Oh my goodness, words cannot describe how good it feels to be back! Ever since I decided to only post on Sundays (due to lack of time throughout the week from school), I find myself daydreaming during class about a million different things I want to write about; do any other bloggers out there do this while at work, school, or elsewhere? #bloggerprobs

I have been trying to figure out how I want to go about these #sundayposts, and honestly, am still not quite settled on anything. Basically, today's post is my guinea pig; it might be a little random, but I promise it will be filled with lots of interesting and delightful "stuff".

Say Yes to New Adventures

 TOP LEFT: See that lady cheering? That's because the Uintah Utes (my hometown's high school football team) made an awesome play at there first home game (they ended up winning as well). After class this last Friday I raced home (3 hours) to watch my little sister, a member of the Uintah High U'ettes, perform at her first high school football game. Upon arrival I realized I had made a mistake in wearing cute, yellow shorts. Why? It looked like I was in Seattle, Washington; rain was on the way. After making it to the game, I watched in excitement as the score board time neared the half-time mark. 8 minutes....... 6 minutes.... 3 minutes.... 30 seconds.... 2 seconds left!!!..... THEN.... Rain. Everywhere... Teams running off the field.... parents, siblings, and students clearing the stands... umbrellas going up.... and here I am thinking, "SERIOUSLY!?!?! You couldn't have waited like..... 5 more minutes?" Long story short, they ended up finishing the game; however, the U'ette's did NOT get to perform. Sad. Day. Although I didn't get to see my sis perform during halftime, I did get to see her do some shorter, side-line routines before the rain came, which was just as great. She is a rock star. As I watched her dance and sit in the student section, I became quiet, and couldn't quite grasp the fact that she is now in high school, my little sis. It's bittersweet watching her grow up (I'm even getting choked up now), but more sweet than bitter. #proudoldersis

TOP RIGHT: For those of you who didn't see this earlier in the week, this is my FAVORITE snack/breakfast/side in the world! There are three reasons for that: there's peanut butter, there's honey, and there's bananas. That combination right there equals LOVE. It's also very filling, so if you are ever in need of a quick fix that keeps you full, try this out. Whatever you do though.... DO NOT forget to sprinkle cinnamon on top... you won't get the full, delicious effect!

BOTTOM LEFT: I mentioned on this picture that I would be putting the recipe up on the blog Sunday, and what-do-ya-know, it's Sunday! This (Strawberry Protein Oatmeal Pancakes) is one of my favorite breakfast meals. Not only does it fill me up, it provides for and fuels my body during the day. Here it is:

Ingredients

1 egg
2 egg whites
1/4 - 1/2 scoop strawberry protein powder
1/2 cup quick oats
splash almond milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Sprinkle cinnamon
Banana slices
Honey
Granola

Directions

Mix all ingredients together (in the above order). Pour entire mix into medium size fry pan for one large pancake. Top with banana slices, honey, granola, and/or peanut butter. Eat plain, drizzled with yogurt, or dipped in low-cal maple syrup. Enjoy :)

BOTTOM RIGHT: This right here is another one of my favorite snacks/pre-workout snacks! It's just a caramel corn rice cake with Jiff's whipped peanut butter, honey, banana slices, and cinnamon. Delicious. Nutritious. Low-cal. Filling. Yum!

Blogs to Follow:

The Daily Tay

Logan Can

Rivers & Roads

Oak and Oat's

East &


Random Links:

11 Thing I Wish I Knew Before Going To College

Teen Who Survived 2 Plane Crashes Achieves Basketball Dream

Why You Should Make New Years Resolutions In The Fall 

18 Healthy Sandwich Choices That Make Lunchtime Special

You'll Flip For These Pumpkin Pancakes


Stuff I Want to Tell You:

Yesterday........ I GOT A CAMERA!!!! I have been wanting a nicer, more professional camera for awhile now (mainly to improve my blog). After we went and got the camera (a Nikon D60) that my cousin sold to me (thanks Misty!), my sweet mom took the time to help me understand the camera before I went back to school.  I kept telling her that in a way I felt guilty for allowing her to help me, seeing as she has worked for over 4 years researching and reading to get to the place she's at today. Of course I still have a massive amount to do myself, but....basically I just feel super blessed to have such a humble mother. I also told her that she has a way with teaching, and should think about giving photography lessons; anyone who knows my mama probably agrees! Here is the link to her site if you want to check out her photos: Janece Kenney Photography.

To wrap up this weekend post, I'm going to share a few more photos that I took this morning, just because I'm tickled pink with how they turned out! :P I hope that you all have a wonderful week. Manage your time wisely so that you can lessen stress. Eat healthy. Eat treats, too. Exercise. Spend time with your family. Get enough sleep. Have goals to accomplish each day. Tell the ones dear to your heart that you love them. Make a new friend. Reach out to someone. And lastly, spoil yourself a little! :) I will talk with you all in one week! In the meantime.... follow my adventures on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Lots of love -- McKenna <3

20-Minute Full-Body Workout

Alright guys, tomorrow is Monday, which means that it's time to kick off the week right! Last Friday I made up this quick 20-minute, full-body workout that will definitely make you sweat. This is a strength training and HITT workout combined. Try to find time to fit in at least 20 minutes of exercise per day regardless of how busy your schedule is. If you have time to sleep, you have time to workout. Personally, exercise makes me feel more awake, more alert, more confident, and more motivated to get my daily tasks done! If you struggle in trying to "like" or "enjoy" working out, try doing some of these things. I am a college student who has classes all throughout each day, so I like to get my workouts in early (around 5:30-6 a.m.). Have you ever heard the saying, "Wake up early and workout before your mind realizes what your doing?" ITS TRUE my friends, I'm telling ya ha ha; I give kudos to those of you who can workout at night! This morning I walked up and down main st. to take pictures with my new camera (eeeeek I LOVE IT!!!); it was also a great way to be active. What are you going to do today? #bestrong #youcandoit

Warm up: Run 1 mile

Workout
You will do each exercise 4 times (for 1 min.) before moving on to the next one. Alternate between 50 jumping jacks & 50 high knees (for 4 min) at the very end.


Burpees (with full push up)
Box jumps
Squats w/ dumbbell
Push-up rows
Jumping jacks/high knees

Core:
Go through entire workout (2-3x); do 50 full sit-ups at the end

Mt. climbers (20 each leg)
Leg raises (20)
Plank (hold for 1 min.)
Spider man plank (20 each side)
Russian twists (20 each side)
Full sit-ups (on ground or on medicine ball)

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

Every sunrise is a new beginning

#nofilter

Normally, I take my weekends off of exercising; however, I kind of had an "off day" yesterday and wanted to get back on the ball this morning. Wednesday night I didn't go to bed until two o'clock, and was a bad girl because I had a much-too-filling midnight snack. I still set my alarm to 5:30 a.m. so that I could go to my boot camp class; unfortunately, I slept through it. Truth is, I told myself, "Ehhh if I get up I'll go, but if I don't oh well." That was my first mistake. I woke up, felt more tired than usual, felt sluggish, and wasn't motivated to go workout. I decided to eat some breakfast; I ate cereal and toast (not the most nutritious meal). I then felt "fluffy"on top of feeling sluggish, and un-motivated. Great. From then on my whole day was unbalanced. I continued to feel "fluffy", sluggish, tired, and bloaty the rest of the day. Not wanting to feel that way again, I was better, and did some high intensity/cardio workouts for 30 minutes, Friday morning. However, I still didn't feel my best.

So, in determination to feel better, Friday night, I planned to wake up early Saturday morning to go on a run, and watch the sun rise. I have come to learn that if I plan out my workouts the night before, I am more likely to follow through the next day. If I don't plan, I usually have little motivation, and I don't enjoy the workout (which is a shame...because working out should be fun!)

The hill I jogged up! It's a definite booty-worker!

The sun hadn't peeked over the mt. yet!...

And then..... :)

I love running outdoors. I especially love running early enough to watch the sun rise. It's beautiful. It's peaceful. It's my meditation.

Post run selfie ;)

After I finished my run I wanted to do a bit more, so that I got a full-body workout. I did what I do a lot.... found a workout on Pinterest!! I love Pinterest... a lot a lot a lot! This is the one I picked out...

So I hope you all have a wonderful day, and you should definitely make plans to go on a morning, sun rise run (say that 5 times fast) sometime soon! Lastly, from me to you, "May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sunset hold more peace."


All my love, McKenna <3

How I went from being "skinny" to being "healthy".

To many people, I have always been the girl who could "eat whatever I wanted and still look 'skinny'". This may have been true when I was 12 or 13; however, as I grew older that wasn't necessarily the case. Yes, I've never really been "overweight", but I have definitely been "underweight".

 

I started to become more conscious of my body appearance when I entered junior high. I was at the age where I could start dating, so of course, I became more involved in my physical appearance. I remember being self conscious of my forehead (which is why I had bangs), my "oval-shaped" face (with not very defineable cheekbones), my "bigger feet" (Size 8 1/2 - 9), my "no thigh gap" legs, and my "flatter chest". Don't get me wrong, I wasn't a depressed adolescent. I was full of life, and was a happy girl even with all of those insecurities.

As I entered high school as a sophomore, I still had most of the same insecurities that I had in junior high. I liked my legs a little more, liked my curves a little more, liked my oval-shaped face a little more, but still didn't feel comfortable with my forehead and foot size (I kept my bangs, and started to try and fit into size 8 1/2 shoes). As a sophomore I dated mostly guys who were seniors, which caused those insecurities to be even greater. I was always comparing my physical appearance to those "senior" girls who had a larger chest, tinier waist, smaller feet, and more defined cheekbones (because I felt like that was what the older, senior guys liked). Once again, I was NOT depressed or unhappy. I was still a happy adolescent who was involved in sports, got good grades, and had amazing friends; but, I still had insecurities that ate at me day in and day out. 

As I started my junior year of high school, I started losing some of those insecurities that I carried with me since junior high. I started to like my physical appearance more, partly because I enjoyed people telling me how "strong" I looked. I was a member of the softball team, so being strong and muscle-y was a good thing. I ended up competing in my school's "Miss Uintah Body Building Competition"; I didn't win, but I was proud of myself for being confident enough to be in front of a large audience in only spandex and a bikini top! Keep in mind.. I still had the bangs that covered my forehead at that time, so unfortunately, all insecurities weren't gone. 

As I started my senior year, I became a member on a state championship drill team (dance team). It took a lot of hard work, dedication, and commitment (physically & emotionally). We practiced and conditioned all throughout the summer (with a 2 week break), then started getting ready for competition season, practicing six days a week, 3 hours each day (longer some days, and had a couple 2-a-day practices). It was constant exercise. My body started changing. My legs were stronger, but also thinner. My waist shrunk. My arms, shoulder, and chest became toned, but I lost mass. My face finally had cheekbones that were noticeable. I was "skinny". I also stopped having my period. At the time I was happy with how my body was changing; however, I was blind to the fact that I was becoming, not just "skinny", but unhealthy as well. 

All throughout my senior year I had my coach, my parents, my siblings, and some extended family comment on my "skinniness". I was forced to go to several doctor appointments to see if I was unhealthy. But of course, they don't know anything, right? I was happy, I was finally getting that "thigh gap", those cheekbones, that tiny waist, that "desirable look by senior boys." Boy...... if I could just go back in time and slap myself I would! Looking back now I know that my family was only looking out for me; they were worried. Looking back now I know that I lost too much weight, and that I had the wrong perception of what "beautiful" and "healthy" is. On a side note, drill team taught me how to love my face again. Being a dancer, your hair is always slicked up into a tight bun, which forced me to show off my naked face. I'm so grateful for that now! 

Senior Year of Prom - I was pretty "skinny", and had less muscle

Things didn't start changing (in a good way) for me until I left for college. I was so surprised when I went to the gym, and saw so many girls/women lifting weights. I had always been against that because I didn't want to become "bulky". But when I saw these girls, they weren't bulky; these girls were muscle-y, toned, fit, strong, beautiful, healthy, and I could see it on their face that they were happy. I look back now and laugh because I was.... this "skinny" girl walking into a room full of "strong" girls to go run on the treadmill... with my only concern being to keeping the weight off. So, I decided to start going to one of the boot camp classes, which became a blessing in disguise. By going to bootcamp, I met Kaitie (who became my best friend, lifting partner, and sister), and Molly (who became my motivation, bootcamp instructor, and friend). After starting bootcamp, Kaitie and I started lifting together three days a week, attending boot camp two times a week, and eating more healthy-like. I became stronger, muscle-y-er, more confident, and more knowledgeable about "health". I didn't care anymore about being "skinny". I wanted to be strong and healthy. 

Christmas 2013 - When I loved being "healthy" so much that I asked for new Nike's and workout attire :)

Today, I am more happy than I ever was when I was just "skinny". I love my curves, my booty (thank you squats), my face (thank you drill), my strong legs, my strong core, and yes.... even my big feet ;) I feel beautiful even when I make poor eating choices on a certain day, or skip a workout. What's more important is enjoying life, enjoying your treats, and enjoying being a complete couch potato all day. This life we live is short, and it shouldn't be wasted worrying about that brownie you ate yesterday, or that workout you skipped earlier this week because you were tired. Love your body. Don't focus on being "skinny"; strive to be "healthy".

All my love, 


McKenna

My Bucketlist - 15 things to accomplish someday, somehow!

Whats on your bucket list? Do you wish to soak in the sun on the island of Fiji? Attend a lavish ball (and I'm talking about the "whole nine yards" ball with big Cinderella gowns, prince-like tuxedos, expensive food, and orchestral performances)? Go bungee jumping? Skydiving? Write your own book? The list of things to do in this life are endless, and I definitely have a few things on my bucket list I hope to do someday. As I was thinking about mine last night, I came to realize that I have way to many to cram into one post (you would be reading for hours..... and really..... ain't nobody got time for dat!). However, I thought it would be fun to tell you about a few of them! Sit back, grab some popcorn (maybe even a box of cookies... if you end up eating a whole box... I won't tell), grab a glass of water/pop/coffee/tea/wine (whatever floats your boat), and get inspired to create your own bucket list!

1.) Attend Rachael Ray's show in NYC

Rach and Sunny Anderson! I just love when Sunny is on the show; she is so funny! 

 





2.) Watch the ball drop in Times Square, NYC 

Thousands upon thousands of people, bright lights, live music, take me there!!

3.) Explore Europe

Venice.... Gondolas....

 

4.) Ride a Train - Like the ones in Harry Potter

All aboard!!!! Chooo choooo!!!

5.) Learn how to make homemade bread

Oh you fancy, huh? ;)

6.) Own my own dog

Preferably a Golden Retriever :) 

7.) Start my own business

Marketing/Communications/PR/Event Planning.. Love it all :)

8.) Eat a Chicago Dog in Chicago

That...sizzling...bundle of goodness :P Nom Nom Nom

9.) Join a book club

If you don't love getting lost in a book, just slap yourself right now!

10.) Eat at a 5-star restaurant 

How cool is this restaurant!? It's in Bangkok, Thailand!! Named "The Most Stunning Rooftop Bar You'll Ever See" by The New York Times :)

11.) Watch a Las Vegas Show

Cirque Du Soleil - Verekai

12.) Grow my own garden

I'd love to grow my own cucumbers & tomatoes :)

13.) Spend an entire day at a resort/spa

Conrad Hotels and Resorts

14.) Eat a real, southern meal in a southern state

Two of my favorites...chicken....and waffles <3

15.) Run a marathon

Dicks Sporting Goods Marathon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania