Valentine's Day Makeup Trends | Love, Jordan

Pouty lips. Rose gold eye shadow. Powder pink blush. Those all sound like lovely ideas, but if you want to step it up from last year's Valentine's Day trends try a couple of these ideas!

Natural Look

• The face | Dewy skin is in and shows no sign of slowing down based on this year's New York Fashion Week shows. If you want your skin glow against the dry winter air, opt for using a bronzer in place of a blush. My suggestion: Milani Baked Bronzer
• The eyes | A wash of color is a beautiful and simplistic way to look done up without looking like you put in too much effort. Just make sure your brows are filled in as well to frame your face. My suggestion: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo and Revlon Brow Fantasy
• The lips | Again, for a "no effort" look, a wash of color is the best route. I would go for a pink lip stain that will last through all of the Valentine's Day kisses. My suggestion: Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain

Bold Look

• The face | For a dramatic look, contouring is absolutely everything. If you're uncomfortable with doing this yourself, use a stick applicator as opposed to powder. It's much easier to apply and blend. My suggestion: Em Cosmetics Contour and Highlighter Stick
• The eyes | Shimmer screams holidays, but matte whispers sophistication. If you're heading out to a fancy restaurant, which look would you rather convey? For a sultry look, use matte tones on the lid and reserve the shimmer for the inner corners. My suggestion: Too Faced Matte Eye Shadow Collection
• The lips | A classic, matte red lip is all that's needed. It's perfect for the romantic occasion and will fit any setting. It's a foolproof color that's sure to turn heads. My suggestion: MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Russian Red or Ruby Woo

What look are planning on trying this weekend? Share below!

Love,
Jordan

Unconventional Dates | Love, Jordan

It's easy to go out to dinner or see a nice romantic comedy, but part of the fun of Valentine's Day is to do things that are out of the ordinary! Here are a couple of cute and unique ideas that your partner or friends will really love.

• Roller/Ice Skating | Depending on where you live, unless you have an ice skating rink, that option may not be possible. However, roller skating rinks are usually pretty accessible. Plus, what's cuter than falling into the arms of your loved one all night? That's right, nothing.
• Drive-In Movie Theater | While these may be more difficult to come by, that's what makes it even more special. Taking the time to find one will already get you plenty of brownie points...and maybe a little extra popcorn too.
• Take A Class | There so many options from a romantic cooking class to an intimate art class. Find one that you know will be a different and new experience for the both of you to adventure into together.
• Play Or Concert | Seeing something live is always much more thrilling than watching it on screen. Not only will it be entertaining, but it will also give you two something to chat about all night long.
• Wine Tasting | Food? Check. Alcohol? Check. Lowered inhibitions? Check. Successful date? Check. 

I'm still not all too sure what I'll be doing this weekend. A huge winter storm is supposed to be hitting the East coast tonight so that can definitely affect any plans I would have had in the works. Regardless of the weather I know we'll make the best of it, even it's just pizza and movie at home...by candlelight.

Any great plans for this romantic holiday? I'd love to know what you have up your sleeve. Share in the comments section below.

Love,

Jordan 

Valentine's Day Gifts | Love, Jordan

For Him | If you haven't noticed by now, guys love to talk. This is actually great because it gives you plenty of ideas for gifts. Whether your man is into technology or sports, paying attention to his interests will take you far! As a tip, video games are always a pretty safe bet. My suggestion: iHome Bluetooth Speakers

For Her | Girls love thoughtfulness, period. So I suggest you browse her Pinterest, Facebook likes, absolutely anything to clue you in to a gift she may have been secretly coveting for a while. If all else fails, flowers, chocolate, and a handwritten love letter actually go a very long way. My suggestion: Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Film Camera

For Your Friends | Call me cheap, but I think it's genius to buy gift sets and break them up into smaller gifts bags. Not only does it save money, but it allows you to customize each gift for every friend and add personal touches they'll really appreciate! My suggestion: NYX Cosmetics Fall In Love Nail Art Collection

For Your Family | To me, the best thing you can give your family is your time. With everyone having such hectic schedules, it can be hard to set aside time to let them know how much you appreciate them. Sometimes, a simple "I love you" can be just what they needed to hear. My suggestion: Make a home-cooked meal! They'll appreciate the thoughtfulness, time, and effort that went into it.

I would love to know what all of you are gifting this weekend! Share your ideas below!

Love,
Jordan

Love, Jordan

In honor of Valentine's day being just a week away this next series will be dedicated to getting ready for the holiday. Whether you're spending it with a loved one, friends, or just treating yourself, next week my blog will be full of outing ideas, makeup options, and outfit inspiration. 

If there's anything specific you would like to see, let me know in the comments below or on Twitter!

Love, 

Jordan

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 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 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 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.