably will develop more goals as the semester goes on, but these are the ones that I think of off the top of my head. Having goals is one of the best things you can do to live a happy life. Even when you don't reach a goal how you envisioned, you feel great knowing how hard you worked towards something that's important to you. Setting (and reaching) goals can make you feel a sense of accomplishment and self-pride, something every person needs to feel! If any of you fellow college-goers are about to go back to school soon, comment and tell me what your goals are! :) Have a great day!

Until next time,



--McKenna <3