Thursday, November 24, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving

  


  Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I hope everyone has had a great day, full of family and yummy food. I sure did.  Today has been a really great day for me, I've been overwhelmed with gratitude and just so thankful for a lot of things. The holidays bring back a lot of emotion for me, because this time two years ago I was so so sick and still fighting for my life. I remember sitting in that hospital room on Thanksgiving day with my sweet family and just wishing I could eat all of the yummy food, but I was so nauseous. But here I am two years later, celebrating, eating yummy food, still having hard things, but celebrating life and celebrating being thankful for so many things, it's really the little things. I think of my donor today, because without him I wouldn't be here with my family. I am so thankful for my selfless family, who shared that hospital room with me all those months, and endured all the pain and trial that I have been through with me. They are fighters. I am thankful for TRUE friends, although there are very few, I am grateful for those who have stayed close by and who have helped me through the most difficult of times. I am thankful for the people I have met along the way who have shaped me and matured me, who have given me so many opportunities. I am thankful for so many things, but I am most thankful for my savior Jesus Christ and for his everlasting love and for his atoning sacrifice for us. There is so much to be grateful for this holiday season.

     On a lighter note...I am also thankful for cute clothes! lol Thankfully Lizard Thicket's gotcha covered for the holiday's. This look is one of my FAVORITES! It's so chic and this vest and sweater are so warm. I personally think the color is great too. The fur adds an element of fun while still having that sophistication. And pairing this look with your favorite pair of boots will finish off the look. Lizard Thicket in Dana Park will fulfil ALL of your holiday needs...from  great Black Friday shopping, to amazing holiday dresses, they have it all. Make sure you guys stop by!

http://www.shoplizardthicket.com/


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     Since I didn't update you all on my health last post I'll update you all now. This past week/ month some big changes were made and a lot has happened. To start off, my ECP treatments have been moved to once a month. It's a great thing because I'm going down on the treatment, but kind of sad because my absolute favorite nurses are in there and I'll miss them...kinda sad I know! I'll find an excuse to go see them haha! Another big thing, ok HUGE thing for me, I got hearing aids. I was really indenile for a long time that I couldn't hear very well and because of all my medications and the effects of chemo, my hearing has decreased quiet a bit. They will get some getting used to but, I think they will be a good thing in the long run. And plus...They're Bluetooth so my phone and music connects to them.
     About a week ago I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy for some ongoing stomach issues. We were suspecting GVHD again unfortunately, and we were right. I'm going to be starting an intense treatment called Rheutuximab and hopefully it will combat this. We've exhausted all our other options...ex. steroids, ecp..etc.. and I'm still doing both. We'll see. I'm not giving up. They're hoping this will help my platelet issue too. My platelets still aren't producing normally and they are possibly thinking GVHD might be affecting my platelets too. This treatment will take about 8 hours.
     Although this all gets tiring, I'm still hopeful and I still have so much to be grateful for. Thank you for being apart of my journey, each of you. Sending my love!



XOXO, KIN
















Sunday, October 30, 2016

Feelin' Groovy

    


    October is one of my favorite months. I love the colors, pumpkins, leaves, decorations, crisper air, and the fun outfits that come along with it. Although AZ doesn't have a ton of all of that there are a few hidden gems.
     When I picked out this 70's inspired look from Lizard Thicket Boutique in Dana Park... I had an idea in my head of where I wanted to shoot the look. We went searching for that place and well, we couldn't find it. We kept on driving and came upon the cutest bunch of houses, curvy roads, colored trees, and mountains. Arizona has it's own kind of fall beauty, you just have to be willing to go looking for it. We definitely hit the jackpot. The pics turned out better than my original idea!

     These flared jeans are such a versatile look and they are SO comfy. You can pair them with a sweater or a cute long sleeved shirt and scarf with heels to give it a different look. Lizard Thicket has so many fun jeans to choose from, and at prices that won't blow your budget. This cute tee I'm wearing is also so versatile and fun. You can wear it with skinnies, a mini skirt or flared jeans like I have it paired with. The bomber is another classic look this fall and I LOVE it!

AERO SMITH Tee: $28.50
Flared Jeans: 68.50
Bomber Jacket: $39.99
Choker: $14.95
Belt: $12.95

http://www.shoplizardthicket.com/
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XOXO, Kin

Monday, September 19, 2016

Fall Vibes & Fun Times



Bombers and suede are a few of my favorite trends this fall. Although it's not quiet "fall" yet here in AZ, I like to pretend it is. It's my favorite season, when the air is crisp and the leaves start to change. It's perfect here. These pieces are amazing for the transition from summer to fall. 
     This outfit from Lizard Thicket Boutique in Mesa is a PERFECT transition piece and pairs my favorite combo of the bomber and suede skirt together. This bomber jacket is the comfiest and will be perfect for the AZ winters as well. And who doesn't love a great black mini skirt that you can pair with anything? I paired these items with an awesome Lizard Thicket tee and choker, which is also another 90's trend I'm LOVING!!! Go visit their shop before they sell out!
http://www.shoplizardthicket.com/


  










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     A little bit about what has been going on lately...
as for my health, it remains stable. I hit my two year transplant birthday, meaning that it's been two years since I received my life saving cells from my donor. It is a crazy thing to think about. It seems like just yesterday, but at the same time it seems like a whole lifetime ago. I still struggle every day and wish things were different, but I realize how blessed I am to even be alive and to have gone through the experiences I have and to have met some of the amazing people along the way that I have. I am truly blessed. 
     A couple of those people that have been a blessing a long the way are Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood along with their manager Jason. It's one of those things where I never expected something like this to happen and it just happened, and it was just meant to happen. They have been angels in our (my family's) life, and I couldn't be more thankful. They have given us experiences we will never forget and are the most kind hearted, genuine people. It's amazing to see, not very many "stars" are like that these days. 
     They made it possible for our family to enjoy a weekend in Anaheim this weekend and go to his concert again and meet up with them. They made us feel like the "stars"! We had a great time, we did miss Hattie though! THANK YOU, Garth, Trisha, Jason, Ben, and team for an incredible weekend!! We love you guys!!!! 










     Don't forget that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. There are so many children and families suffering from this awful disease, and less than 4% of federal funding goes towards these kids. They are worth so much more. There is so much you can do to help...so #gogold this month and spread awareness!!


Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Summer Vibes

  

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I am So excited to post for Lizard Thicket again! Their shop is literally the cutest! They blend cute trendy styles with affordable prices. Every person loves that. Especially me! My family is spending some time in Utah this week in the kinda cooler weather with some cousins. It's always nice to get away. But we definitely miss daddy!
    
TOMORROW.... July 21st they are having an amazing sale. Swing dresses,  the cutest and comfiest cardigans for the fall, from just $12 and $17!! Awesome right! Definitely head in there. There's So many other cute items you can stock your closet with that are on sale.  The items I'm wearing below are amazing for summer and for fall!! 

Shirt: $38.50
Vest: $36.50
Heels: $34.50
Purse: $29.99

(All from Lizard Thicket)

I am also teaming up with Lizard Thicket at Dana Park in Mesa, AZ, to give one lucky winner a $25 gift card to the store!!! They have been so generous and I am beyond excited. Soo fun!! Here are the rules: (on my Instagram)
  •  Like the photo on my Instagram & follow both me (Mckindree) and (LizardThicketboutique)
  • Tag at least 3 friends... tag more for a better chance at winning!
  • for an extra entry, comment on my blog post ...link in bio!
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XOXO, Kin