Author: mackenzie045

Travel

3 More Weeks Until Summer…..

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There are only three more weeks until summer and each day just seems to be going by slower and slower. For my last blog post of the school year, I decided to fill you in on the plans I am looking forward to this summer; first being Spanish classes. Next week I will begin taking Spanish 101 and I am excited to become more familiar with the language. I wasn’t too happy to discover it happens during the summer, but I think it will be very beneficial.

Secondly, I am excited to be working at the ESPY gifting lounge for my internship with Luxury Experience and Co. It will be taking place on July 9th and we have already begun sending emails to brands and getting in contact with talent. The Coachella event was so successful so I can’t wait to see what they have planned for this one!

After school gets out, I will also be starting work at the Beach House. I am really looking forward to being able to see all their new clothes, meet new people, and spend time with my brother. This is the first summer I am able to drive so I am excited to have that freedom as well. Finally, my family will be moving back to the south so I will spend time helping my parents pack up the house, take care of all of the animals, and get settled into a brand-new home. I am eager to be somewhere new and get the opportunity to meet a bunch of people, but I am definitely nervous about what the future holds. I will be beginning cross country in the fall so this will be a great opportunity to connect with others.

As I am getting ready to leave the west coast many people ask me, “Are you sad to leave?” Truthfully, I love how beautiful California is, but nothing compares to me than being surrounded by southern people. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend the last two years in California. It has been such an amazing experience for my family and I and I have learned many new things, but it is time for a new chapter! Hope everyone has a great summer!

Uncategorized

Workout Class Challenge

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Over the past few months, I have challenged myself to try a variety of different workout classes to see what class I would like most. The first type of class I tried was yoga at Core Power. Being an inflexible person, I decided to choose the heated class. Yoga is definitely very calming as well as a good workout. I would recommend the heated classes to anyone because it helps you release more toxins in your body, leaving you feeling more cleansed. It is difficult at first when you aren’t familiar with the different poses and having to watch others, but over time, you will quickly learn them. The class helps you focus on something other than what’s going on in your life and connect back with your body. You are able to adjust moves to challenge yourself and learn new things about your body.

The next class I tried was Pulse Fitness. At this studio, they offer a machine called the Mega Reformer. If you aren’t familiar with this machine, it is meant to challenge the body while performing Pilates. It forces you to work muscles you didn’t even know how to work and combines strength, endurance, cardio, balance, core, and flexibility. It is a very difficult class, but I enjoyed seeing the capability of my different muscles. After this 45-minute class, you will be left feeling lengthened and strengthened.

Lastly, I visited MAD fitness to try out their spin classes. Being someone who loves cardio, everyone has always recommended this to me, and it is by far my favorite. They offer a variety of different classes including the original Mad Spin, Vegas Spin, MTV Spin, Throwback Thursday, Flashback Friday, Mad Sprints, Theme Spin, Virtual Spin, Miami Spin, and Spin for Charity. Each class features loud music to get you in the zone and neon spot lights. They have created a very welcoming and empowering environment by making sure everyone is feeling their best and pushing themselves. There is a lot of encouragement from both the staff and other guests. Each type of class leaves you hooked and wanting to come back for more. Working out your body and your heart at least three times a week, and maybe more, is important to keep yourself going! By finding a class that you enjoy, you will be more motivated to attend. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

Fashion · Uncategorized

A Day in Malibu with the Aeropostale Eco-Friendly Collection

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Over the weekend, I got invited to Aeropostale x Reprieve’s exclusive Malibu Beach House experience featuring a variety of programming, musical performances, and activations celebrating their eco-friendly collection in Malibu. The collection features eco-friendly jeans made from plastic bottles that give you sustainable, superior stretch. The first day, Saturday, included Rumble Boxing class with Rumble Trainer Nicklas Lundblad, a performance by James Kennedy, brunch hosted by Host Catering and Bites and Batch, and a panel with speakers on sustainability, fashion, and the environment. The second day, Sunday, included yoga and meditation with Exhale Spa, a BBQ Brunch by Gaucho on Fire, denim customization, and a performance by Rachel Crow. I drove down on Sunday afternoon with my friend Lea. I was especially excited because this was my first time being able to drive to Malibu by myself. The drive was shorter than normal because there wasn’t any traffic and we arrived in a little over an hour. As much as I love driving, parking has always been a struggle for me, so it took me a while to find a good spot. Lea and I strutted into the event. I was wearing a white dress from Red Dress with a pair of wedges and Lea was wearing her stylish vintage jeans from Levi’s and a fuzzy sweater from Forever 21.

The front of the house was beautifully decorated with four jean mannequins holding flowers and spelling out the word AERO and a couple photo back drops.

Inside, there were many friendly faces, a stunning pool, a stage, a bar, and a booth with shirts, jeans, and towels.  Lea and I walked around the party introducing ourselves to the other guests and people working for the company.

We got to try Hint Waters summer flavors and got gifted a towel, a shirt, jean shorts, and two pairs of jeans. Then, we watched an amazing performance by Rachel Crow and got to talk to her about her career. After a lot of socializing and pictures, we decided to stop at Nobu for some sushi.

We enjoyed our edamame beans and California rolls along with the breathtaking view of the sunset. After our meal, we sadly had to head home because we had school the next day. As we were driving, we both were craving something sweet and stopped for milkshakes and then did some shopping at the Target in Oxnard.

Thank you for being my plus one Lea!

It was a great event and I am so thankful for the opportunity to have gone. I’m looking forward to my next road trip to Los Angeles!

Travel

Two Weeks in Europe

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Europe is a magical place and I was fortunate enough to be able to spend my Christmas holiday here with my family for my mom’s birthday. I had been to Europe twice before when I was younger, but it wasn’t until this trip that I felt that I had appreciation for the culture and its beauty. We visited Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna, Venice, Florence, and Rome and each place was uniquely different and special.

We spent a short time in Amsterdam and during our time, we visited the Anne Frank House. I really enjoyed getting to see it because I read her diary and had learned a lot about her life. It was crazy seeing all the things I read about and being in the place she hid for her life. After Amsterdam, we went to Prague.

I had visited Prague once before and begged my parents to take a trip back here. There aren’t enough words to describe how magical this place is. Because it wasn’t hit during the war, the architecture is beautiful, old, and you feel as if you are in a fairy tale. They have many markets with stands full of food, drinks, desserts, jewelry, statues, and other products from Prague. It’s so easy to mesh with the locals here because they are welcoming and friendly. I would love the chance to live here for a couple months. We went to see the Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral.

Next, we spent Christmas in Vienna. Even though we were used to spending Christmas day at home, my parents made it feel like home. They had a mini Christmas tree put in the room and we spent the night watching our favorite Christmas movies. My family also went to watch a symphony. Both of my brothers are into music, so this was definitely on their bucket list, but I still enjoyed it.

Venice was our next stop. It is unique with the water ways and we rode a gondola around the city. Our second to last stop was Florence. We visited the Galleria dell ‘Accademia which displays Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture along with the Uffizi Gallery which exhibits  Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.”

Finally, we spent New Year’s Eve in Rome. We saw the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and got to go through catacombs.

We also got to see the Pope speak which was such a special experience. Italy is known for having the best leather, so the shopping was great! I browsed through many leather coats and found a black one that I loved. I wear it with everything and every time I wear it, I am reminded of Rome. Overall, we went to many cathedrals and palaces as well as ate such delicious food. I am so thankful to have gotten to go on this trip especially with my family. I look forward to going back soon!

Internship

What is it like interning for a PR-Firm?

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                  For those of you who don’t know, Public Relations is the professional maintenance of a favorable public image by a company or other organization or a famous person. After having the opportunity to work behind the scenes at a fashion show in New York City, I realized I had a love and passion for business. I had always been fascinated by PR work, so I decided to apply for an internship with Luxury Experience and Co. I was overjoyed when I found out that I had been selected! My first event took place at the Pre-Oscars Gifting Lounge at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. My first task was to represent High Beauty Skincare line at the event. Immediately, I raced to my phone to find the inside scoop on the brand. I informed the talent about the product along with the amazing results of using it. I then gave them two products from the company, a face oil and a moisturizer, and snapped a quick photo of them. I loved my role at this event because it gave me the opportunity to use my speaking skills, something I enjoy doing, I got to socialize and talk with others, and I loved that it was a skincare/beauty brand.

The second event I got the opportunity to work at occurred last weekend, Coachella. I was so excited to find out she would be hosting a gifting suite at Coachella because I had always dreamed of going to it. Weeks in advance for the event, I learned how to create the invite list for the party, how to create the talent sheet for each of the brands, and got to post Instagram stories featuring each of the brands on their account. The event took place at a house in Palm Springs. It was beautifully decorated; the backyard consisting of each brand centered around a swimming pool. My first task when I arrived here was to help blow up floaties for the company Swim Line. This was fun but a bit difficult to do in a dress! Secondly, I helped set up a table with all of the brands on it for pictures. I carefully placed each item down and covered the table with flowers. Next, I wrapped up any final decoration touches in the backyard and was sent to the front to assist with check in. Here I met many amazing people. During my time spent out front, a woman named Dana Patterson arrived. I instantly fell in love with her spunky personality and kind spirit. I gained so much insight and advice from her and walked around to introduce her to all the brands. Finally, I was in charge on taking photos of one of the company Voss Water. I ran into Rachel McCord and we had a blast doing a mini photo shoot of her and the water by the pool. Lastly, I also had the chance to talk to Annalyn McCord about her program Together One Heart and hopefully going on a mission group with her and her team! I am so blessed to have found this internship because it has really help me grow as a person and guide me along one of my career interests. It is hard work, but I love the experience and all the people involved. If you’re interested in a job, I definitely suggest interning to find out if it’s the right choice for you!

Travel

Days in Paradise

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Traveling. A step out of an everyday routine. An escape from reality. An important part of my life and my favorite pass times. Traveling plays a key role in my life because it helps in defining me as a person. I enjoy pretending to live someone else’s everyday life and waking up in a new place to conquer. Each place special and uniquely different. This spring break I had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii with my best friend Camille. Surprisingly enough I had actually never been here considering this is where my dad was born. Hawaii was just as I had imagined. We had spent our time on Kauai. The minute I stepped off the plane I felt the warm breeze and the smell of beach fill my nostrils. Not just any beach though; the salty and sweet smell of fresh pineapples, comfortably warm ocean water, and loads of beach bum sunscreen. The first two nights were spent at a hotel on the ocean. It was just as I had seen in the movies. Everyone wearing luaus and smiling; tossing around “alohas” and “mahalos”. Because of the time change, I woke up at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise.

Camille and I spent the days laying out on the beach listening to music. As much as I admired the beach and the sun, I didn’t realize the magnitude of the sun’s rays here unlike in Santa Barbara and soon enough, I felt fried despite the pounds of sunscreen I had applied to my skin, but a dip in the ocean fixed it right up. It was truly paradise. A city covered in nothing but nature and free spirits. Endless nights of fresh fish and late night swims. Sunsets like I have never seen before. The following nights were spent at a hotel on the edge of a cliff. Here we enjoyed the relaxing pool atmosphere along with the hot tub right outside our room. One of the most special spots we discovered was a beach cove. Here the water was clear and we were surrounded by palm trees full of coconuts and rocks. Our last day we spent the night at a small sushi restaurant and enjoyed miso soup, tuna rolls, and California rolls. I was sad to leave but I look forward to returning again soon.

Inspiration

Human Trafficking in Our World Today

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Human Trafficking. What is it? Trafficking is a very complex term that many people are either misinformed or would prefer not to discuss. By definition it is, “the action or practice of illegally transporting people from one country or area to another, typically for the purposes of forced labor or sexual exploitation.” I originally became interested in this topic after watching my mother teach survivors a curriculum called Ending the Game, which is designed to educate and empower survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking by providing a structure and framework to uncover harmful psychological coercion that victims may have been subjected to during or before their exploitation experience, and I soon learned that the majority of teens are completely unaware of this issue. I decided to do my part to help by collecting art supplies for House of Hope at my high school, discussing human trafficking on my local radio show, and assisting my mom in a variety of different small projects. I also had the opportunity to talk to the developer of the program Ending the Game, Rachel Thomas, and gain more information from Carissa Phelps, author of Runaway Girl, along with receiving the chance to work side by side with a local survivor. As I began to research and attend awareness events, I found that most parents choose not to inform their children about trafficking because they either feel uncomfortable or are under the impression that it cannot happen to their child. Ignoring an issue and pretending it’s not there doesn’t make it go away. Human trafficking can happen to anyone no matter who you are, where you live, or the color of your skin. It is all around us and affects our society every day. Many are also confused to why girls being trafficked don’t inform someone or try to get out. The one thing the definition is missing is the word coercion, the practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats. Coercion, as defined in the context of sexual assault, is “the act of using pressure, alcohol or drugs, or force to have sexual contact with someone against his or her will”. Traffickers use several tactics such as threats, lies, blackmail, intimidation, humiliation, and debt bondage to coerce victims into sex trafficking. They instill fear and a sense of obligation for victims to do acts they wouldn’t usually do. The question is, what are we going to do about it? I think for starters, making kid more aware and teaching online safety. By knowing what it is and how it happens, we can protect ourselves as well as help family and friends in our community.

Shopping

New Santa Barbara Shopper

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Being from Atlanta and now living in Santa Barbara, I have had to adapt to the change in shopping. Since I love clothes, I was lucky to have 3 malls containing a wide variety of shops right at my fingertips in Atlanta but now, I pretty much just have State Street. As much as I love going downtown with my friends, the shopping doesn’t even compare to what I am used to but, today I will be sharing a few of my favorite shops to go to that are worth browsing in SB.

First, I have always loved Urban Outfitters. Urban offers a wide variety of unique styles coming from numerous brands along with small trinkets that are perfect for a friend’s birthday. The store itself is very spacious and the layout makes the clothes easily accessible.

Another store that I had actually never heard of before moving was Brandy Melville. This store has a certain trend and style that they sell including small tank tops, crops, and of course, the mom jeans. I like Brandy because it is affordable and normally has very cute and simple items. The store is quaint but, the one thing everyone consistently says is that because it is so popular, most of the time when you go to school, there will be someone wearing the same outfit.

Next, one of my personal favorites is the Beach House. The Beach House has the most adorable beach clothes and the atmosphere is very chill and welcoming. (I actually love this store so much I got a summer job working here.) They have all different beachy brands including Roxy, Billabong, Rip Curl, Voltcom, Quiksilver, Hurley, RVCA, O’Neil, Vans, and many others. I personally love their rompers, sun dresses, swimsuits, and sandals because they are really good quality and their items last me a long time. The one downside to the store is that because it is a touristy spot, there clothes are pricier but, most of the time you can find a good deal.

Finally, I love taking a stop in American Eagle. The main reason I like to go into this store is for their jeans. Their jeans are so comfortable and stretchy and have so many different styles and colors to choose from. The jeans they have are really nice quality and are perfect for anyone. Despite not having as many store options as I am used to, I have found to love these four stores, so the next time your downtown, I would definitely recommend stopping in!

College

Let the college tours begin!

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College has been something I’ve been thinking about for as long as I can remember. The day that I would been on my own; creating a future for myself. I’ve spent numerous hours researching different locations and majors but this past weekend was my first time being to a campus. I visited Texas Christian University; home of the horned frogs. TCU is a private Christian university in Fort Worth, Texas established in 1873. From the moment I arrived, I loved the atmosphere and the environment of the college. My friend Anna gave me a tour around the campus and informed me of all the amazing things TCU has to offer. As I walked around, I saw that it had recently been updated and is growing larger. The first place I got to see was the Greek village. It contained homes for 13 sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Phi Mu, Pi Beta Phi, Sigma Kappa and Zeta Tau Alpha. I then proceeded to follow her to the athletic facility. Being into both soccer and staying fit, I loved the layout of the facility and all of the training rooms and workout classes it had especially the track that wrapped around the top of the building. Another element the school had was the business program that gave students the ability to design, implement and manage information technology, data, and organization-wide systems, and the skills to manage, analyze and develop applications dealing with business of the future. I admired the religious aspect the school had as well and I look forward to visiting more colleges within the next year!

Not only did I get the opportunity to visit a college on my trip, but I also attended my cousins wedding. It was beautifully southern and took place at The Barn at Paradise Plantation. It was quaint and special with perfect weather of sunny skies and a light breeze. It was so nice to see my family and I hope to see them again soon.

Beauty

What’s in my makeup drawer?

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Over this past weekend, I was in Los Angeles for an internship at a PR firm for a pre-oscars gifting lounge, as well as walking at an awareness benefit for Nancy Vuu. My makeup for the benefit this weekend was so unique and beautiful, but because of one of the products they used, it resulted in me having an allergic reaction, so today I’ve decided to share with you my personal makeup routine for sensitive skin. Before applying any makeup, I take my favorite makeup wipes by Simple called Sensitive Skin Experts https://www.ulta.com/kind-skin-cleansing-facial-wipes?productId=xlsImpprod4180779 and to make sure I’m starting with a super clean canvas. Then I follow by applying Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base. https://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/14007/7485/skincare/moisturizer/vitamin-enriched-face-base#. I love this product in particular because it is light on the skin and very hydrating. Finally to prep my face, I apply the Arbonne primer. https://www.arbonne.com/PWS/homeoffice/store/AMUS/product/Makeup-Primer-7825,1597,263.aspx . I use a small pea sized amount of base by Arbonne https://www.arbonne.com/PWS/homeoffice/store/AMUS/product/Perfecting-Liquid-Foundation-SPF-15-Sunscreen-Fair-7623,1421,263.aspx or a tinted moisturizer called Intellishade Matte by Revision Skincare Intellishade® Original <h4> age-defying tinted moisturizer with sunscreen</h4> depending on whether I’m going out or if I’m going to the beach.

I follow this by brushing a light layer of Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Bronzer https://tartecosmetics.com/en_US/makeup/cheeks/bronzer/amazonian-clay-waterproof-bronzer/27.html?cgid=bronzer#start=4. Once I’ve completed with the skin, I set my face with the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder https://www.lauramercier.com/setting-powder/translucent-loose-setting-powder—travel-size-prod12614737.html?cgid=cat310002&dwvar_prod12614737_color=Translucent. While the powder is setting into the skin, I move onto eyes. Two of my favorite eye shadow palettes include Tartiest Pro to Go https://tartecosmetics.com/en_US/collections/tarte-to-go-travel/tarteist-pro-to-go-palette/953.html and Too Faced Peach Palette https://www.toofaced.com/eye-makeup/eye-shadow-palettes/peaches-and-cream-white-peach/41038.html?cgid=eye-shadow-palettes#q=peach&lang=default&start=1. If I have a night out, sometimes I even use liquid eyeshadow by Stila https://www.stilacosmetics.com/oh-my-stars—glitter-glow-set/SA91030001.html?cgid=eye-shadow#start=9. I use a variety of different colors depending on my outfit and blend them in with my Sephora eye brush set. I top off the eyeshadow by first curling my eyelashes, then applying the L’Oréal Voluminous Primer https://www.lorealparisusa.com/products/makeup/eye/mascara/voluminous-lash-primer.aspx?shade=primer and the Arbonne It’s a Long Story Mascara https://www.arbonne.com/PWS/homeoffice/store/amUS/product/Its-A-Long-Story-Mascara-7793,1588,265.aspx. I move onto eye brows by using the Chella Tantalizing Taupe Eyebrow Cream Eyebrow Cream and top it off with the Eyebrow Defining Gel in clear Eyebrow Defining Gel – Clear. After completing the eyes, I lightly brush away the setting powder and any eye shadow that may have fallen onto my cheeks. Next I use the Too Faced Sweet Heart Blush https://www.toofaced.com/face-makeup/blush/sweethearts-blush/Sweethearts+Blush.html?cgid=blush#start=1 and the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone https://www.beccacosmetics.com/product/22206/55561/highlighters/shimmering-skin-perfector-pressed-highlighter/becca-highlighter-high-impact-glow?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz52w8eLa4AIV1LjACh3ltQysEAAYASAAEgJCvPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#!/shade/Prosecco_Pop on my cheeks.

I have many different lip sticks and glosses, but some of my favorite brands are City Lips https://citybeauty.com/city-lips.php, Bobbi Brown https://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/2342/49493/makeup/lips/lip-color/crushed-lip-color/fh17, Too Faced https://www.toofaced.com/lip-makeup/lipstick/melted/melted/Melted.html?cgid=melted-lipsticks#start=1, Arbonne https://www.arbonne.com/PWS/homeoffice/store/AMUS/product/Smoothed-Over-Lipstick-Rose-7921,10915.aspx, and Givenchy https://www.givenchybeauty.com/us/p/le-rose-perfecto-F20100074.html?dwvar_F20100074_color=PINK-108. Before heading out, I mist my face with the All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray by Urban Decay https://www.urbandecay.com/all-nighter-setting-spray-by-urban-decay/ud803.html to secure the makeup for the rest of the day. I have tested a variety of different products and the ones I listed above will not disappoint and will leave your face feeling flawless! If you’re interested in the products, look below to check them out!