Kendra's Favorite Things: 2014

Rock My Run

Need a little help getting motivated to run harder, faster, stronger, or maybe even to just get out for a run at all? Well, now there's an app for that. Rock My Run is a new app that mixes high energy music at lengths and tempos that fit your running lifestyle.

If you are anything like me, the music really does make the difference in how effective and efficient a workout can be. Ever notice how if the music is just right during a spin class that your heart rate tends to be right where it needs to be? This app allows you to customize playlists that will move you and your workout forward, faster. The best part about it... it's FREE!

In Lipstick Heaven

Anyone who sees me on a regular basis knows that I love wearing lipstick. I guess you could say that a bright pop of color on the lips paired with minimal eye makeup is just my signature look. I don't see anything wrong with this other than I am notorious for leaving "my stamp" on wine glasses and my niece's cheeks.

I've become pretty loyal to Mac over the years, and the 3 step process of applying a liner, then lipstick, then a gloss never seemed to bother me because it did make for decent all day coverage. Unless of course I eat a sandwich for lunch, then all bets are off.

I found this new product a few weeks ago at Sephora and I'm LOVING it. Too Faced's Melted Lipstick comes in 6 fun and flirty colors that provide unprecedented coverage, pack a serious hue, AND provide moisture to your lips all day long.

I've purchased three colors now, and have been incredibly impressed by this product's long lasting ability throughout the day. A little dab goes a long way and reapplication is unnecessary (until Happy Hour). I also like that there is no longer a need to apply gloss as this product is full of shine and moisture. One less thing I have to carry around on a daily basis! I'm a happy and loyal fan of this product, let's just hope it never gets discontinued!

Rainy Day Bliss

While most people find the rain to be an irritating nuisance, this Arizona girl absolutely LOVES it when we get a dose of natural irrigation! I woke up this morning to grey skies and stormy weather, which has given me a much needed opportunity to clean up around the house, do laundry, give the blog a crisp new look, and get caught up on some reading. If you're anything like me, you are on the go all week long, so a forced slow down every once in a while is incredibly welcomed. You won't hear any complaints from me on this rainy Saturday afternoon!

According to Kendra:

1. Be you. Nothing more, nothing less. Find the truest version of yourself and own it.

2. Before you leave the house check to see if you're wearing a "third piece." This is the item that ties your outfit together. It can be a statement necklace or other accessory that really stands out, a pop of color in a scarf or handbag, or a pair of shoes that can't be overlooked.

3. Just because someone is alone doesn't necessarily mean they are lonely.

4. Actively practice the art of gratitude. Send a thank you note in the mail if you receive a gift. Keep a gratitude journal and write in it every night before you go to bed. Be grateful while paying your monthly bills or rent, this means that someone has lent you something and trusted that you'll pay them back for it, thank them for that.

5. Manicures ARE a necessity.

6. Smile. When you're on the phone, when you walk down the street, when you're in the shower and when you see someone you love.

7. Be nice to your assistant, they very well could be your boss someday.

8. Nobody else is responsible for your happiness. The only person who can make you happy is you.

9. Find a cause that is important to you and give back, as much as your time and means allow you to.

10. Don't let your cell phone make you a rude person. Put it away at dinner and don't talk on it while you're in line for something.

11. Set your wedding board on Pinterest to "private" until you're engaged.

12. Spend as much time as you need to figuring out exactly how much you're worth, and once you do, never settle for anything less than what you deserve.

13. If you've never read the Bible, give it a shot. It could change your life.

Home Sweet Home

When I moved to San Diego in 2006 it was nothing short of a leap of faith. I just woke up one morning and thought, "I think I'll move to San Diego next month." So, I packed everything I owned into my Jetta and drove West on the 8 until it ended. I had just graduated from ASU and my reasoning behind moving had more to do with the "why not?" than the "why?" I was 22 years old at the time, so I really didn't put a lot of serious thought into anything other than my tan or trying to keep my hair blonde.

During my 8 year stint in San Diego there was most certainly a long period of time when I never thought I would move away from such a beautiful city. And while I absolutely loved living in Southern California and being a part of a new culture, that "home sweet home" feeling started to tug at me about a year ago. So, I began to put some serious thought into moving to Arizona to be closer to my family. Side note: It is most likely NOT a coincidence that my beautiful niece Grace was born almost exactly a year ago!

When the perfect opportunity presented itself for me to stay with my company AND move to Arizona, I knew it was time. Everything felt very smooth, and very right. The only hard part was saying goodbye to the absolutely amazing friends and people I had built such a wonderful life with in San Diego for almost a decade. San Diego represents a huge stage of growth for me. To me it will always be the place that I started my career, developed true and meaningful relationships with incredible people, and turned 30. To put it frankly; it's where I grew up.

I'm certainly not saying that I have it all figured out, but I do feel that the girl who packed up her Jetta (along with a U-Haul this time around) and headed East on the 8 is a completely different person. I will always cherish the many experiences and people in San Diego that contributed to that growth.

I've been back in Arizona for about a month now, and while there has been some uncomfortable moments during the process, I'm finally starting to feel settled again. From family dinners, to February hikes, to cursing at Snow Birds and the driest of skin; it's good to be HOME.

Here's to yet another leap of faith in this thing we call life. Wish me luck!

4th Annual Homeless Sack Lunch Event... a great success!

Every year around the Christmas time I gather up a few friends and we prepare sack lunches for San Diego's homeless. This year there were about 20 of us that got together, and we made and delivered over 200 lunches! It is so nice that so many people are willing and excited to come out and support this event with me each year. This year we were able to add a bonus and gave everyone a pair of socks too, which was a HUGE hit! Next year I think we need to add gloves to the mix as well.