I started bullet journaling in the middle of 2017, & I haven't gone back since. Whenever anyone asks about planner recommendations or getting organized, I immediately say the bullet journal. You can be as intricate or minimalistic as you want, & it's by far the most personalized system I've found. 

BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING TIPS (FROM AN EX RETAIL ASSOCIATE)

I spent four Christmases (like the Reese Witherspoon movie) in retail, and I’ve been a Black Friday shopper as well, so I’ve seen firsthand the do’s and dont’s of the day. 

If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by the Black Friday madness, let this be your guide:

THREE HABITS FOR WAKING UP EARLIER

I’ve never been a morning person. My inner self ~wants~ to be one, rising at 5am to drink my coffee, do my yoga & walk stevez all before time for work. But my outer self says eeehh we’re not there yet. 

THREE TIPS FOR SHOPPING POSHMARK (+ SHOP BACK OPEN!)

LET ME SAY: I’ve never actually bought anything from poshmark, though I have ~almost~ purchased. But, being a sometimes-seller on the platform has given me a unique sort of insight on how things work & what you should do in order to have a positive buying experience. 

THREE REAL WAYS TO BEAT STRESS

Oftentimes blog posts talking about beating stress will give tips like 'take a bubble bath!' and 'call a friend'! & while those are so helpful for self care and can work wonders for a gal, it's not the only thing you can do when stressed. It's important to look at the stressor itself and figure out how to nip it in the bud, so to speak. (am I the only one who thought it was nip it in the butt and imagined someone kicking you in the hindquarters as a child?)

A HINT OF ROSE GOLD | TIPS FOR TINTING

Experimenting with my hair is the same as experimenting with clothes for me: a creative way of expressing how I'm feeling, the ~aesthetic~, if you will. (yes I do use that word too much, no I won't stop) I've always wanted to try out a fun color, but actually dyeing it lavender or rose gold is a commitment I'm never sure about. My only tousle with pink dye was one summer with my cousins, streaking the fronts hoping to get an Aria Montgomery pre missing Alison look, but just ended up looking like I had a bit too much fun in the dye. We live, we learn.

MY ONE SWIPE HIGHLIGHT TRICK

These days I’m ALL ABOUT a simplified beauty & makeup routine. The quicker, the better and sometimes that means finding hacks that take the simplifying a step further.  

SIGNS YOU'RE HEADED FOR A BURNOUT

It’s such a blogger thing to do to address when you miss a day’s post, or you go on a mini break, or basically break your normal blogging cycle at all. It’s a cliche that I’m TOTALLY DOING, SUE ME. It’s important to not ignore the signs of a burnout, or of just needing a break. It's still hard for me to admit sometimes that I NEED a break. 

SHEIN TIPS + THE CUTEST FLUTTER SLEEVE DRESS

Out of all the ‘cheap’ clothing websites, I’ve found shein to be the most reliable. The website is shoppable and for the most part the clothes are a win. (like this cutie of a flutter sleeve number for less than $15) Of course there are some negatives, as with any shop, but if you know how to navigate things you can come away happy most every time. 

HOW I'M GETTING MY HAIR BACK TO ITS NATURAL COLOR

 For someone who generally doesn’t do well with change, when it comes to my hair I tend to change it up quite a bit. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I can’t make decisions to save my life. (Quite contradictory to the whole change thing. Just call me a walking oxymoron) 

TIPS FOR SHOPPING AT FOREVER 21 WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND

When I've just told someone I got something at forever 21, (you know the drill, someone compliments you on an item of clothing, you respond & tell them where it's from, a conversation sometimes ensues) the response I get often is that they want to shop there more but it seems intimidating. Overwhelming. So many sections, so many styles of clothes and WHERE DO I EVEN START?? Even my best friend has admitted she doesn't quite know how to shop there, & I've told her too many times I'd show her the ropes, but I have been failing miserably. So in a way, this is for her, as well as anyone else who might be feeling their head spin at the thought of trying to tackle this big guy. 

YOUR GUIDE TO ALL THINGS ACRYLICS

I was in high school the first time I got acrylics. I had always wanted them but never took the plunge, (mostly because I didn't have a job) but one day my friend & I went to go to get a manicure and she got them. They looked so enticing that I sat myself down, let the nail tech put on the infamous french tips, and the rest was history.

TIPS FOR WINTER SKINCARE

Late winter can really do a number on your skin. The drying out, flaking... it's not exactly a cold weather perk. Luckily, things like exfoliators & facial water are your new BFFs when it comes to winter skincare. 

Let's talk some tips I've learned from trial & error:

Skip The Toner

Or at least lessen the amount you use it. For my combination skin, I've found that toner can actually dry me out more. so instead, I opt for refreshing rosewater that's a little gentler. 

Oil (& Mask) Up

Facial oils are essential in winter as they lock in moisture & are super hydrating for your skin. Same goes for masks: the smoother the ingredients, like rose, (rose is just key, it seems)  the more hydrating & soft. I do a mask at least once a week- a tip I swear by! 

Exfoliate

A no brainer, obviously. But your lips need a lot of exfoliating love too! If I don't do a little coconut oil + exfoliant concoction, my lips are SCREAMING for moisture, & no amount of lip balm can save them. Do yourself a favor.

xo,

kae

ANXIETY GROUNDING PRACTICES THAT ACTUALLY WORK

Sometimes advice on anxiety can have the best intentions, but it just makes you feel worse in the end. 'Have you tried yoga?' (not to discredit yoga, it is amazing) 'Just stop worrying!' HA if only it were that easy! There are a lot of techniques that work, however, and the focus is on grounding. 

Here are the biggest ones I've found to work: (remember that everyone is different & what is helpful for someone else might not work for you! try different things until you find your groove)

1// Touch your shoulder, wiggle your fingers and toes. Touch whatever is closest to you. What does it feel like? Tell yourself that you are here, in this moment.

2// Most of the time this one is known as '5, 4, 3, 2, 1' where you touch five things, smell four things, etc, but keeping up with numbers gets me out of focus, so I just do one thing for each sense. Inhale. What's the first thing you smell? Look around, the first thing you see? Etc. This is another way of getting back to yourself, remembering that you are present, in real time. 

& it's my go-to practice, because it HELPS most of the time!

3// Instead of trying to shove it away, acknowledge the anxiety is there and see if you can pinpoint why. Look around, and remind yourself that nothing bad is actually happening. Focus on your breath and the fact that your heart is beating. You're okay. Sometimes there is no why, & that's okay. Still focus on your breath, your heartbeat.   

4// Sometimes the last thing you want to do in the middle of an anxiety attack is breathe, but a good breathing exercise can be key. Breathe in for four breaths, hold for seven, and breathe out for eight. It seems impossible, but focusing on the count can help you get back to the present. Repeat until you feel calmer. 

The recurring theme in all these practices is coming back to the present. That is key when anxiety hits, because it makes us feel out of control, like we don't know what's happening anymore and all logic is out the window. But the reality is, you're here, and you're okay. 

xo,

kae

CLOSET ORGANIZATION MUST HAVES

 

My closet was a MESS as a teenager. Sure, I color coordinated my clothes, (a system I still implement) but everything else was very dicey with no real organization. Since then, I've tried to get into the habit of keeping things tidy, for my sanity.  

I'm still trying to get things the way I want them in my new place, but these are some must haves I think we all should have: 

ARMOIRES

Filled with space, armoires are a great way to hold jewelry, PJ's, or any other closet necessities.

RACKS

Another space saver! Depending on the size of your closet, you can find a rack to fit pretty much any need. It's perfect for things you need an easy reach for.

SHOE HOLDERS

A must have, am I right ladies? Instead of haphazardly strewn all over, shoe racks help keep shoes in place and easily seen, so you don't spend ten minutes wondering 'WHERE IS MY OTHER SHOE!!??'

BINS

I am ALL ABOUT the bins. I've got a sweater rack & I also utilize specific bins for things like belts and scarves. You can utilize them however you want, even making your own bin system. Yes, please!

How do you organize your closet?

SHOP THE POST:

xo,
kae

Three Tips For Finding Inspiration

Sometimes a case of the Mondays comes on for like, a solid week, am I right? It's sometimes easier to get uninspired than the opposite, which is really inconvenient. 
Here's a few of my go-to tips for getting back into your groove. They may seem simple, but they really work!
1// Get out of your comfort zone. Sometimes you get so used to a routine that it's more harmful than helpful. For a new perspective, switch things up a bit. It doesn't have to be big, it can be something as simple as taking a few minutes to go for a walk. Take a bubble bath & do a face mask. Just do something different!
2// Create a mood board Either on pinterest or from magazines, create a visual of the vibe you're feeling or the one you want. There's a reason why we're visual creatures; when we something concrete we're more likely to follow through. I'm ALWAYS on instagram & pinterest for a breath of fresh inspiration. 
3// Don't force it. Know what they say about a watched pot never boiling? Same concept here. If you try to force inspiration, it's actually LESS likely it will come. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to create something just to get it out there. 
What do you do when you're feeling totally zapped?
xo,

EASY MAKEUP STORAGE

I don't know about you, but for me some good makeup organization is kind of a must. There's nothing worse than wasting five minutes of precious morning time digging through all kindsa product for one thing, no?
I like having a place for everything & everything in its place, or else it's just chaos, which is why I thought I'd share a quick peek into my space, plus a few organization picks:

I like having some drawer space (similar- this one has a charging station, say whaaat) for all my eyeshadow palettes & powders. I added a small cosmetic bag (similar) for my brushes, (I like having them tucked safely away instead of out where dust can easily collect) & then another (similar) for my blushes, highlighters & bronzers. 

Then we have the clear organizer on top, (similar) for all the rest of things. (If you're an all in one kinda gal, here's a cool organizer with both drawers & compartments for under $30!) I literally have a space for everything- foundations, lipsticks, mascara.... it's so easy to reach for in the mornings!
As much I'd love a 'beauty room' like all those cool youtubers, let's be real- who has time for that? The little space I have lets me get ready easily & I can watch netflix at the same time. A girl's dream.
LET'S CHAT: Tell me how you store your makeup!

SHOP THE POST:

xo,

College Advice From a (Semi) College Dropout

My college experience hasn't been the typical one. I was there for three semesters, then took a break that turned into a "not going back" that turned into deciding on community college. #struggles

When I grew up watching the college years of Boy Meets World and Sister, Sister, I had high expectations. But come to find out, everyone has a different experience and sometimes you end up on a different path than you started on.

I don't regret the path I chose, but there are some things I'd go back and do differently the first time.

In fact, I actually made all these mistakes just so I could tell you what not to to.

Just kidding. 

Preparation is key. A lot of times a class' syllabus will be online before class even starts. Look at it. Familiarize it. Have an organization system. Get your books.  

Get out of your comfort zone. College is this whole new world that can be overwhelming to unsuspecting eyes, and your default will be to stay with what's comfortable. One of my biggest regrets is not rushing with a sorority, even though I truly wanted to. I couldn't get out of that comfort zone long enough.

Be active on campus. Even at smaller schools, there are sooooo many different clubs/ organizations/ etc. to be involved in and so many friends to be made. There is literally something for everyone. 

Don't get lazy. When the going gets tough and netflix is calling your name, remember that resistance is the hardest part. Once you make it through that, get to work. Finish the essay, study for the final until your pupils no longer exist...... whatever you gotta do. 

Just, don't be a lazy babe, k?

Take advantage of office hours. Need to ask your prof a question? Does that entire math worksheet need an explanation? (Don't they all) Professors have office hours for a reason, so use them. 

Get to know your roommate. (One thing I did right) I've heard about a thousand roommate horror stories over the past few years, but luckily none of them were my own. In most cases the roommate situation is one extreme or the other, and sometimes bad experiences are just unavoidable. But when they're good, they're good. 

Make the most of it. Not to sound like a cheeseball, but college is really what you make of it. It's okay if you don't know your major or what you're gonna do after graduation or even what you're gonna have for breakfast the next day. (Probably coffee and stale cheez-its) 

Believe me, the majority of people on campus are in the same boat. So just make everything you can out of it and go get smarter and stuff.

Anything you'd add to this little advice-giving sesh?

Tips on easing flight anxiety

If you're like me with anxiety, flying is probably not a preferred traveling method. Every time I'm on a plane, it seems I'm on edge and can never fully enjoy the flight, no matter how much I want to.

It's almost like that Friends scene where Phoebe calls Rachel to tell her there's something wrong with the left phalange and the guy sitting next to her overhears and freaks out.

"This plane doesn't even have a phalange!"

I'm that guy always.

I'm already feeling uneasy about the impending flight to Florida (I suppose this post is a bit of therapy for myself) and while I haven't figured out the magic secret that doesn't involve some benadryl, I have found a few courses of action to take a chill pill. (Metaphorical this time)

Prepare. Treat the morning/ day of your flight like any other. Go through your routine, get your coffee... don't think of the traveling as some big event.

Music. Music is comforting to me in any situation, particularly music of the Taylor Swift variety. If you're listening to a song or artist that chills you out or is familiar to you, you're more likely to focus on that than the stressful situation. Earphones in, airplane mode on, aaand go.

All the books. If you're not one to get motion sick while reading in a car or plane, be sure a good book is in your carry on. (Or two, depending on your flight length) You'll need something light and fun like Mamrie Hart's book. I've been saving my copy for travel day because it's impossible not to laugh when Mamrie is involved.

Imagine yourself at your final destination. This one seems so simple, but I think it can really help. Picture yourself already there, safe and sound. What do you have planned once you get there? Get lost in it and you'll be landing before you can say "more wine please."

Pray + think good thoughts. Another little thing, but I always say a prayer beforehand and once I'm on the plane. Make positive thoughts float through your mind and stay there. I'll make it through this flight. It's only _____ long. Everybody will be safe. Etc. etc.....

Check your safety. Take mental note of where the oxygen masks and flotation devices are, and it can be helpful to make a quick plan of action just in case. 

Acknowledge your feelings. Let the anxiety manifest for a moment, and then breathe. You can distract yourself and focus on coping methods, but don't forget that acknowledging how you feel is important as well.

Do any of you deal with flight anxiety? Tell me how you do it! I'm curious. (And okay, I'm also up for new suggestions)

Tips for living life on your own terms

Remember that episode of Friends when the girls came across that book entitled Be Your Own Windkeeper? In my opinion, that's what we should all be doing. Keeping our own wind. Okay, maybe I should put it in a way that doesn't sound so..... '90s. Living life on your own terms. Yeah. There we go.

So many times I think the idea of having someone come save you and make everything better is a little too romanticized. Don't get me wrong, surrounding yourself with people who care about you is important, but baby, you're your own hero. It's just as important to live your life the way that you want and to make it better. Create some magic.

// Set intentions.

In yoga, it helps to create an intention of why you're on the mat. It can be anything that keeps you on the mat through the tough poses and sweat. We should set intentions for all aspects of life as well. It creates motivation and if you have an intention, you have an endgame. From there you can figure out how to get to the endgame.

// Don't take BS.

This has been hard for me over the years. I'm shy. I hate confrontation. I'm a people pleaser. That combination has led to me letting people take advantage of me too many times. Don't do that to yourself. If someone is giving you BS, call them out. ASAP. 

//Cut out the toxic people.

This kind of goes along with the BS thing, but it is so important to only have positive people in your life who support you. Don't ever feel bad for letting go of someone who is toxic to your mental health or your thinking. Take control of who you keep in your life.

//Let go.

Never let someone tell you how to live your life. You are the only one who gets to choose your beliefs, your friends, your fashion sense, your music preferences, your way of living.  Learn to be happy in that. Everything is so much easier and more beautiful when you live the way you want to and when you learn to be the hero of your own story.