Weekly Wishes #4 - Zzzzz

It's Monday, which means it's linkup with Melyssa and The Nectar Collective day. I didn't make any wishes last week to catch you up on, so I'll jump right into my wish for this week.

My one and only wish for this week is to get some sleep! I have a pretty busy schedule that doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room during the day. But one thing I have noticed about myself is the small pockets of time I do have, I fill up. Why must I torture myself? Instead of complaining about always being tired or having to spend money on endless cups of coffee, why don't I just take a break? It's not a radical concept, but so far it has been to me this semester.

I need to take better care of my body and I already started today! I have an hour break after my first class so I decided to head back to my room and take a 30 minute nap. It was luxurious. I may still yawn here and there, but I'm much more alert than I typically am around this time of day. I'm going to keep this up all week and monitor how my mood, health, and alertness improves. Something tells me I may just become the Energizer bunny by Thursday.

Top Ten Things Girls Say When Applying Makeup

1. This color does not look the same as it did the last time I put it on.
2. I know I can get this last little bit of [insert lip product here] out.
3. Is lip liner really necessary? Goes outside the lines. Damn, I guess it is.
4. I think I'll keep it simple today. Comes out with full smokey eye.
5. Shit, shit, shit I got mascara in my eye! Oh my god! Help me baby Jesus! Help me Oprah!
6. Why don't my winged lines ever look the same?!
7. In the bathroom: I don't think I put enough on. Outdoors: I look like a Cullen.
8. I'm sure if I just add a little water to this mascara it'll be just fine.
9. Why haven't I used this in so long? It's amazing!
10. Where the hell did I put my lip balm?!

This post was just for fun because I know that we've all thought these things at some point or another. If you have another phrase to add to the list, use the hashtag "MakeupQuotes" on Twitter so I can see them. I may make a whole post dedicated to the list my readers come up with!

A Band Or Artist That Has Gotten You Through Some Tough Ass Days (Write A Letter) - Day 13

Dear Lauryn Hill,

It's hard for me to write this letter to you because a large part of me feels indebted to you for getting me through those hard times and another part of me is upset with you for not getting me through even more.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill has, ironically, taught me so much. Your album taught me that there is absolutely nothing new under the sun. What do I mean by that? I mean the same situation that you think you're going through alone, someone out there has either experienced it before or is going through it with you. There were times where I've experienced heartbreak inflicted by love interests...and by family. Regardless of the issue, it seemed that you always had the solution.

A few years ago, I would have reached for your album for a little therapy. Give me a hot bath, that CD, and a box of tissues and I would be just fine after an hour...or two. Now, I reach for it when I'm in a good space. I don't hear the sadness in your songs anymore, rather I hear the joy and the freedom. That album is a reminder that I'm no longer in a place where I need you to console me because it seems you are the only one who understands. That album is what I reach for when I'm at peace now. Funny thing is, your album helped me get to that place and I'm grateful for that.

I have to say you spoiled me with that album. You gave so much of yourself and just took it away. If your track "To Zion" was a warning, I didn't heed it. Your joy may now be invested in raising your family, but the joy of so many others, including myself, was in your music. I'm grateful for the songs you gave me to make it through those tough days, but I'm so sad to see them go.

I miss you Lauryn and I truly wish you all the best in your revival, if you so choose.

Best,
Jordan

Part of the 30 Days of Truth Challenge.

Tips & Tricks Tuesday | Multiple Uses For Travel Sized Items

Over the summer I realized that travel sized items aren't just for traveling. Granted, I ended up buying most of my new finds as a result of my trip to Puerto Rico. However, after I returned I found plenty of uses for those little carry-ons.

Test Subject
If you want to try a new product but are afraid to invest in the full sized item only to wind up disappointed, buy the travel size version first. I did this with the Cetaphil face wash. I heard so many rave reviews about this cleanser but I wasn't ready to shell out $11 if it wasn't going to help out my skin. The verdict? It is nice and gentle, but I'm one of those people who needs to see something lather to prove that it's working. Plus, I've had the same, if not better, results from my previous cleanser so I'm glad I tested it out first.

Ride Along
Travel size items are also great for, well, traveling. But, you don't have to be going out of the country to take advantage of them; traveling to class counts too. For example, a small deodorant is the perfect thing to throw in your purse for those days you forget to put some on before you leave the house. Don't pretend like it's never happened to you.

Also, having those travel size items on hand is great for impromptu sleepovers at your friend's or your significant other's house. You'll be grateful that you have a mini shower gel you can bring along instead of lugging around your entire medicine cabinet.

Penny Pincher 
Restocking your toiletries cabinet with travel size items when you're a little pressed for cash is also a brilliant option. All of your favorite brands are made in a smaller size, trust me. You don't have to resort to a generic brand to save money when you can just buy your staples in a smaller volume. You'll be surprised, those three ounces go a very long way. Being able to stay consistent with your routine is just an added bonus.

I was planning on writing an entire post on essentials to keep in your everyday bag, which includes several other travel items. Let me know if that's something you would like to read either in the comments below or on Twitter.