Kendra's Favorite Things

Heard this song in the car today and TOTALLY rocked out to it!
He is coming to San Diego in September and I can't wait to see him, enjoy!

Putting all the finishing touches together for Natalie's Bridal Shower and I can barely even sit down because I'm so excited for tomorrow. The flowers are cut, the ingredients are bought and the bows are tied. Can't wait for a fun day! Here's the signature cocktail for tomorrow's fun...

With my two favorite dolls, Jo-Jo and Three.

Tis the season! This year I have 3 close friends getting married and I could not be happier for each of them. Looking forward to the start of these celebrations this weekend with Natalie's Bridal Shower. The party continues with the Bachelorettes and then the weddings in September and October. I just spent the last few minutes re-watching the amazing video that Nick made after the proposal. It made me cry like a little baby because I'm so happy for them. Love is in the air, and so are some seriously FUN weekends ahead over the next few months! YAY!! Click below to watch the video.

 Comfy but cute, you can't go wrong in a striped maxi dress. Pair it with flip flops for a more casual look, or dress it up with wedges.
This coral clutch by Elliot Lucca is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Wear it as a crossbody for a daytime look or remove the strap to convert to an evening clutch. It comes in Teal, Black and Snakeskin as well. Pick one up at Nordstrom for $78.



It's just my opinion that adding a little bit of "girly" to any look never hurt anyone! A colorful and chunky necklace is a great way to add color and the perfect amount of "girly" to any daytime or evening ensemble.

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is a book that I absolutely love. Since discovering it a few years ago I've read and re-read it several times when needed and it always reinvigorates me. The Four agreements are:

Read this article!!!

There have been some fairly significant changes that have occurred in my life over the last few months and after the dust has settled a bit I am starting to realize how wonderfully exciting this time in my life truly is right now.

For starters, I'm in a job that I absolutely love and feel great about. It's a great thing to wake up everyday and actually ENJOY what I get to go out into the world and do, and getting paid to do it is a fabulous bonus. As a very career driven individual my job is certainly a big part of my life, and it's not that I've never enjoyed my jobs in the past, but I truly feel like what I'm doing now is a good fit for my personality and it's nice to have the freedom and autonomy to know what I need to do each day and the desire to motivate myself to do it!

Another move took place too! I realize that actions speak louder than words, and contrary to what you might think, I don't actually enjoy moving, but this time it was definitely in a great direction and if anything it's nice to know that Above All Movers can count on me as an annual source of revenue! The new pad is in the heart of downtown and has all the things I didn't have in my last apartment like a washer/dryer, dishwasher and, PARKING! Sort of feel like it's my first "big girl apartment." A great roommate named Randi was added into the mix as well and it's been so nice to have a such a positive person added to my daily life, she's a keeper! Our location could not be more clutch; we are within walking distance to pretty much everything downtown and only a short run away from my beloved stairs at the Convention Center! Although I'll always love my shoebox in Banker's Hill, home sweet home is definitely a little sweeter these days.

Any of you who know me at all know that Matt was a big part of my life for the last 3 years, but a few months back we decided to end our relationship. Obviously the decision to end love is not an easy one and I'd be lying through my teeth if I said this has been an easy situation to deal with. However, in the midst of the pain of a broken heart a beautiful thing has come about, I've realized what an amazing opportunity this has given me to grow as a person and be grateful for how that relationship shaped me and taught me more about myself than I actually ever really wanted to know, haha! There is no doubt in  my mind that when the time is right love will be brought back into my life, and this time I'll be equipped with the lessons I've learned and a better understanding of who I am. In the meantime, I'll just enjoy this time as a blessing in order to better myself!

One thing that's really helped to ground all these changes and keep my perspective in line is that I've been going to church every Sunday. Yes, I was raised Catholic, but for the last few years while Mass brought a feeling of peace to me, the message never really resonated with me, so I've been going to a non-denominational church called Flood which I absolutely LOVE. A good friend Laura introduced me to it years ago, but I only started going regularly recently and I've made the decision that this is the place for me. It feels good to be going regularly and I am really enjoying the new environment, the positive messages, and people that I've received through it. It is opening my heart in many ways and there is no doubt in my mind that Grace and Faith have been the pillars of what is carrying me through all these changes!

I got an e-mail the other day from someone who let me know that she reads my blog because she feels it is uplifting and she looks to it as a place of positivity in her life. This really touched me because there is nothing in my life that has been anything close to perfect over the last few months, but if someone can still find my thoughts a source of positivity that makes me really happy! Many things are easier said than done and I struggle on a daily basis with understanding why I'm put into certain situations, the feeling of being overwhelmed and trying to stay positive when sometimes I just don't want to! But if I can give any advice to someone who may be going through a lot of changes/shifts/challenges in their life, which we all are, it would be to just take a deep breath, smile and know that the only way you can get through a tough time is one day at a time. Be present in what you are going through even if it's painful. There's nothing that you can't get through, or you wouldn't have been put in the situation in the first place, so when something seems too tough to handle take it as a compliment to yourself, because you CAN and WILL get through it! :)

It’s not the load that breaks you down. It’s the way you carry it.

Last night I had the pleasure of having dinner with Erin and Sarah... both of whom are the closest equivalence I've ever had to a "big sis." We had a great time talking about anything and everything and enjoying amazing wine and grub at The Lion's Share down the street from my casa. In a place that's not considerably "home" it's always nice to be surrounded by the people that I've known since the good ol' days.

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our attitudes.” 
~Charles Swindoll~

Alexandra and I have been trying to hang out for the last few weeks and unfortunately with our busy lives it just hasn't been working out in our favor... but we finally made it happen tonight. We went to yoga and had dinner afterwards and it was such a nice evening. It's so nice to know there are friends that would do anything for me and that obviously the feeling is mutual! We've both been able to be there for each other through our ups and downs and tonight was one of those nights where we were able to be grateful for our friendship and just enjoy each other's company.

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.” 
― Bob Marley

and this is mine.

Found this blog which is an emulation of the original blog/book written by a father to his unborn son explaining the facts of life. Well here's the girl's version, enjoy!

1001 Rules for My Unborn Daughter
My Favorite Rule (because if you know me at all you know I love my red lipstick!!):
308. It takes a certain kind of girl to wear red lipstick. Be that kind of girl.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively, filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life."

The golf balls are the important things your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering. ~ Ida Scott Taylor

"The irony of love is loving the right person at the wrong time, having the wrong person when the time is right, and finding out that you love someone right after that person has walked out of your life. Sometimes you think you’re already over a person, but when you see them smile at you, you suddenly realize that you’re just pretending to be over them, just to ease the pain of knowing that they will never be yours again. For some, letting go is one way of expressing how much they love a person, but for others it’s holding on to that special feeling as long as possible before it fades away. Most relationships tend to fail not because of the absence of love, love is always present, it’s just that one was being loved too much and the other wasn’t being loved enough. We all know that the heart is the center of the body, but it beats on the left. maybe that’s the reason why the heart is not always right. Most often, we fall in love with the person we think we love only to discover that for them, we are just a pass time, while the one who truly loves us remains either a friend or a stranger. So here’s a piece of advice: let go when you are hurting too much. Give up when you or the other believes love isn’t enough, and move on when things are not like before. There is someone out there who will honestly love you, and only then will you know true love. "

Why Being In Your 20s Is Awesome
MAR. 22, 2012

By RYAN O'CONNELL

I know I talk crap on being a twentysomething but I’m only half-kidding. In actuality, there’s no age I’d rather be. (Besides maybe seven years old because they don’t do anything besides eat ice cream and poop themselves. That sounds like an ideal life to be completely honest.)

Being in your twenties is all about discovering which things hurt you and what makes you feel good. You go in blindly, practically pricking yourself with a dull blade, and then you walk out with tougher skin. One day you’ll stop pricking yourself altogether. Maybe. I don’t know. How would I? I’m just a twentysomething, remember?

This is what your twenties are for — to feel and see as much as you can, to take advantage of not being tied down to anything and anyone and to go balls to the wall with everything that you do. You’re a raw nerve. You hate getting upset over little things, about being constantly unraveled by ignored text messages, parents, grades, and friends, but you have to remember something: you don’t know yourself entirely yet. Before the age of 20, you were mostly under your parents care, a reflection of what was going on around you. You didn’t have the option to make your own choices. You were merely living the life someone set out for you. Being in your twenties allows you to start carving out the life you want for yourself. Everything is on your terms now which seems daunting but is actually liberating. For the first time in your life you’re the boss.

It’s important to talk about why your twenties are great because it seems like we spend so much of our time wanting to be somewhere else other than where we are. Think about it. Why the hell are we in such a hurry to live some boring grown up adult life that we saw at a Crate & Barrel? Because once we do get there, we’re stuck for a long time. The novelty’s going to wear off, we’re going to get married and have babies, and everything will be amazing but don’t think for a second that you won’t be nostalgic for this time. Don’t think for a second that you’re not going to miss those nights you spent putting on your make up, changing five million times, drinking wine, smoking cigarettes out your apartment window, and going to some silly party, a party that feels like all the others you’ve been to but still has the right to feel special. You will miss all of this. This is a luxury. It’s going to leave us eventually so you better freaking enjoy it. You better enjoy every lame ass party, every awkward kiss, every 5 AM hangover, every drug experience, every crappy apartment, because one day it will all be gone and you’ll just be left with the pictures and the bruises and nothing else. Youth is fu**ing magic. Don’t you get it? Look at your skin! Touch it. Look at your smooth legs and stomach. Grab it. When you’re older, you’ll want all of this again so bad. You’ll possibly spend so much money to get some semblance of it back. Now it’s yours for free.

We’re not stuck. Even if it feels like we are, it’s not true. We’re the opposite of stuck. As twentysomethings, we’re constantly moving — apartments, relationship, cities, jobs. Anything is possible. People are ready for you. They want to hear what you have to say. They look at you and are curious about what words are going to come out of your mouth. You’re the new generation. What do you have to say? Don’t bite your tongue. One day you’ll be pushed aside for a younger “fresher” perspective so you better get it out now. Make a mark. Make a stain. Make something.

I want to remember the fear, I want to remember the promise, I want to remember the nights I wanted to curl up in a ball, I want to remember the people I’m not supposed to remember, I want to remember not knowing myself, I want to remember the moment I started to feel safe and like this life I’m leading is really mine. I’m going to be scared, I’m going to bruise my knees and not know how they got there, I’m going to try to fruitlessly forge a connection with someone who won’t ever get it, I’m going to lose the person that means the most to me and find my way back to them. I’m going to be a twentysomething because that’s what I am and all I know how to be. And you should too. You should love every single moment of this hot mess of a decade. Chances are you’ll miss it before you even get to say “I’m 30.”

Every once in a while I'll google my name just to make sure nothing inaccurate pops up, and I'm usually surprised with how much one could really find out about me if they just did a little google stalking, but the way I look at it is that I have nothing to hide so, who cares?!

Lately I've been on a bit of a soul search and I thought it was interesting that this logo popped up last week when I google searched my name. First of all, whoever came up with a Kendra initiative is awesome in my opinion, and second of all... I'm sorry for stealing your logo, but it just fits so nicely with what I'm setting out to do for myself. So what is the Kendra Initiative from my point of view? Doing everything in my power to become the best person I can possibly be.

"The right thing and the easy thing are never the same." -Kami Garcia

There is something so refreshing about the beginning of spring, that is unlike any other changing of the seasons.... perhaps it's because we know the shorter, darker days are behind us, and that only longer and brighter days are ahead. At any rate it's nice to know that Spring is here... time to enjoy this beautiful life!

Wow, it's been entirely too long since I've posted on my blog, and I truly believe that my soul misses posting! The beginning of 2012 has been a hectic/exciting/crazy few months, but I am excited for what this new year has brought to my life. To say that I am struggling with some of the changes would be an understatement, but KLD management kicks into effect today and it's time to get happy and kick some butt at life! Stay tuned, for much more regular updates on the adventures in KLD.

...well not this one!! I'm happy to say I checked out of my hotel today and I'm officially HOME from training!!! I'm so excited to get out in the field and kick but and for this next chapter to start. Perfect timing to be back home for the holidays and I couldn't be more excited to spend this time with the people I love.

"Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now." -Fred Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers

If I made a list and checked it twice of all the things in my life to be grateful for we'd be here all day. It is this time of year in particular that reminds me of just how much I have, and how there are far too many people that have not.

That is why it has always been a priority of mine to give back to those who are less fortunate, and this time of year I find it even more crucial to do so. I write this not to toot my own horn, but because I think it's important for people to take a second to recognize their own good fortunes and help out with people that have less.

This Christmas Eve morning I'm proud to say that about a dozen people that are very close to me will be making sack lunches and providing them to the homeless population of San Diego. It is something we did last year as well and felt great about so we are continuing on with this wonderful tradition. I'll be sure to post some photos of the event after we are done.

I went to my very first NFL game yesterday and had a blast!!!


Natalie was the best fan to go with.... :)


We got to Tailgate with Matt and some of his buddies.


.... And our seats were AMAZING!

Sadly, I looked at my blog for the first time in several weeks today. Although things have been a little hectic for me lately, it's not an excuse for me to drop the ball on something that's important to me, like keeping up with posting.

So, I've recommitted myself to regular updates and I know I'll find a way to fit this back into my daily schedule.

Another aspect of my life that needs a serious commitment adjustment is working out. I have not been very good about this at all since I started my new job and it's something that is just not okay. I have no excuse not to get to the gym 4 times a week, and that is something I am going to MAKE myself do this week. It's just time to get back into good habits.

On other notes, life is wonderful and I am truly so happy with everything that's going on! More updates to come as I get back into posting... don't want to bombard you on my first day back!

Sometimes when we need it the most, the people we love know just how to pick us up and make us feel better, don't they. Got this photo from Matt this morning and it made my day.

Since starting my new job last Monday, I've been the worst blogger ever!!!! I finally have a second to give an update on the new job. It is going very well. It's SO MUCH information and a lot to take in each day but I am loving it. I am so happy that I made this decision and feel like this is the right change for me. We've been doing a lot of reading, product training, vendor meetings and some more reading.

It's going to be an overwhelming two months, and a tough first few months in the field, but I'm so excited to be here and ready to learn everything I can.

Other than that, living in the hotel in Fullerton M-F is kind of a bummer, BUT Lisa, who is another trainee is my saving grace here. We are both going to San Diego, and we have so much in common. She's made being away from home much, much easier.

Excited to get home tonight, but in true Kendra fashion I have a completely overbooked weekend and next weekend is the walk. All in all, life is amazing and I am happier than ever!

Where do I begin?!? Let's section this bad-boy off into neatly compartmentalized categories...

Life in General: I honestly couldn't be feeling better. Been off the "crazy pills" for about 2.5 months now, and I am feeling more in control, stable, and overall HAPPY than I ever have before! It's been a great feeling and I love the progress I am continuing to see in myself. (What's that sound?!? That's me tooting my own horn!!)

Work: Are you sitting down? I, Kendra Lee Dwyer, got a new job!!!!!! It's a bittersweet feeling to be leaving the Convention Center but I have decided to move on and venture into the world of Medical Supply sales. I am incredibly excited for this amazing new opportunity and I'm looking forward to the changes that it will bring to my life. I know it's going to be a LOT of hard work, long days etc., but I'm up for the challenge and ready to become successful in this new industry!

Fitness: It's time to get my lazy but back on the road. After a long (and much needed) hiatus, I'm ready to get back to my first fitness love, RUNNING! I'm still going to get to the yoga studio 1-2 times per week, but running has always kept me in the best shape, so it's time for me to get back to it, and I'm ready! I went for my first run in longer than I'm willing to admit yesterday and I felt great. Okay, that's a complete lie, I didn't feel great... I was out of breath and discouraged by how hard it was for me to run even 2.4 miles, BUT I'm not going to let that get me down. I'm just going to start from scratch and take my time to build back up to being a "runner." I don't think any marathons are on my horizon again, but I might get the itch to do a half soon.... stay tuned!

Birthday Love: Last week was my 28th birthday and I've never felt so showered with love. From lavish lunches to a happy hour with many of the people I love (including a surprise visit from KIKI), to a night out on the town with a bunch of my friends... I just felt so incredibly blessed all week long. I have an overwhelming feeling that 28 is going to be my best year yet!

I think Kiki and I should do a re-make of this video... The pink tutus & tiaras are a MUST!

"Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much." -Helen Keller