December 31, 2016

Lessons I've Learned in 2016

Hello, my wonderful people! 2016 is nearly over, and I honestly couldn't be happier. 2016 has been the most turbulent year of my life, and I found it extremely hard to be happy or believe there was any light at the end of the tunnel. Throughout 2016, however, I have made more progress within my life than I ever knew was possible. From all of the crappy things I've been through in 2016, I've discovered many things about myself, and learned so many lessons that I will carry with me into the new year.

Let's start with a quick summary of my year to revisit some of the big life events that've taken place during 2016.

Brief Run-Down of 2016

January: Rang in the new year with my boyfriend and his family; a very nice month as I recall!
February: First break-up; mentally unstable for the next 7 months due to lack of closure and utter loneliness.
March: Tried to fill void in my life by talking to other guys.
April: Met new boy; started dating.
May: Quit my job; relationship starts starts revealing its flaws.
June: Relationship troubles; losing money because of unemployment.
July: More relationship troubles; becoming depressed due to lack of money and reason to leave the house.
August: Finally ended relationship with troubled boy; got a new job! 
September: Senior year of high school starts; making new friends.
October: Putting myself into more social situations; starting to recognize the positive changes happening in my life. 
November: Life is slowly getting better; got accepted to university!
December: Finally at peace with myself and okay with being a single entity; met a new boy.

2016 Shockers

I never knew how miserable being unemployed could make me. I hate working, but I hate being broke and under house arrest even more. Not being able to work reminded me of my love for travel and experience, which are two things you can't really do without money!

I can't believe I actually figured out what I want to major in at university. I never wanted to continue my education past high school, but it's hard to be successful otherwise in this day and age. In case you're wondering, I'm going to school for journalism, advertising, and media with a sub-major in print journalism!

3 BOYFRIENDS in 1 YEAR?! I didn't even know that many people could find me attractive! With each relationship came its own life lesson, so I don't feel too bad about it. The boyfriend I started 2016 with was my first true love. My second relationship with a military boy that was 3 years my senior was my way of ineffectively coping with the loss of my first love. The third boyfriend, however, is the result of finally loving myself and attracting the right people because of it. He came along when I least expected it; when I had finally found myself and had actually started being okay with being single! Funny how things work out, huh?

Lessons I've Learned

YOU ONLY HAVE YOURSELF
You know those people that say they're always gonna be there for you? They're lying. They have better things to do than listen to your problems and let you cry on their shoulders. You cannot - and should not - rely on anyone but yourself to make you feel better. You are the only person in your life that you will always have. Learn to be your own rock, and your own support system. Even the nicest people can break your heart.

CLOSURE IS NEVER GUARANTEED
Although we'd love it if all relationships ended on good terms, that is not always the case. You must learn to be okay with people refusing to hear you out. If they're not giving you the time of day, that is their problem, not yours. If they're deciding to stay mad at you without giving you a chance to explain yourself, they probably don't deserve to be in your life anyway. Do not let their immaturity eat away at you.

DON'T PLAN
Planning is for the foolish, and it only leads to broken hearts and disappointment. I thought I was one of those ridiculously lucky people that would marry their first true love. My boyfriend and I planned on getting married shortly after our 5-year anniversary in 2020, and moving to England right after that. Don't plan. Let life guide you as you go. Go wherever your heart takes you in the present moment. Don't plan your future before it happens; plan it as you go.

TIME HEALS EVERYTHING
You will never encounter anything in life that you cannot overcome, although living through it may seem impossible at the time. Whether it takes days, months, or years, you will get through it and come out the other side stronger and wiser!

SAY YES
Say yes to the things that scare you. Say yes to new opportunities and new people. Say yes to anything that won't cause you permanent damage. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be extremely terrifying and very awkward at times, but you can sit at home on the couch any other day of the week. Every second that goes by, you are never going to get back. Take advantage of the opportunities you're given! The more you face your fears, the less fearful they are.

FRIENDSHIPS DON'T COME IN CLIQUES
If you would've told me at the start of 2016 that I would spend my summer nights staying up 'til five in the morning with my sisterly soulmate that I befriended a week prior, or that I would become best friends with a group or nerdy teenage boys, or that I would be dating the most wonderful, outgoing guy that couldn't be more different from me in terms of 'cliques' or 'labels', I would've laughed in your face. This year has taught me that friends (and boyfriends) come in disguises, and that some of the best people for you are the ones that are nothing like you.

That just about wraps up my 2016! This year has been the saddest, hardest, most core-rattling year of my life, but I have come out the other end feeling more whole. It sounds weird, but it's true! I feel like I've discovered a part of myself this year. I learned how fragile I actually am, and how much I desperately need the support of myself. I never had to be there for myself in the past, because I always had people to do that for me. This year has taught me the importance of having a strong psychological foundation.

I am going into 2017 with many scars, but every scar with a lesson that I have learned from. As time goes on, those metaphorical scars will fade and I will be left with nothing but the memories of the lessons I've learned.

I wish you all the best of luck in the new year, and I will see you in 2017 with a new post!

Jordan x

December 27, 2016

What I Got for Christmas 2016

Hey, my babies! I hope you've all had a wonderful holiday season! In today's post, I'm going to show you some of the wonderful presents I got for Christmas this year. I am not trying to brag by any means; I am simply showing you these gifts on the off-chance that there is a young woman in your life that you have no idea how to buy for. If I love these gifts, the young lady in your life is sure to love them too!


As many of you know, I don't shampoo my hair. I stopped using shampoo back in July after attending my best friend's graduation party, and I've never looked back! Although I don't use shampoo, I'll use a cleansing conditioner every now and then if I have places to be or people to see. For Christmas, my parents got me a hair care set from WEN, complete with a cleansing conditioner, a treatment oil, a re-hydrating mask, and a glossing serum. Does that sound fancy or what?!

I've used WEN products in the past and I've loved them, so I'm sure I'll love these too! However, if you'd like me to review any of these products, leave a comment below!


As if my parents didn't get me enough cool things for Christmas, they also bought me a couple of products from the beauty range of one of my favorite YouTubers, Zoe Sugg. Back in 2014, Zoe launched the Zoella beauty brand, and I've been dying to get my hands on some of her products ever since!


From the original Zoella collection, my parents got me the 'Wonder Hand' hand cream. Anyone who knows me knows that I cannot live without lotion, so I was super excited when I received this!


I love everything about this hand cream except for the chunky, black, screw-on cap; I don't feel like it matches the delicateness of the rest of the packaging, but hey, if the product is amazing, who cares about what it looks like?! 


The second Zoella product I received was the 'Kissy Missy' lip balm from her Tutti Fruity collection.


This lip balm has a very blue undertone. I tend to stay away from colors like this when choosing lip products because I find that blue undertone stands out a little too much against my yellow-toned skin. However, I love Zoe so much that I am willing to proudly wear her lip balm regardless of whether or not it suits me!


I didn't take a picture of the box these gorgeous products came in, as I destroyed it in the process of opening it. It's what's on the inside that counts anyway, right? These lash-themed products are from the All About That Lash set from QVC. This set is complete with an eyelash curler, a mini Tarte 'Lights, Cameras, Lashes' mascara, a Mally 'Pretty Perfect' mascara, a mini IT Cosmetics 'Superhero' mascara, and a LashFood 'Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer' growth serum. I think I'm set on eyelash stuff for the whole of 2017!

Again, if you'd like me to review any of these products, leave me a comment below!


My oh my, did I save the best for last.

This seemingly plain device is the HP Sprocket, a.k.a. the coolest thing in the world. Without the use of any ink, this device allows you to print off pictures from your smartphone, on the go! Don't ask me how this thing works, because I have no idea. All I know is that it's a portable picture printer that I now cannot live without! Also, can we take some time to appreciate the copper detailing?


In order to print pictures, you must turn on your bluetooth and download the HP Sprocket app. The app will take it from there! In the picture above, you can see the Sprocket printing off the picture I have pulled up on my phone. All of the pictures are printed on paper with a peel-off back, so they can be stickers if you want them to!


These are some of the pictures I've materialized using my Sprocket. Rather than printing off every picture in my camera roll, I am only allowing myself to print pictures of the things that mean the most to me (i.e. friends, dogs, my boyfriend, and quesadillas).

That's it for today's post! Once again, I am not trying to brag; I am simply showing you these gifts in the hopes of giving you inspiration for what to buy your loved ones, or what to ask Santa for next Christmas!

I love you all, and I'll see you before the end of the year with a final reflection of 2016!

Until then,
Jordan x

November 30, 2016

Autumn/Winter Night In

Hello, my gorgeous apple cider donuts! How are you all?! I apologize for my lack of blogging throughout the month of November, but I didn't feel comfortable publishing anything that I wasn't completely happy with. However, the dry spell is over and I am back with one of the most exciting posts of the season!

Any of you who know me know that November and December are my favorite months of the year. One of my favorite things to do during the festive period is go on holiday-themed outings, wearing my favorite seasonal attire, and drinking whatever peppermint coffee creation Starbucks has successfully sold me.

Although I love strolling through light-strung cities that look as festive as I feel, there is an alternative - and much warmer - way to awaken one's holiday spirit that I enjoy just as much: A FESTIVE NIGHT IN!

In this post, I'll teach you how to have a crap load of fun while staying inside on these cold, autumn/winter nights.


Step 1: Invite Your Loved One(s)
Invite your friends over! Tell them to bring snacks and to wear their favorite pajamas (no birthday suits). The key to looking back on memories with fondness is surrounding yourself with loved ones to create and share them with. Reserve the invitations for people who bring nothing but joy to your life, as this gathering is meant to be nothing but a good time!

This is a picture of me and my best friend, Katie! She would definitely be invited to my festive night in.


Step 2: Food and Drinks
Try to keep the beverages hot and the snacks crunchy!

Drink Ideas:
- Hot Apple Cider infused with Cinnamon and Cloves
- Hot Chocolate with Candy Cane Stirring Sticks
- Mulled Wine

Snack Ideas:
- Puppy Chow
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
- Chips/Veggies and Dip
- Cheese and Crackers
- Popcorn
- Peppermint Bark
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Cover anything in chocolate and you've got yourself a holiday hit!

The drink pictured above was a hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream and a toffee crumble.

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Step 3: Set Up
Your night in will most likely include movies and food. Fill your living room with blankets and pillows and tables for snacks! If you're feeling extra festive, deck your halls with fairy lights. Maybe even include a Christmas tree for you and your friends to decorate! Also, it doesn't hurt to have some background music while you and your best chums are milling about, getting ready for the big movie premiere.

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Step 4: Pick a Movie
I'll be honest, I tried to find the corniest movie cover possible for this post, and I think I've found it.

If your get-together is holiday-themed, Christmas movies are a must. When picking a movie (or multiple movies) try to stick to upbeat and lighthearted films that leave you feeling happier than when you started it. That's the whole point of this gathering anyway, right?!

That's it for today's post! I hope you enjoyed it. If you decide to have a festive night in, post a picture on Instagram and tag me, @jordanndaniielle! I'd love to see how you all personalize your gatherings!

Until December,
Jordan x

October 23, 2016

The Coffeehouse at Chestnut and Pine - A Short Story

- This is a truthful story about my weekend afternoon outing to a coffeehouse in Burlington, Wisconsin. -

Strapping my purse cautiously over my shoulder, I began my trek up Chestnut Street. I clutched my laptop to my chest to shield myself from the bitter autumn wind as I scurried across the road. My favorite coffee shop and I would be reunited in a matter of seconds.

Upon entering the coffeehouse, I was greeted by a barista. An apron covered her yellow shirt, and strands of her strawberry blonde hair mischievously escaped the captivity of her denim ball cap, falling whimsically around her face. “Hello!” she said, rapidly cleaning espresso machines and restocking cups. I returned her greeting and stood at the front of the empty line, contemplating my order. I was in the mood for something warm and sweet; anything but a mocha. Their mochas left a strange taste in my mouth.

The lovely barista complimented my periwinkle hair. I told her about my hair dyeing struggles, and how it was originally supposed to be purple. She told me she liked the hue and informed me of the time she tried to dye her naturally platinum hair blue, resulting in a not-so-lovely green color. She pointed at my khaki green anorak for reference.

After thanking the woman for my latte, I proceeded to look for a seat close to an outlet. It was time for me to write another blog post, and my computer would be of no use if it wasn’t charged. I wandered into the cozy, turquoise side room of the coffeehouse and chose a spot at the empty dinner table. I plugged in my laptop to a nearby outlet, hung my jacket over the back of my chair, and constructed my workspace for the night. Drinking my four dollars and seventy-seven cents worth of caramel-laced coffee, I opened my computer and began typing. The sound of clinking mugs and light chatter soothed my ears.

I watched as a group of men flowed in and out of the coffee shop, carrying various instruments and pieces of equipment. I assumed they were performers due to their attire. They wore stylish haircuts, button-down shirts, and tapered jeans to expose their fashion-forward footwear; it was the classic coffeehouse performer look.

To the left of me was a wall of windows looking out onto Pine Street. I watched as the people, cold hands in pockets, eagerly ran to their warm destinations. Some even found refuge in the coffee shop. Just as a mother and her baby walked past, the band started their sound check. My ears were flooded with the sound of guitar, accompanied by the odd shake of a tambourine.

Feeling secluded in the side room, I migrated to the main hall. I chose a wobbly table to the left of the stage and reestablished my makeshift workspace. Around me were four students, two middle-aged women, a family trio, and an elderly couple conversing with a woman who appeared to be their health consultant. I felt the judgemental eyes of the chattering, middle-aged women inspecting me as I typed away. Had they never seen a girl with blue hair before?

The three band members opened up a briefcase that would soon be transformed into their merchandise stand. They took turns rearranging the CDs, pins, and t-shirts in efforts to make the stand look appealing, leading to the eclipse of most of the thoughtfully stringed lights that had decorated the inside of the briefcase.

Waiting for the band allowed me plenty of time to look around. I had been to this coffee shop several times before, but new pieces of artwork were constantly appearing. On one wall, there was a collection called the ‘Barista Exhibit’. The collection was composed of several drawings, paintings, and photographs, ranging from a Caribbean sunset to lifelike skeleton sketches. There were a few abstract paintings that I couldn’t quite make out. Maybe that was the point.

The sound director lowered the lights and the band took their places onstage. They were called Kia Andersen and the Pickups. The guitarist began to strum, and the bassist and cajon/foot tambourine player soon followed. Their first song was a soothing number called ‘Monster Ballads’. By the time their set had finally started, the majority of the crowd had left. Myself and a man in his late fifties were the only people to applaud their first melody.

The band played a couple numbers and paused for a drink when from behind me, a man yelled, “Play some music, dammit!”. His demand was followed by a series of laughs. The audience was soon informed that the chuckling man was the bow-tied bassist’s father. The band member told us about their relation and introduced the crowd to the man’s female counterpart, his wife. The bassist told us about the couple’s recent wedding and stated, “If those crazy kids can find love, then maybe we can too.”

As the set went on and the sun went down, the crowd repopulated; this time, much livelier. The acoustic guitarist performed two songs by himself while the bassist lovingly heckled him from the crowd, where he sat with his family. The soloist announced that the band would be taking a 10-minute break, and I took that time to order myself a roasted veggie flatbread. The meal was composed of roasted peppers, mushrooms, artichokes, and supernal slices of mozzarella. It was my favorite item on the menu.

After a quick intermission and a rubbing of the bassist’s father’s bald head, the band resumed their set. At around 8:00pm, my dad arrived to keep me company. He thoroughly enjoyed the band’s music, and got a kick out of all their antics. I had a feeling he would like them.

During a slower number, the bassist’s parents rose from their seats and began dancing. The band played a handful of songs before calling it a night. By the end of the set, the band received the spirited applause they deserved.

October 8, 2016

How To Be Alone

Hello, my loves! I hope you're doing well.

2016 - although it's had it's good times - has been a very difficult year for me. The year started off with a bang, but as time went on I decided to do a bit of quality control. This was mostly regarding the people with whom I associated myself with. I decided to focus more on the quality of my confidants rather than the quantity of them, and that led to the termination of most of my friendships and the loss of my first ever love. Although these changes were for the better, I was still in a whole lot of pain. I now had no one to turn to when I was sad, and no one to count on when I needed cheering up. I was completely and utterly alone, and this made the majority of my year very crappy.

After the demise of all my relationships, I tried to fill the holes in my heart by giving my time to anyone who would notice me. It was almost as if I was bumming cigarettes off of people, but instead of looking for a nicotine fix, I was looking for affirmation. I was looking for someone to make me feel worthy and attractive, and like I actually mattered in society. It was just as toxic, but in different ways.

I knew deep down that this horrible, depressing period of alone time was a necessary detour on my journey through life. It was my chance to rediscover myself and learn who I was as an individual, without anyone by my side and/or unconsciously influencing my decisions. Even though I knew what had to be done, it took me a long time before I was willing to accept it.

Although I'm a very independent person, I hate being alone when it's not by choice. I hate having no one to talk to or spend time with, and that's what my life was for a very long time. From my period of desolation, however, I learned some valuable lessons.

DO NOT RELY ON OTHER PEOPLE TO MAKE YOU HAPPY.
This was the biggest mistake I made when it came to finding true happiness. Whenever I was having a crappy day, I always trusted that I'd have someone to turn to, whether was a friend or a significant other. But what happens when you have neither friends, nor  a significant other? You mentally crash. In order to be truly happy, you need to cheer yourself  up. Be your own rock and support system. Think of boyfriends and girlfriends as luxuries, not as necessities.

HAPPINESS IS A DECISION, NOT A RESULT OF YOUR CURRENT SITUATION.
Yes, having good weather, a great hair day, and an awesome sandwich for lunch can be ultimate mood boosts, but you shouldn't rely on everything going right for you to look back on your day and say you had a good one. Choose to be happy. Choose not  to let any crappy incidents ruin your charmed day on this kickass planet.

TRUST THAT THE RIGHT PEOPLE WILL COME ALONG.
I cannot stress this enough. I'm a strong believer in auras and energies, and I can tell you with the utmost certainty that positive energies attract positive people. When you are genuinely happy,  it glows throughout your entire being. It may take you a while to get to that point,  but once you are comfortable with being your own entity,  you are then ready to develop healthy relationships. The right people will gravitate towards you. It's like moths to a flame, baby!

I am happy to report that I have now found myself and discovered that I am kind of awesome. I am no longer a lonely girl, desperate for love and reassurance. I have learned to be content with just myself, and I don't think I've ever been happier with my life or the people in it.

That's it for today's post! I hope this has helped you in some way, shape, or form. Being alone sucks, but trust me when I say it's a necessary part of life. Just remember, you always have me! I love all of you, and if you ever need someone to talk to, I am here. If you would like to contact me, click on the "Contact" tab at the top of this page. I'd be more than happy to talk to you! You always have a friend in me.

Until next time,
Jordan x

September 23, 2016

Why Summer Ending is a Good Thing

Hello, my gorgeous people! I hope you're all well!

As many of you know, yesterday was the first day of autumn. Although some of you may mourn the loss of summer, I am here to remind you of all the things you have to look forward to in the upcoming seasons! A lack of sun doesn't mean a lack of fun! Sorry, that was really cheesy.

Anyway, let's get started!

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First of all, let's talk about the autumn/winter fashion. Fuzzy sweaters that act as blankets? Hell yeah! Long pants that cover up your unshaved legs? Sign me up!
Another great thing about the cold weather is the warm drinks. 'Tis the season for hot chocolate, apple cider, pumpkin-spiced lattes, and eggnog, if you're into that crap! Hot drinks are the perfect way to warm you up on a cold night.


Halloween is pretty awesome too. I am the biggest wimp you will ever meet, and even I find Halloween enjoyable! Whether it's the candy, the costumes, or the carving of pumpkins, everyone - including the Jordans of the world - can find something to love about Halloween.
The changing of color on the leaves. I don't know about you, but I think the world looks a lot more picturesque with various reds, oranges, browns, and yellows adorning it.
Thanksgiving dinner. Need I say more?


The whole month of December. Let's be honest, the lead-up to Christmas is probably better than the holiday itself. There is literally nothing better than listening to festive music while decking the halls, or cozying up on the sofa with a peppermint mocha and watching a Christmas film. Not to mention the constant scents of cinnamon, cranberries, cloves, and Christmas trees filling the air. There tends to be more sweets available at Christmas time too. Oh, and we can't forget about the ugly sweaters! Can you tell I love Christmas?!

That's it for today's post, my friends. I hope you're all as excited for the holiday season(s) as I am! I'll catch you in my next post!

Until then,
Jordan x

September 5, 2016

No Poo Movement

Hello, cuties! Wanna be a dirty hippy like me? Stop 'pooing!

For those of you who haven't been a firsthand witness to my hair journey, I have recently decided to stop shampooing my hair.

It all started on July 9th at my friend Katie's graduation party. That morning I had jumped in the shower, washed my body, and shampooed my hair like any normal person would. Little did I know, that might be the last time I ever shampooed my hair.

While talking to Katie at the party, we somehow landed on the topic of hair. Katie informed me that as of July 9th, she hadn't shampooed her hair in 34 days. I looked at her locks and marveled; it didn't look like they went more than a few days without washing! I had read in magazines that if one stops shampooing their hair, their scalp's natural oils would slow down production; however, I had never seen that process happen in real life. I was so inspired by Katie's success that I decided to join the No Poo Movement myself!

I actually thought about giving up shampoo last summer, but unfortunately I had a boyfriend and didn't want to put him through dealing with a greasy girlfriend. This summer, however, was (mostly) about me! It was a sign!

Today I am going to answer some frequently asked questions about my hair and and teach you how I keep myself from looking like a bum! Let's get into it, shall we?

FAQs

Why in the world would you stop shampooing?

The only reason we humans have to shampoo our hair is because we've been doing it since birth. Our bodies have become so accustomed to us ridding our hair of its natural oils on a daily basis that we've unconsciously tried to compensate by overproducing said oils. Why continue on with that unnecessary tradition and make our bodies work even harder to protect our luscious locks?

Not only is shampoo unnecessary, but it's also very damaging to one's hair. I ain't about that life.

If you don't 'poo, what do you do?

In The Shower

When I get in the shower, I massage my scalp under warm water. This is to aid any excess oil in moving from my scalp down to the ends of my hair, a.k.a. the sections that need the most protection.

When I first cut out shampoo, I continued to use conditioner on the ends of my hair. Once I felt that the natural oils from my scalp had worked their way down to the ends, I also quit using conditioner on a regular basis.

Due to several important life events happening recently, I decided to try out a cleansing conditioner from a brand called Renpure. This product does everything a shampoo would do in the form of a conditioner, without any of the harsh ingredients found in shampoo. I don't think I have ever been so impressed with a product! After one use, my hair looks like it hasn't gone a day without washing. I usually only use the cleansing conditioner when I have somewhere important to be, such as school, work, out with friends, etc.

Out Of The Shower

If I choose not to use any hair products in the shower, I'll make a spray consisting of water and about 10 drops of an essential oil of my choice and spray it on my hair when I get out. I do this for one reason and one reason only: to make my hair smell nice. After all, my hair won't be absorbing any of the beautiful, artificial fragrances found in shampoo! Another great thing about essential oils is that there are so many different scents you could go for. You can mix and match and change up the smells on a daily basis! I usually go for orange or pine. Not together though.

If I'm going to a function and feel like my hair looks a little too gnarly, I simply grab some baby powder and work it into my "problem sections". My friend Katie uses corn starch with a little bit of cocoa powder for a browner, less noticeable color.

Advantages? Disadvantages?

Not 'pooing has both its pros and its cons; I will not deny that.

Pros:
- Less flyaways and random frizzy hairs.
- Easier to brush through.
- Has more texture, holds styles better.
- Feels extremely soft and moisturized.
- Has a healthy sheen.

Cons:
- Takes a long time for body to regulate oil production.
- Looks greasy until body adjusts.

Although the cons are annoying, they are completely outweighed by the pros. The cons are only temporary, while the pros can last forever.

Do you have any tips?

If you plan on joining the No Poo Movement, there are a couple things you should keep in mind.

The first factor to take into consideration is when you start. Your hair isn't gonna look pretty when you first set out on this earthly journey. Unless you are extremely confident in yourself or don't care what anyone else thinks of you, I would recommend starting when you have a long period of time to yourself. If you're a student, this could mean over your summer holiday. To the rest of the population, this could mean during a vacation or time away from work.

When you stop shampooing, you might think that your hair is falling out more than ever before. Although it may appear that way, this is not true. When you shampoo your hair, the strands have nothing to hold onto, which means they can fall where they may and you'll never know they're gone. When you don't shampoo your hair, the oils from your scalp create a clingy texture that can keep the strands of hair in place, even after they've dislodged from the follicle.

Before you hop in the shower, brush your hair. You should do this regardless of whether or not you 'poo, but if you don't 'poo, this will help to disperse the oil amongst the whole strand of hair, all the way down to the ends.

When you're in the shower, make sure to massage your WHOLE scalp. Although your instinct may be to run your fingers through the front of your hair like in the commercials, make sure to get all the hair from all the angles. Also make sure to focus on the crown of your head, because that tends to look the most greasy.

Whatever you do, don't use dry shampoo; it's extremely hard to get out of your hair without using actual shampoo and can leave residue. Like I touched on before, I'd recommend using good ol' baby powder.

And finally, the big reveal...


This is what my hair looks like after 65 days of not 'pooing. I apologize for my face; I had just woken up and didn't even think about putting makeup on!


(There was a piece of lint on the camera.)


Here's what my roots look like! They're still a little oily, but no different than going a couple days without a 'poo!

I hope you found today's post somewhat insightful! If you would like another post about the hair products I use, let me know and I can surely do that for you! I apologize if you now think I'm a dirty slob; however, you are correct.

Check out Katie's blog here! If you like me, you're gonna love her.

Until next time,
Jordan x

August 10, 2016

How To Be Successful In Life

Hello, my beautiful friends! Although we ALL hate to admit it, the school season is upon us. For the majority of students, whether it's due to academic or social struggle, school sucks. Today I'm going to give you some tips and tricks on how to make school - and life - suck a little less. Enjoy!

Mind Your Handwriting
Neat handwriting is the key to ALL success. Whether you're taking notes, filling out documents, or writing essays, make sure your penmanship is neat and understandable, and that it doesn't make you want to cry when you try to reread it. I can't tell you how much easier my life was when I finally started to consciously better my handwriting!

KEEP ORGANIZED
This is something that we're always told, but we never really do. Whether that means organizing papers, folders, notebooks, or your backpack, keep it tidy. You'll be able to find things and get things done SO much faster!

Don't Listen to Good Music
If you're the kind of person who needs background noise in order to concentrate on a task, don't listen to music that gets you 'feelin' some typa way'. If you insist on listening to music, create a playlist of songs you've been listening to for years/are borderline sick of. This way, you won't be nearly as distracted and ready to bust out all of your new dance moves, because you'll already know the songs inside and out. It sounds like no fun, but I promise you it works.

Make Sure You're Comfortable, But Not Too Comfortable
This mainly applies to what you wear to school/work/out and about. Try not to wear anything that you'll feel self conscious in. For example, I wouldn't want to show up to work wearing red lipstick if I  knew I wouldn't have a mirror to check it in all day. If I were to do that, I would just spend the whole day worrying about whether or not I looked like the Joker. Wear things that you feel hot as hell in and that you know work for you!

It's okay to have days where you look like a homeless person, but try not to make them too regular. Not trying in the wardrobe department can lead to not trying in other areas, such as learning or working.

Do NOT Participate in Drama
Whether it's in the classroom, in the workplace, online, about a person you like, or about a person you hate, just don't do it. It's shady and immature. Don't give any input, and don't pick sides. Just stay out of it.

Do NOT Participate in Extracurriculars
You can if you want, but don't feel pressured to. School is hard enough already; there's no need to add onto that stress by joining clubs if you barely have enough time to complete your work as it is.

I know far too many people that've spread themselves too thin by participating in high school activities, which led to severe anxiety and stress. Only do what you feel comfortable with; don't just do something because it'll look good on a college application. You are there to learn (or work), and nothing more.

Do NOT Compare Yourself to Others
This is something I've always had trouble with. I haven't always been able to keep up with my schoolwork, mostly due to the fact that the material I learned never interested me. I would always think to myself, "Why am I so far behind while everyone else is doing just fine? Why can't I understand any of this crap?". Comparing myself to the academically-gifted students made me feel so stupid, which in return, made me not even want to try in school.

Comparing yourself to others - whether you're comparing intelligence, appearance, or skills - is the worst possible thing you could do for yourself. Different people are good at different things. Other people may be great at something you suck at, and you might be awesome at something that other people wish they could do. That is why us as humans need each other. We can't all be great at everything!

Those are my top tips on how to be successful in life! Be clean and neat, be nice to everybody, and steer clear of anything that could cause you stress. I hope you all have a successful start to the school year, or a great first day on the job!

Good luck, and I'll see you next time!
Jordan x

July 30, 2016

My Tattoo Healing Progress

Hello, cuties! How are you?! Remember when I got a tattoo back in May? Well that tattoo is now fully healed and ready to be shown off to the world! (It's actually been healed for about 7 weeks now, but I didn't even think about doing an updated post until last night.)

So without further ado, here is my fully healed tattoo and how I've been taking care of it!


HEALING PROCESS

A few days after I got the tattoo, the layers of skin around the new ink started to peel. This is totally normal by the way, so don't be scared if you've just gotten a tattoo or plan on getting one! The whole peeling process is INCREDIBLY itchy, which is something I had trouble dealing with. It takes a lot of self control to not mess with your tattoo while it heals!

A few of the vertical lines within the pattern on the balloon literally came off during the healing process. This is partly because the ink didn't go far enough into my skin, partly because the lines were too thin, and partly because I might've aided in the healing process by peeling off some of the flaking skin, which led to peeling off some of the tattoo. Sorry to gross you out.

The same thing happened with the strings of the balloon and one of the lines in the basket. I think the reason these lines disappeared is because they were too thin.

All in all, my tattoo took 3 weeks to heal.

AFTERCARE/TIPS

ALWAYS keep your tattoo moisturized; that's something I learned at the beginning of the healing process. Nobody wants a crusty tatt, right? Not only is moisturizing essential in the healing process, but it's also a great way to keep your tattoo looking fresh. Whenever I think my tattoo is fading, I slap some lotion on and it looks good as new! Moisturizing also helps the tattoo to look smoother and less dry and "cracky". You'll understand what I mean when you get your own tattoo!

Keep your tattoo out of the sun! This prevents major fading. Whenever I go out in the sun, I make sure to put on SPF. This is essential even if you're going swimming, seeing as the water magnifies the sun rays. If you don't have sunscreen, cover up your tattoo with a towel or an article of clothing. I keep my tattoo out of the sun and it still looks as dark two months later as when I first got it. And I've spent a lot of time outside!

TOUCH UPS?

I'm debating whether or not to get the tattoo touched up to fix the missing lines. On one hand, fixing the lines would make the tattoo look better; on the other hand, I think the imperfections give it character!

Speaking of touch ups, do you see the blank banner smack-dab in the middle of the tattoo? I'm thinking of getting that - along with the flowery things on the top and bottom of the balloon - shaded in with a color a couple shades lighter than the color of the lines.

While I'm at it, I might get the 6 vertical segments of the balloon shaded to make the tattoo more 3-dimensional. I'm not sure though, because I'm kind of liking the sketched look. I'm trying to plan out what to do with this tattoo based on the tattoos I want to get in the future. I want them all to have the same level of intricacy.

Well that's it for today's post; short and sweet! I hope I've answered any of your questions and addressed all concerns you may have had about healing a tattoo. I'll see you soon in my next post!

Until then,
Jordan x

July 10, 2016

Ultimate Smoothie Tips and Recipes

Hello, everyone! I don't mean to brag, but I consider myself quite the smoothie expert. Healthy food is one of my biggest passions, and over the past couple of years, I've fallen especially in love with smoothies!

Smoothies are extremely versatile. Depending on what you put in your smoothie, you could have one for breakfast, dessert, after a workout, or as a detox after a long week of not-so-healthy eating! Today I am going to show you some key ingredients to put in your smoothies to make them as healthy, delicious and nutritious as possible!

Without further ado, here are some of my tips, tricks, and recipes to create the best smoothie possible. Enjoy!

Tips

- USE FROZEN FRUIT! Not only do they act as fruity ices cubes, but they cost a lot less than fresh fruit.

- Fatten up! In order for your body to absorb all of the fat-soluble vitamins and minerals in your smoothies, you need fat! I usually use coconut oil. The fat/oil allows your body to absorb more nutrients and it adds a wonderful creamy texture to your drink.

- Put the non-frozen ingredients (spinach, coconut oil, fresh fruit, etc.) closest to the blades. This will make for easier blending! Also, the weight of the frozen ingredients will help to push the unblended ingredients closer to the blades, making for even easier blending.

Staple Ingredients:
- 1 Banana
- 1 Cup Water/Almond Milk
- 2 to 3 Tablespoons Fat (Coconut Oil/Nut Butter)

The Interchangeables:

Fruits
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Mango
- Pineapple

Veggies
- Spinach
- Kale
- Cucumber

Oils/Fats
- Coconut Oil
- Avocado (Oil or Fruit)
- Nut Butter

Smoothie Boosters:
- Green Tea Packets
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Hemp Protein Powder
- Superfood Powder


Breakfast Smoothie:
Fruity Energizing Detox

- 1 Cup Water or Almond Milk
- 1 Frozen Banana
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
- 3 Packets Green Tea
- 6-8 Frozen Strawberries
- 1/2 Cup Blueberries
- Juice of 1/2 Lemon
- Superfood Powder (Optional)

The blueberries and strawberries in this smoothie are interchangeable; in fact, I believe a tropical version would be freakin' delicious. Switch out the berries for some pineapple and mango and you got yourself an island breeze!


Some people may have read the ingredients of this smoothie and gagged at the idea of consuming 3 packets of green tea leaves. Let me explain myself! Eating the contents of 3 green tea packets is the antioxidant equivalent of drinking 10 cups of green tea. How crazy is that?!

Not only is green tea a great source of antioxidants (as well as the blueberries), but it can also reduce the formation of free radicals, increase fat burning, and provide you with enough energy to get you through the morning! Because of the caffeine found in green tea, I wouldn't add it to any of your afternoon smoothies; it is strictly a morning smoothie booster! And don't worry, it doesn't make your smoothie taste bitter, and you can't feel the tea particles floating around in your mouth.

Together, the green tea, coconut oil, and lemon juice help to detox your body and make you glow!

WARNING:
If you decide to include superfood powder in your smoothie, check the ingredients to see if the powder includes any sweeteners such as stevia. If it does include a sweetener, I would recommend altering the amount of banana in the recipe. I can't tell you how many times I've created a sickly sweet mutant smoothie because I included both the 1 and 1/2 bananas and the powder. Learn from my mistakes!


Work Out/Dessert Smoothie:
Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Milkshake

- 1 Cup Almond Milk
- 1 Frozen Banana
- 4 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Cacao or Cocoa Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Hemp Protein Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- Sprinkle of Salt


Now, you don't have to serve your milkshake in a wine glass like I did. This was just the only clean glass beverage holder I had!

I include cinnamon in all of my chocolatey smoothies to help reduce my risk of heart disease, but don't worry, you won't be able to taste the it! However, if you do want to taste the cinnamon, feel free to add more!

I add a pinch of sea salt to this "milk"shake because who doesn't love sea salt and chocolate?!

Depending on the type of hemp protein powder you use, your smoothie can have varying textures. The less refined the powder is, the rougher the texture of your smoothie can be. Watch out for that! If you're just into this smoothie for the dessert aspect, feel free to skip on the hemp protein powder!

Alrighty, kids, that's it for today's post! If you have any smoothie recipes you want to share, feel free to leave them in the comments section below!

I love you all very much, and I will see you my next post!
Jordan x

June 12, 2016

Free Bird Clothing

Hello, cuties! How are you all?! Today I'm going to tell you about a wonderful clothing store that - for my local blog readers - may have been hiding right under your nose! Free Bird Clothing is one of the hottest fashion outlets in Muskego, yet it is one of the least talked about.

 In this post, I'm going to walk you through the store, show you what Free Bird has to offer, and give you some possible outfit ideas you could walk out with!

Let's get started!


You know what they say: the love is in the details!







Look at those textiles!








Their array of necklaces, bracelets, and rings is incredibly extensive, if you haven't already noticed.



Now onto the outfits!


Let's start with the undergarments, shall we? Free Bird has an assortment of bralettes that you can wear underneath their gorgeous clothing. Or by themselves, if you're feeling crazy!


This dress is absolutely stunning. Rather than a standard circle hemline, the dress falls into a sort of square shape. It's quite lovely, and I am obsessed with the pattern! This would look great with brown or gold-toned accessories.


For a casual day out, Free Bird has a wide variety of shorts and tank tops. Pair the outfit with some sandals and a beaded bracelet and you're ready to go!


This outfit would be great for a concert or a day-long festival. It's light and breezy, yet the accessories still give it a fun, made-up look. And by golly, would it be comfortable!


This last look is one of my favorites. I admit that it might be a little hard to wear the candle, but I'm sure you could figure something out! You can't exactly tell by the picture, but the back of the dress is tied together with a string in an almost corset-like style. It looks wonderful, and I believe the flower necklace and/or earrings would go great with the pattern of the dress! Also yes, the candle is for sale, and it smells fantastic.

I'd highly recommend you check out Free Bird Clothing! They have something for people of all ages, and every piece they have is gorgeous and incredibly unique. If you live in Wisconsin but are nowhere near Muskego, don't worry; Free Bird has an even bigger store in Milwaukee! Now go! Shop 'til you drop!

Muskego Store
S72W16485 Janesville Rd.
Muskego, WI 53150

Milwaukee Store
249 N Water St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202


I hope you enjoyed today's post! I'd like to thank Becky at the Muskego store for helping me put together the outfits. Let me know if you'd like to see more of this kind of content in the future!

I love you all and I will speak to you soon! Until next time,
Jordan x