An Open Letter to (the soon-to-be) 21-Year Old Me

So I know it's not Friday but I'm posting this early because this week is going to be crazy with schoolwork and now's the best time to write. My birthday is on Wednesday and yesterday I was reflecting back on the past years, and what I would like myself to know/remember as I embark on my 21st year on earth, so I wrote a letter to myself because letters are simply how I best articulate my feelings. It might seem weird to you, but that's just how I work. Here it goes..

Happy 21st birthday! You can now enjoy being an actual adult. It wasn't too long ago since you were playing with Barbies and singing the wonder pets theme song. I hope this year is a time when you can learn more about the woman God has created you to be. Here is some advice as you embark on the next chapter of life.  

1.) Never ever forget that you are unique and beautiful no matter what anyone says about you. Your worth is never based on a number on a scale or how many calories you ingest, or how many followers on Instagram you have. Always be authentic to yourself and never change just to make others like you more. The person God has created you to be is far more beautiful than anyone you could ever pretend to be. A beautiful heart and spirit is ultimately the most important thing. 

2.) Work hard and don't slack off. If you want something, you have to earn it. Nothing is ever handed to you on a silver platter. Although culture says things should be easy and take minimal effort, go the extra mile in all you do. If you don't have time to do your very best, then why are you even bothering? Doing the bare minimum never works out. Don't give up just because it gets too hard. A woman with a strong work ethic is sexy. 

3.) But don't work too hard without playing hard. While you are young, be carefree. Enjoy laughing with friends and doing silly things. This is the time to kick back and enjoy life before there's too many not-so-fun responsibilities. It's okay to make mistakes. It's how you learn. You are such a perfectionist and a go-getter but sometimes that limits you and is your downfall. You don't have to be so type A. It's okay to let loose.

4.) It's okay to occasionally spoil yourself. Make time for you. You always seem to have a busy schedule and it's important to slow down and unwind. If you don't take care of yourself, who will? And if you really love those shoes, stop obsessing about them and buy them. What the hell, it's a pair of shoes, it's not as serious as a heart transplant. Do something nice for yourself. Eat chocolate, take a hot bath with a glass of wine, or just stay in wearing your favorite pajamas, watching Netflix, and eating nachos. (Netflix and nachos won't fail you)

5.) Embrace all relationships God gives you. Although there will be people who only want to use you and take advantage of you, also know that there are many people you will meet (or already know) who are more than willing to walk beside you as you go through life. They will celebrate your happiest days but also cry with you when your heart feels like it's been shattered in a million pieces. Cherish those friends Be the best friend you possibly can towards them. Be gracious, loving, supportive and loyal. Choose people who inspire you to be a better person and who treat everyone with kindness instead of being catty and cruel. 

This next year has so much potential to be one of the greatest years of your life. Always know that your calling in life is to be a source of joy and love to others. You are smart and have a lot to contribute to this world. You have so much light to share and a sparkly personality that can be so endearing when you aren't taking yourself so seriously. You have such a zest for life and an adventurous and cheerful spirit. Here's to another amazing year with incredible people and many memories to make! 

College Beauty/Fashion Essentials

Happy Friday! I hope this week has been kind to you all. Today's topic is my list of college beauty/fashion essentials. To all my fellow college ladies, let me know what some of your "go-to" items are.

1.) Makeup wipes: Although the best way to make sure your face stays clear and healthy is by washing it well twice a day, sometimes I'm that lazy girl who just can't even. These are a life saver for those nights when you come home late and just want to jump into bed.
2.) Dy Shampoo: This is something I feel like I use almost everyday. It helps absorb any excess oils and it makes my hair smell fresh and clean. I usually wash my hair every other day, so this is something I use for days when it's not hair washing day.
3.) Solid Colored Converse: I think converse are arguably the most versatile shoes ever created. I wear them with dresses, jeans, skirts, and leggings and they never fail to be extremely comfy and cute. I recommend buying converse in a plain, solid color so it can be even easier to work with. I have a pair in navy blue and certainly well-loved.
4.) Black cardigan or blazer: I love blazers and cardigans because they can make any outfit look even more put together and polished. It's great for those morning when you've missed your alarm and are running late for class. (You may sense a theme here. I've slept through my alarm so many times it's not even funny.)
5.) Gym Shoes: Staying active in college is so hard especially when you're exhausted from school, and would rathe stay in with Netflix and in my case nachos But keeping yourself moving is the best way to boost your immune system so there's less sick days. Also, "Runner's High" is a very real thing and it never hurts to be in an extremely cheerful mood. Your roommate(s) and friends will thank you.

Have a fabulous day!
XOXO
Chloe

The True "5 Minute Face"

Happy Friday everyone! I hope this past week has been treating you well. I am trying to stay up-to-date on my blogs by posting every Friday. Let's see how it goes! Today's topic is on the 5 minute face. And I'm not kidding it actually does take five minutes or less, not like the other tutorials out there. My theory on makeup is that it should be ultimately used to enhance your already gorgeous features not cover up or try to look like someone you're not. Makeup can help conceal small blemishes but you shouldn't rely solely on makeup to feel beautiful. You are already gorgeous as it in your own unique way. Seriously, just have fun.

Step One: To begin, I always make sure I wash my face very well and use moisturizer and sunscreen. You cannot skip this. It protects your skin and keeps it healthy. You also prevent acne, redness, dryness, and other common annoying ailments.

Step Two: Use BB cream/concealor to help with any redness, darkness or any other blemishes. I like putting BB cream right under my eyes to make them look brighter.

Step Three: I use white eyeshadow under my eyes and in the inside corners of my eyes to keep them bright, and make them appear more awake

Step Four: Curl your eyelashes as this helps make your eyes look more open and awake. Then swipe on some mascara. No need to put on multiple layers or coats as this leads to clumping and it honestly looks tacky instead of classy. 

Step Five: Blush

Step Six: Lipstick or lipgloss 

Then you are done and look polished yet have the minimalist look. It's never a good idea to look like you're wearing lots and lots of makeup. You can always play with colors and shimmer as long as you stick to the rule that very little goes a very very long way.. There are definitely times that may call for some sparkly blue eyeliner or sultry smokey eyes so I am not against them but everyday makeup is essential for going to work, school or running errands. It's also a quick way to look put together without being in a huge rush to get out the door. 

Make time for yourself to get ready and not feel rushed. We live in a society where everything needs to be on-the-go but making sure you have ample time for yourself in the morning is such a great way to start the day on a positive note instead of being cranky that you were in rush. 

Have a wonderful day and enjoy!

Thrifting

Hello beautiful people!

Sorry for being so behind. I truly need to work on my blogging schedule. But I have returned with some (hopefully) helpful tips and advice about all things fashion, beauty, life, etc.

Today's topic is something I'm very excited about... Thrifting
Yes, I know some of you are probably crinkling your nose and thinking "what's so great about wearing other people's old, smelly clothes? That's gross." While others of you also share my excitement over thrift stores. It's cheap, it's fun. It's practical.

I love shopping in thrift stores. Yes, some stores are a little sketchy in terms of cleanliness/organization and the selection of "quality" clothes but I've found some really great places. Plato's Closet is one of my favorites. They sell "nicer" clothes than your average Goodwill, meaning more name brands and most of their clothes are still in style. I also really love the online thrift store ThredUp. Like Plato's Closet they also have a ton of name brands and they even sell designer pieces as well as children's clothes, maternity clothes, shoes, and handbags. The only thing is they do not sell men's clothes. Maybe one day, but we'll see. I love the idea of "one's (wo)man trash is another (wo)man's treasure" It's nice to be able to look adorable and not empty your entire wallet out. ThredUp makes sure the clothes are in like-new condition and they are extremely picky about what they accept. Everything on the site is still very much in-style and from the past five years or less.

To all my readers who think thrift shopping is gross and the best way to contract diseases and cooties.
1.) Please don't think that only poor people shop at thrift stores. Sure, there aren't celebrities who will endorse them, but thrifting is really just another way to save some money instead of spending more money than necessary.
2.) Just wash the clothes really well and make sure you disinfect them. Then all the potential yuckies are killed and gone.

For both thrifting lover and thrifting skeptic alike: Here's how I make sure my clothes are clean and disinfected.
1.) As soon as I get my clothes, they go straight into quarantine aka in a bag by themselves away from everything else until I have enough time to start the initiation process of being welcome with open arms into my closet.
2.) Soak them in SCALDING hot water with baby shampoo and some PineSol or another similar disinfectant
3.) Once the water is touchable, I put them in the washer and wash them with HOT water
4. Then they go into the dryer on HIGH heat.
5.) Bye-bye yuckies! Welcome to your new home... the closet

*No matter where you buy your clothes, ALWAYS wash them before wearing. Fancy department stores can also carry bed bugs, bacteria, and other not-so-lovely things because many people have tried on your "brand-new" clothes from stores. Victoria's Secret allows customers to return underwear. You can't tell me that's 100% sanitary. And yet many people immediately wear their "new clothes" without washing them first. Yikes! Always be safe not sorry.

Enjoy your new finds! You're fabulous! No one can take that away from you.

XOXO
Chloe