Friday, August 29, 2014

Fashion Chat with Jen Carrington



Hey Guys,

Ah yes, another one of my absolute favorite posts. I won't drone on about why this time, as I seem to have done that on the last few, and you're probably sick of it. (Yes, Kendall. We get it, you like to interact with people and this is the best way)

Anyways, this time I've had the opportunity to talk to the lovely Jen over the past few weeks. If for some reason you haven't heard of Jen, (why not?) you should really check out her work. Jen is a 22 year old girl who runs Jennypurr, an amazing beauty and lifestyle blog, as well as co-running A Little Opulent, which I've given my fair share of love to. Needless to say, I was really excited to be able to collaborate with Jen to bring this post, as I absolutely love her advice. (and I'm sure you will too)

1. What made you want to start your blog? 
I had been following and reading beauty and lifestyle blogs for a while and back in early 2013 I took the plunge and started Jennypurr. For me, starting my blog was all about finding a creative outlet and connecting with people with similar interests as well.

2. What’s the meaning behind your blog name?
It's super silly - My name if Jennifer and as a crazy cat lady I took a spin on words to create Jennypurr!

3. What advice do you have for new bloggers?
Enjoy yourself! Don't put any pressure on yourself, it's not needed. Create whatever it is you want to create and enjoy the freedom your space brings. Take the time to find your voice and stay true to yourself throughout the process.

4. How would you describe your style?
Very minimal and laid back. My wardrobe is basically just a mix of navy, white, black, and grey. 

5. What are 3 essentials in your wardrobe?
A good pair of jeans, an oxford shirt, a breton top.

6. Thrifting or buying new?
I've never really experimented with thrifting, so buying new for me!

7. Do you follow trends? If so, what have been your favourites?
Rarely, I tend to just wear whatever I feel comfortable with. Style isn't my forte, so I tend to just stick to a simple style all year round.

8. Who are your fashion inspirations?
The Olsen sisters, Alexa Chung, Sofia Coppola.

9. How has your style changed since you’ve started blogging?
As I don't write about style/fashion I wouldn't say it has - apart from just growing up and streamlining my wardrobe down to suit my age more since graduating from university! I can't get away with sweat pants anymore!

10. What’s your best fashion advice?

Find your style and stick to it - or at least I do!


Thanks again to Jen for helping me out with this, and I hope we can again at some point!

Kendall

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

My Go-To School Supplies List

You didn’t even dread the first day of school because of school supply shopping. | 27 Telltale Signs You’re A Stationery Addict
(Photo Credit - Pinterest)

Hey Guys,

I don't know about you guys, but as much as I dread going back to school in the fall, I absolutely love getting the supplies. I may or may not be a stationary addict. I just really like to be organized, is that such a crime?

As time has gone along, I've sort of developed a standard school supplies list that I go back to year after year, give or take a few things. With some minor moderation, this list has worked for me over the past 4 years as well as my younger sister. 

Now, I know this isn't going to be the perfect list for everyone, but hopefully it'll be a good starting point for those who may (or may not) need it. 

My personal organization system for school uses a binder for homework, notebooks for each class, and an accordion file for holding all of my papers. (Never throw them away. As soon as you do, you'll need them again) 

But without any further ado, my list!

1. Binders (as many as you see fit)

2. Notebooks (one per class)

3. Folders/Expanding file for papers

4. Planner. (the most important of all, let's face it)

5. Pencils/pens (duh.)

6. Highlighters (gotta make those notes pretty)

And anything else you see fit, it's as simple as that!


I hope that this list was interesting, or helpful, or something of the sort, or if nothing else that you enjoyed!

Hope you're having a great morning, day, or night, whatever time it is.

Kendall


Monday, August 25, 2014

Motivational Monday #15

WorkHard//ItPaysOff


I hope you all have a fantastic week! This is my last week before school so I'm going to soak it up!!


Kendall

Friday, August 22, 2014

Fab Friday - Sports Chic/Mesh Trend

 Love it
Mesh V-neck knit
(Photo - We Heart it)

Hey Guys,

So for this summer, the whole "sporty/urban chic" look has been all the rage. From chunky sneakers and flat billed hats, to jerseys, the fashion blogging world has been obsessed. Well, everyone but me. 

While I think this is a great effortless style that can be made casual, edgy, or even glamorous, it just doesn't fit in with my personal style. I know I'm not the only one, though it kind of feels that way at 
times.

Love it

<3 | via Tumblr

I was really inspired to do this post after reading the August edition of Instyle magazine. There was a feature this month on how the average woman can do mesh. The spread showed how mesh can be done in a subtle way such as in bags or shoes as well as some examples from the red carpet, all in an attempt to make the sporty style more accessible to an average, working woman.


BLACK FAUX SUEDE MESH ALMOND TOE PLATFORM HIGH HEEL BOOTIES,Womens Booties-Sexy Booties,Cheap Bootie Heels,Spiked Booties,Lace Up Booties,Wedge Booties,Platform Boots,Platform Booties,Leopard Print Booties,Suede Ankle Booties,Leather Booties at PinkBasis.


As you can hopefully see, even the girliest and most chic of women can probably find a way to work the mesh into their daily style. 


What do you think about the sporty chic trend?


Kendall

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Creative Slump

my happy place
(Photo Credit - We Heart It)


Hey Guys,

I have no idea when I'm actually going to post this, or if I even will at all. I guess if you're reading this, that means I did. But today's post may be a bit different, as it goes more towards the lifestyle side of things. I have no idea if any of this will actually make sense, but take this as a journal entry, and not something meant to be eloquently written with perfect grammar and language. Even if that was what I meant to write, I couldn't, and that's the point of this post.

I have fallen into a massive creative slump. While I usually love to write posts and draw, occasionally free writing or working on a story that I originally started for a school project, I can't seem to do any of these. I have no inspiration or desire to put things down on paper for some odd reason. 

I know that I'm not the only one who struggles with this every once in a while, in fact I know this is something that happens to everyone at one point or another. While I've yet to figure out how to overcome these sort of ruts, I usually just end up getting over it one day out of the blue.

But for now, I shall just read.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Motivational Monday

Work for what you want

Have a fantastic week everyone!

xoxo Kendall

Friday, August 15, 2014

Fashion Chat with Emily Duke

(Photo Credit - Tumblr)

Hey Everyone,

I don't know if you've noticed, but these fashion chats have become quite a regular thing on LEK. These are by far my favorite posts to work on for a number of reasons. I think they're a great way to spread word of your blog as well as make friends and learn more about other fantastic bloggers. 

Never be afraid to approach bloggers. The ones I've spoken to have all been absolutely amazing to talk to and so welcoming to the community, and Emily is no exception.

Emily Duke runs A Lively Blend, a lifestyle blog with absolutely stunning photos. (Seriously, if you're looking for photos to make a mood board, this should be your first stop. Serious photo envy) She was so incredibly easy to talk to and full of advice for anyone who may need it. I definitely suggest checking out her blog. It's a must read.



1. What made you want to start your blog/youtube?
I started my blog a few months after I got married as a way to keep in touch with friends and family. I'd always been into online journaling, ever since the days of Xanga and LiveJournal, took a long hiatus in high school and college, and now it's a part of my daily routine!

2. What’s the meaning behind your blog name?
The meaning behind A Lively Blend is the meaning behind why I blog. My space is a representation of all of my different passions melded into one palette, and an avenue for encourage myself and others to live a well-lived life. Hence, A Lively Blend!

3. What advice do you have for new bloggers/youtubers?
Be honestly yourself. In a saturated world of blogs, you don't need to copy what makes other blogs popular to make your voice heard. Bring something new to the table! Stay true to yourself, engage with others, and you'll be rewarded with an amazing community.

4. How would you describe your style?
A cross between basic and bohemian - I'm not afraid to play with bold colors, prints and textures, but I also don't mind a basic striped top or denim.

5. What are 3 essentials in your wardrobe?
A cozy cardigan, my oxfords, and a good pair of statement earrings.

6. Thrifting or buying new?
A little of both! I'm really picky when it comes to clothes, so I'll search high and low for the perfect piece.

7. Do you follow trends? If so, what have been your favorites?
I typically don't follow trends, but I do love all the denim that's back in style - chambray shirts, denim vests, overalls, etc.

8. Who are your fashion inspirations?
If I could steal anybody's closet, it would be Rachel Bilson's.

9. How has your style changed since you’ve started blogging?
I've become more aware of how I dress and have started opting for more essential items that can be updated with seasonal pieces.

10. What’s your best fashion advice?
​Be yourself and have fun!



Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Off The Shelf - Anna



(*note: I did receive this ebook for free. However, this will not alter my opinions at all)

Hey Guys,

So I recently was asked to read and review Anna by Meghan Riley, the first release in the Starseed Series. The summary intrigued me as it seemed like a comparable story to the Mara Dyer series, though with a twist, Aliens.

(Summary from Goodreads)
 To the outside world, Anna appears to be an ordinary high school senior... 

Anna has a lot of questions. Should she pursue her desire to leave home for college and live out her dream of becoming a physicist? Or should she stay home and help care for her family, which has struggled ever since her father died in Afghanistan? Is her crush, Steve, really interested in her, or is he only using the highly intelligent Anna to try and boost his grades in school? 

These questions, plus the ordinary trials and tribulations of high school, distract Anna from noticing some very... strange things that are beginning to happen to her. 

For as long as Anna can remember, she has had a haphazard smattering of freckles on her arm. But these freckles are starting to change, and cause a series of unnerving hallucinations and odd side effects that only Anna seems to notice. When a strange shadow man starts to haunt her nights, she decides to go on a hunt for the truth to discover, once and for all, what is happening to her. The hallucinations continue growing stronger, however, and each new visit by the shadow man appears to become more and more threatening. Eventually, Anna realizes that she can no longer hide from her friends and family what is happening to her. 

But as she shares her secret with those closest to her, Anna never imagines that her very life, and the lives of those she loves, will be put in jeopardy.

Who, or what, is Anna?



The story itself was a bit difficult to get into, a bit slow in the beginning.  I just felt that nothing really happened in the first third of the book. Throughout the story I was very much reminded of the Mara Dyer trilogy, until the last quarter or so. The major plot twist happens within the last few chapters, and this is where the story gets interesting. However, because this is only in the last few chapters, it felt really rushed. 

I rated this 3/5 stars on goodreads, basically because I wasn't reeled in as much as I would've liked to be, but I did like the story. It was a great easy read and I would recommend that you check it out if you liked the Mara Dyer trilogy. 

xoxo Kendall



Sunday, August 10, 2014

Motivational Monday

💕

Have a great week!

Friday, August 8, 2014

Fab Friday: Overall Trend


 ♡♥︎♡♥︎
(Photo Credit - We Heart it)

Hey Guys,

If you follow any sort of fashion blogs, read magazines, or even take a look outside your window, chances are you've seen a sudden spotlight being put on overalls. Now, I don't know about you guys, but I remember having a pair of overalls as a kid that I thought were the ugliest things ever. Granted, I was a lot girlier then than I am now. 

a n a  | via Tumblr
(Photo Credit - We Heart it)


These 'all-in-one' outfits can be found at basically any store nowadays, both physical and online, and are made of denim, leather, and other cloth materials. 

I can't say that I'm sold on this trend on myself, but I think there are definitely ways to work it, and I really like it on other people. With a plain white tee and some worn Converse, it's another way to pull off the boyfriend look. With some ankle boots and a big pair of sunglasses, the leather can be both edgy and chic.

What do you think of the overall trend?

xoxo Kendall

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Off the Shelf - Impetus

Your favorite photos and videos | Flickr
 (Photo Credit - We Heart It)

*note: I did receive this ebook for free. However, all opinions are my own and are not altered*


Hey Everyone,

I've finally set out on finishing some of the books on my to read list. First on this list was Impetus by Scott M. Sullivan. Some may know that I have a large interest in Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic Fiction stories, and this book definitely fit the bill. I was instantly intrigued by the summary and thought I'd give it a shot. 

(Summary from Goodreads)
When the world first heard about the meteorites, it was already too late.

Ten arduous years later, Mick and his small group of eight had adapted to the new way of things. With no clean running water, power, or forms of communication, the Earth went backward, taking with it almost everything they held dear. Survivors like Mick were forced to do the best they could with what they had. Because in the post-Impact world, alternatives were a luxury that no one could afford.

Now a deadly virus threatens those who were unfortunate enough to survive.

With the clock ticking down on their lives, Mick will navigate the deceitful webs spun by those that oppose his drive for salvation. And along his quest to prevent another catastrophe, Mick will rediscover what it truly means to be human.

***

Impetus does away with the genre's tendency to dwell solely on the catastrophe, to instead examine the very-real human experience and condition behind a world-changing disaster


Sounds interesting, right?

While I loved the overall premise and the language used was perfect, I wasn't really a fan of this book. The ratings throughout the internet are great, so feel free to completely disregard everything I have to say. I am a fourteen year old girl and this is strictly my opinion.

Anyways, as I was saying, the language used is fantastic. It's simple enough to make a quick read, but does a great job with painting a picture. I just had a really hard time getting into the story, and found that I never did. I thought the plot was pretty flat for the first half, hit a climax really quickly, and then ended sharply and left me a bit disappointed. 


I'd love to know if you've read this book what you thought. Was I missing out on something?

Kendall

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Motivational Monday

Work for what you wish for.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Fashion Chat with Carson Coyne


Hey Everyone,

Ah yes, another fashion chat. I'm not going to lie, these are some of my absolute favorite posts to put up on my blog. They're definitely a view into the interactive side of blogging. 

I had the opportunity to talk to Carson Coyne, writer of It's Carson Elaine. Carson is a fairly new blogger like myself, but is really getting her name out there and is doing quite well at the moment. She runs a fantastic blog and is super approachable, definitely someone to check out if you haven't already.

1. What made you want to start your blog?
For me, my blog is my outlet. I was going through a time where I was craving a hobby. I needed that place to go where I could forget about everything else and just focus. Writing and photography have always been a passion of mine as well, so put all of those together and you have my blog!

2. What’s the meaning behind your blog name?
Naming my blog was one of the hardest things to do. When I couldn’t figure out what to call it, I asked myself, “well, what is your blog? what will it showcase most?” and the answer ended up being: me. I was going to share so much about my life from very personal moments to what I bought at the drugstore. It’s Carson Elaine.

3. What advice do you have for new bloggers?
I love this question because I am still looking for advice from “veteran bloggers” as I am fairly new to this blogging world myself. From what I’ve learned so far, I would tell a new blogger to stay committed and honest to your readers. I also found that reaching out to other bloggers and offering to guest post got me a lot of success so far. When I find a blog that I absolutely love that has solid traffic and a growing reader-base, I will advertise and pay for a sidebar ad if they are available for other bloggers to get a little more exposure. Try everything and anything. Don’t be afraid!

4. How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as low maintenance. I want to be comfortable, casual (most days) and stylish without thinking to myself “why did I wear this?”. I’ve been really trying hard during the past year to step up my fashion game. I want to wear more bright colors though, still something I’m working on!

5. What are 3 essentials in your wardrobe?
My three essentials would be my gray maxi skirt, my black strappy sandals, and my denim jacket. Again, I’m all about easy and comfortable!

6. Thrifting or buying new?
Nothing is more exciting than thrifting. I love to shop on a budget and find great pieces for less. I’m not sure if I could pick one or the other, though. Some things… I just would not want to buy at a thrift store! It all depends on the day.

7. Do you follow trends? If so, what have been your favorites?
Honestly, I’m not the best with keeping up with trends. I can’t keep them all straight! I tend to stick with the items that “will always be trending” like a red lip and slicked back ponytail. I’m glad the denim jacket came back - I love mine!

8. Who are your fashion inspirations?
I’ve always loved Lauren Conrad’s fashion sense. I love her laid back and classic style. It all looks very put together when she probably got ready pretty quickly!

9. How has your style changed since you’ve started blogging?
I think blogging has motivated me to try new things. In one of my posts where I talked about the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms, I mentioned that I’m trying to wear brighter lip products. That’s definitely out of my comfort zone but I’ve come a long way!

10. What’s your best fashion advice?
Dress for yourself and no one else! When you’re getting ready in the morning, don’t worry about what others may think of your outfit. Are you comfortable? Do you feel beautiful? That’s all that matters!
 

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