Weekly Wishes #7 | Year Wishes

First of all, I wanted to wish all of you a very Happy New Year. I hope that 2014 has been treating you well thus far. It has for me. As opposed to doing a typical weekly wishes, I've decided to make this post one wish for the year.

Like most people I have dreams....Goals, aspirations, visions of how I picture my life going. Some of them are fleeting, just passing thoughts. Others are things that I dwell on and tug at my heart. Regardless of the size of the dream I want 2014 to be the year that I start working towards them. Some of them are pretty tall orders so I'm not going to set an unrealistic goal for myself. I simply want to stop just dreaming and start putting things in place. 

As the year goes on I may feel more open to share some of these goals. In fact, several involve the growth of this blog so you'll be along for the ride anyways. 

This won't be an exceptionally long post. I simply wanted to share with you what this year will be like for me, personally and professionally. I shouldn't be in the same position this time a year from now, and I won't be. 

What are you looking forward to in 2014? Any resolutions or goals? I would love to hear your stories either in the comments below or on Twitter.

To set your own wishes, make sure to link back up with The Nectar Collective and join the community!

Weekly Wishes #6 | A Mental Break

I wish, I wish with all my heart to fly with dragons in a land apart. I'm totally kidding. However, I do wish to take a trip, or at the very least change my scenery. 

This semester seems to be taking forever to come to an end! Just four more weeks, they say. Unfortunately, in the midst of presentations, exams, and papers, a month seems like a lifetime away. While I anxiously await the glimmer of hope they like to call "Thanksgiving Break," I need something to keep my spirits up until that time. 

Luckily, this Saturday my boyfriend and I are going to Kanye West's concert and I could not be more excited! This is definitely the break I need to boost my morale and push through the rest of this semester. 

This week, my wish is to de-stress and regroup and I think this concert will do just the trick. 

Stay tuned for a full recap and, hopefully, plenty of pictures!

Weekly Wishes #5 - Self-Centering

Last week my only wish was to get more sleep and I definitely think I accomplished that. It may seem like a simple task but trust me, it's easier said than done. While most days I stuck to my new nap routine, other days I found myself falling into old habits. But hey, practice makes perfect and I'll definitely be keeping this up.

This week I feel is the perfect time for me to switch gears and focus more on myself. It's very easy for me to get caught up in making those around me happy without giving myself much attention. I feel like this wish couldn't have come at a better time. Today is my boyfriend's birthday and I've been consumed over the last week and a half with buying, transporting, and hiding his rather large present. Coincidentally, he will be attending a conference later this week, leaving me to own devices. But what are those exactly?

This week is to remind myself of the pre-serious relationship Jordan. What would she do with all of this free time? Catch up on reading or her favorite shows? Blog? Hang out with friends? I'm not sure just yet, but every step of the way I'll make sure to keep you posted on Twitter.

My wish this week is to focus on myself and any and everything that makes me happy. Challenge accepted.

Remember to head over to The Nectar Collective to join Melyssa and many other fantastic bloggers in making a wish for the week.

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.

Weekly Wishes #3 | Be There

My wish for last week was to finalize my plans for moving back to Philadelphia. Well, I can say that I have set a definitive date and a plan for how to get there. The thing is, I'm still not exactly sure where I'll be getting dropped off. Before you get too alarmed, I do have a place to lay my head. I'm just still holding out hope that something better will come through.

Now that I have my moving plans in place, my wish is to look up from my laptop and planner long enough to help those around me. There's no point in pulling yourself up by your bootstraps if you can't give someone else a hand too. I pride myself in being a good friend, but I want to deserve that title. Now that things are starting to settle down in my life, I can invest my time in helping the lives around me.

Stop by The Nectar Collective to participate in the linkup. Your wish may just come true.

Weekly Wishes #2 | Come Out Swinging

First, a recap of my wishes from last week: to stay positive about my ongoing process in moving back to Philadelphia and to remain supportive for my boyfriend while he was able to move back on time. I know I'm a bit biased, but I think I did a pretty good job. I felt a little discouraged towards the end of the week, but it's something about Sundays that are always pretty rejuvenating and re-motivating for me.

Now that I am refocused, my wish for this week is to simply make it happen! I am setting the end of this week as a deadline for myself to have my plan for moving completely finalized. No more going back and forth. I am very determined, sometimes to a fault, but I think that this time it will work to my benefit. Wish me luck!

Remember to head over to The Nectar Collective to connect with other bloggers and make a wish of your own.

Weekly Wishes #1 | Faith In The City

I have to thank Amber of Stages of Gold for introducing me to Melyssa of The Nectar Collective and her Weekly Wishes linkup. Up until this point, I have been pretty isolated in my little blog world, but now I'm excited for the chance to connect with other bloggers!

There's a lot of movement going on this week. Most of my friends from school will be moving back to the city to get settled in their new apartments. Truthfully, that should be me as well. Regardless of how things are settling into place, one of my wishes for the week is to stay focused. It can be easy for me to get discouraged, but that won't get me any closer to Philadelphia. I have to keep my eye on the prize and continue working towards my goal until the very end. My second wish is to be supportive of my boyfriend who will be moving back in a few days. Just because my situation isn't going according to the original plan, doesn't mean I have to bring him down with me. I want to remain the supportive, loving girlfriend and be there every step, or mile, of the way.

To participate in the linkup, click the photo below to visit The Nectar Collective!

Wish You Were Here - San Juan, Puerto Rico

First of all, I just want to apologize for the wait. Some of you have been itching for details of my trip and finally, here it is!

I have officially been bit by the traveling bug. Having never been outside of the United States, let alone the east coast, this trip to Puerto Rico was definitely a milestone for me. I experienced so many once in a lifetime opportunities that when I think back, it almost feels like a dream.

Of course, some of the most memorable adventures I wasn't able to document. We went parasailing off the coast of the beach homes of Michael Jordan and Ricky Martin. Later that evening, we went on a late night kayak trip to get a glimpse at something called bioluminescence. That's just a big word for these beautiful single cell organisms that glow when you touch them. Not only did we get to see that, but while we were in the bay, we got the most remarkable view of the stars. A view that I'll never be able to get in the city. We also went jet skiing which was so much fun! Warning: if you ride with a partner just know that it's much easier to drive than to try and hold on to the back.

In between our adventures we enjoyed sight seeing, relaxing on the beach or the pool, and trying the island cuisine naturally! We also met some extended family members who showed us what true Puerto Rican culture and hospitality are really like: absolutely wonderful. So, I'm not going to talk your ears off. Just enjoy a few of the moments I was able to capture.

Our little path to the beach. 

The Roots.

Note the most delicious pina colada ever in the background.

Birds in Old San Juan.

Before we set sail, parasailing that is.

Ginepas. The yummiest, oddest fruit.

Poolside.

Rice pudding, papaya, and flan. Yum!

All smiles with mi amor. 

Soon Come

Old School Blogging Tag

I've been tagged by my good friend Amber, who you recently got to meet, in the Old School Blogging Tag. Basically, this tag was designed to get back to the way personal blogging used to be, before the sponsors, before the advertisements. Just you, me, and the computer screen.

Attached or Single? Attached

Best friends? If I'm being completely honest, not really. That is unless I'm allowed to count my boyfriend.

Cake or Pie? Cake, duh.

Day of Choice? I would have to say April 25th because it's not too hot and it's not too cold. All you need is a light jacket. 

Essential Item? This isn't very specific, but since this is primarily a beauty blog I will go with a beauty item. My essential beauty item would be benzoyl peroxide gel. I need this in my life, but that should come as no surprise to you guys. 

Favorite Color? Purple!

Gummy Bears or Worms? Bears because they're cute and easier to eat...especially when soaked in vodka.

Hometown? Washington, DC.

Favorite indulgence? Ice cream. Oh my gosh, yes.

January or July? This is really hard because I'm not a fan of extreme temperatures in either direction, but I suppose I'll go with July. A lot of fun memories are made in July.

Kids? Definitely! No time soon, but one day.

Life isn’t complete without? The people I love.

Marriage Date? Oh wow I've never thought of this! I'm thinking late summer when it starts to cool down. That's funny because our anniversary is in late summer...what a coincidence. 

Number of brothers and sisters? One brother and one sister. Both younger.

Oranges or apples?  Oranges.

Phobias? Octopi. Don't judge me, mock me, or send me a picture of one.

Quotes? "God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 

Reasons to smile? There are reasons not to smile?

Season of choice? Fall! Oh my gosh I love fall so much because the trees turn so many beautiful colors and I'm able to break out my favorite accessories like boots, hats, and scarves. 

Tag 5 people.  I think I will tag some old friends with new blogs, and some new friends with older blogs: Gabby, Ari, Sharon, Carina, and  Lindsay.

Unknown fact about me. Well I suppose for my readers who don't know me in real life, I am 5 foot 0 inches. 

Vegetable? Broccoli! I love broccoli. I also love adding spinach in everything. 

Worst habit? Not exercising. It's really terrible.

X-ray or Ultrasound? I don't know. Which would you choose?!

Favorite Food? I honestly don't have one. 

Zodiac sign? Aries. 

Feel free to answer these in the comments, try the tag out, and send it to your friends!

Staples You Should Keep at Your Boyfriend's House

Whenever you decide to crash at your boyfriend's (or girlfriend's!) place, there are certain things that are absolutely essential to have with you. Trust me, I know all too well at this point through trial and error. Why make mistakes when you can just learn from mine?

Fashion
You want to bring over items that can be thrown on quickly. Chances are your boo doesn't possess your awesome organizational skills so at the risk of being late for class looking around for things, make sure you have pieces you can pull on and go. Also, try to avoid items that require an iron. On the off chance that he actually possesses one, it's always easier to not have to rely on it. Great pieces include:

• Leggings
• Sweatshirts
• Slip-on flats
• Cardigan (or other wrinkle-free outerwear of choice)
• Comfy jeans

Beauty

To me, this category is much more important than the clothes you bring over. I mean if comes to it you can always throw on a pair of jeans and one of his T-shirts, but you definitely can't use his deodorant! So, anything that is gender specific in terms of fragrance, make sure you account for that. Also, if you have a specific skincare or hair regimen, don't break it! As difficult as it can be sometimes to stick with it, your skin and hair will thank you. Your boyfriend's medicine cabinet may not, however. Here are a few things I always remember:

• Face cleanser
• Shower gel
• Body cream
• Deodorant
• Contacts (kind of obvious)
• Hair products (account for anything you use while you sleep)

You may look like a bag lady making your way to his place but hey, at least you'll be a well-prepared bag lady!

Tips & Tricks Tuesdays | How to Have an Incredible Birthday

Step One: Turn 20.
Step Two: Have the world's best boyfriend. Now unfortunately, since I have the world's best boyfriend, you will have to find a substitute. Good luck.
Step Three: Make some incredible friends before turning 20.
Step Four: Be so oblivious that you don't catch on to the world's best boyfriend and your incredible friends planning a surprise party for you.

Step Five: Start planning a bomb-ass thank you.

Fashion Faux Pas

Hey lovely people. First off I hope all of you had a lovely Valentine's Day, whether it was a romantic day with the one you love or a chill day with you and your friends.

I want to apologize for the lack of a Fashion Fridays post yesterday. As it would happen Thursdays are my busiest day of the week so my boyfriend surprised me and postponed our celebration until Friday. I know it's no excuse but I didn't want to leave you in the dark.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that we had a wonderful time and if you would like to see pictures from our evening just let me know.

Love you guys,
Jordan.

Someone Who Made Your Life Hell or Treated You Like Sh*t - Day 8

I'm not exactly sure of where to start with this one. Not because I can't think of anyone, trust me I already have my answer, but because I'm not sure how to tell this story.

I suppose I'll keep this short and sweet.  For about a year there were some pretty nasty rumors spread about me. It took me that entire year to realize who was the main person spreading them. I was hurt, embarrassed, and betrayed. I considered this person a close friend. I had no idea that one person could have such a widespread impact. I felt like everywhere I went people looked me up and down, shared whispers with their friends. My friends.

Thing is, it also took me that year to understand why they did this to me. They were hurt by something I had done. It wasn't done maliciously or intentionally, but it was done. For a while I blamed myself for it all. But I grew past that.

Now although that person's intentions were malicious, I've said before I'm not big on holding a grudge. We're cordial today, but I'm not stupid. I don't socialize with this person, nor can I ever trust them again. Lesson learned.

Someone Who Has Made Your Life Worth Living For - Day 7

Hey there. Hope you didn't think I forgot about you. I read this 30 Days of Truth question about a week ago and I knew it had to be just right. Why? Because if I'm going to write about the person who has made my life worth living for, I'm going to write a post worthy of him. 

This man right here has changed my life in ways that I never imagined and, at this point, I can't imagine without. People use the term "my other half" but I've always had a problem with that. You should be complete and whole on your own and the person you choose to spend your life with should add to that. Well, I'm happy to say you've been reading the words of a girl that's running on 200%. You're able to receive the very best of me because this man brings out the best in me. 

People who witness our relationship think that we're just this perfect little couple. While that's far from the truth, I will admit that we are extremely strong together. We're completely honest with each other, encouraging of each other's goals, and supportive and acknowledging when that support can't come from one another. We have the hard conversations instead of shoving them under the rug. We refuse to get upset over anything we see on social media; we can save that for a less trivial fight. We make it clear what we want from one another. We're not mind readers after all. And, our number one goal is to make each other happy...which usually just means a late night 7-Eleven run. 

He has without a doubt made my life so much better and has definitely made my life worth living for.

Something You Hope You Never Have To Do - Day 6

I hope that I never have to settle. I hope that I never have to give up my dreams. I hope that I never have to wake up one day and realize that I'm not happy, that I'm not living (or at the very least, pursuing) the life that I want to live.

I don't want to become another person that just has a job to make ends meet. I want to have a career, a passion. I don't want to settle for a one-bedroom apartment back home. I dream of my future condo with exposed brick and 60s artwork and vases full of flowers everywhere. I don't want to accomplish these things alone either.

I imagine that whoever I'm with helps me reach these goals and I, in turn, help him to reach his. I want someone to share these things with. I hope I never have to come home to an empty house, rather one filled with love, joy, and peace. I hope I'm never without those things in my life.

Something You Hope To Do In Your Life - Day 5

I know this may seem a bit unexpected, but when I gave this question some actual thought, I realized that one day I hope to have a family of my own (degree first, husband second, children third though).  I have a very long time before I'm even ready to pursue this goal but it's definitely something that I think about often.

Initially I was going to list educational and career aspirations that I hope to achieve in life, but I realized that even if I don't achieve those things, having a family of my own would satisfy me far beyond any paper accomplishment. That doesn't mean that I'm not going to continue to work towards those goals. Instead, it helps keep them in perspective

Something You Have To Forgive Someone For - Day 4

I started to say that there is no one that I need to forgive. Usually, that would be true. For me time heals all wounds. It's just my personality. No matter how wrong someone has treated me, with time, all is forgiven. While in some instances I find this a problem, in the end I know that I can't live being burdened with grudges, so I drop it. Before I could get through the first sentence of this post, however, I had to stop myself from lying. There are two people who I realize I have never forgiven, my parents.

It may sound a bit pathetic, but if I'm being completely transparent, I have never truly forgiven them for getting a divorce. Time heals most of my wounds but for some reason, even seven years later, this cut just refuses to close. 

I'm not sure how to get to a place of forgiveness with them but I know, for my sake, I definitely have to make a conscious effort.

Something You Have To Forgive Yourself For - Day 3

Truth is at this stage of my life there isn't one particular thing that I need to forgive myself for. If you would have asked me the same question a year ago, I probably would have broken down in tears pouring out a whole laundry list of things I was ashamed of. Thankfully, I've learned a lot within that year's time. I've learned that I can't beat myself up over actions that have long been done. So I suppose what I have to forgive myself for is all the time that I spent crushing my self-esteem and worrying about other's opinions of me. I should forgive myself for wasting that valuable time that could have been better spent on the people I love and the friends that stood by my side. 

It may have taken me a while to get to this place of forgiveness, but I am so glad to finally be here. I love my life, mistakes and all, and I wouldn't change a single thing. After all, it's those mistakes that have helped me grow as a person and those lessons I will hold on to for life.

Something You Love About Yourself - Day 2

I think it goes without saying that I much prefer this question. However, that doesn't make answering it any easier.

I love...

• My eyes. They're ridiculously huge for no reason.
• My lips. I think they are just the perfect shape.
• My smile. I've been told it brightens up a room.
• My skin. I care very deeply (probably too deeply) about maintaining its clarity.
• My curves. I love love love my shape. Breasts, hips, thighs, butt...too much?
• My feet. I think they're cute and little and weird.
• My ability to talk to people. I like being able to strike up great conversations with new people.
• My consideration for people. I generally put the well being of others above myself. Not always the best thing, but hey.
• My empathy. I'm never quick to pass judgement, believe rumors, etc. Probably because I've been on the other end of it. Not fun.

That's all I can come up with for now. I promise if I think of more I'll be sure to add them but for now I'm quite content with my list...and myself.