I can't believe It's already almost February into the new year. This winter has kind of seemed to drag out, and I'm looking forward to the brighter, sunnier days ahead. Don't get me wrong, I love bundling up, and putting on a cute jacket and boots...but my body is just not made for the cold. Good thing I don't live in snow, I would probably die. Lol.
So much has happened in the past few months it's kind of been a blur. With the holidays, My 19th birthday, the New Year, and the complexities of everyday life; I'm definitely ready for a fresh start. It's hard seeing everyone my age move on, get on with their lives, and I feel like I'm just kind of stuck here...trapped in the same place. Not the same place I was 2 years ago during my transplant, I've definitely improved. But I just expected to be moving on with my life by now. Going to college (normal classes that is), finished with high school (finishing up my GED), meeting new people, getting better, and just done with all things medical. But that's not gods plan for me, and I'm trying to hold onto that.
My health remains pretty much the same. I had tried a four week trial of a drug called Rituximab (chemo), to try and see if that could help my platelets and get me off of steroids quicker and in hopes also help my GVHD of my stomach. It unfortunately didn't do it's job, so we are back to the drawing board, and the doctors are doing a bunch of more testing to try and figure out the next step in my care. As in everything I try to remain hopeful. I am continuing with monthly ECP and nightly fluids along with the daily pile of pills. Please pray that the doctors will be able to find a solution along with the neurologist that she will be able to find something to help with my horrible headaches.
I was able to have a quick get away with my granny this past week. It was spur of the moment and impromptu; the best kind of trips. We decided to go to Disneyland. I just needed to get away to somewhere "Happy" and Disney is that place for me. Just the sights and smells changes my mood. I think it can brighten any one's day. I was so blessed to be able to share that special trip with my granny. We had the best time, full of happy memories, good food, and laughs that I will cherish forever.
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I also wanted to share a few looks from Lizard Thicket Boutique. Spring is coming upon us, and I'm loving the colors and styles. These two tops are so versatile and can be worn during the day, and turned to a night look so easily. I love the flow, and easiness of both of these tops. One trend I've been loving is the ruffle sleeve. This white top has the perfect ruffle sleeve, and the cutest back detailing. I dressed the top more casual with a pair of tennis shoes and a scarf, but this could be paired with boots to dress it up a bit. This adorable blue and white striped top is probably one of my favorites I've blogged about. It's SO comfy and light and perfect for the transition from winter to Spring. It also has a beautiful back. I paired it with embroidered jeans and flats to give it a more casual look too. Both of these shirts are UNDER $35.00!!! Such a great deal. Make sure to pop into LT for all your outfit needs!
White Ruffle shirt: $34.50 (Lizard Thicket)
Blue& White top: $32.50 (Lizard Thicket)
Tennis: Adidas
Purse: Kate Spade
XOXO, Kin
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
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!!
