recent loves + planner layout

Hello friends, here are a few things I have been loving lately~

kittens

We've got some new additions to our family... two adorable kittens! My friend was giving them away and I'm the biggest cat lady so I desperately wanted to keep them myself, but unfortunately I can't have pets where I live. My mom however, decided to adopt them, so now I get to see these little furballs everytime I go home! I got some pictures while they were napping- the only time they're still enough for a photo- so of course I had to share them with you!
xoJordan

my week unplugged

A week ago I wrote here that I was giving up social media for a week, and 7 days later I'm here to tell you what I learned.

For the past week, I haven’t used any social media. This means no Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Tumblr, Youtube, and Bloglovin. I did this because I have been finding myself too wrapped up in the digital world, and I needed some space to clear my head. I realized I was becoming that person with their phone out all the time. I was beginning to spend more time looking at what other people created online instead of actually creating. I was looking for validation in the form of numbers and likes and followers when all that really matters is if I like what I am doing. I always swore I would never become one of those people who lives their life through a screen but that’s exactly what was beginning to happen. So I decided to give it up for a week. And it was incredible.

I carried a book with me everywhere so I would pull that out if I was bored or waiting. In the evenings after I had made dinner and done homework, I would normally open my laptop and see what was happening online. Instead I pulled out a journal I hadn’t used in a year and began to write. I fell asleep reading a book instead of scrolling through my phone. I woke up feeling peaceful because I wasn’t starting my day by seeing what was going on in social media. I found the time to give my room a deep cleaning, something I had been telling myself to do for months. I felt so much lighter, both because I had gotten rid of so many of my belongings and because I just had time to be with my thoughts. The loneliness that I at first felt without the constant stream of notifications and updates quickly transformed into a peaceful stillness that I hadn’t felt in a long time.

My week without social media showed me what was good and bad. Things like Pinterest and Youtube are great because I go to them for inspiration- I just have to make sure I use them in moderation and don’t let them stop me from actually creating. But I realized it was other social media like Instagram and Snapchat that were just not putting me in a good headspace when I used them. Both because I was comparing myself to other people and because I was using them to somehow validate that I was “living”. Instagram especially was just leaving me with bad vibes,- I was tired of other people’s contrived photos to prove their life was cool and I was tired of feeling the urge to post pictures to prove I too was living an exciting life. I’ve decided that now I’m going to approach Instagram in a different way- I will only follow the people that really inspire me or who I actually want to see their posts, and I will only use it if it is coming from a place of wanting to simply share a beautiful moment or something creative- not use it if I am just trying to prove that I’m “living”. Because I’m not truly living if other people have to see what I was doing for it to matter.

After this past week, I have decided to make some changes. I’m going to spend less of my time looking through the internet at what other people created and more time doing the creating myself. I’m not going to rely on numbers or likes for validation. I’m going to live as authentically as possible, and not have to use #liveauthentic to prove that I am.

xoJordan

recent purchases

So I know matte nail polishes have been a trend for a while, but I haven't tried them out until now. I was recently at Urban Outfitters and saw this beautiful dark blush, matte nail polish and I immediately wanted to try it out. It dried to a slightly darker color than what was in the bottle, but it was still a pretty shade nonetheless. The only complaint I have about it is when I took the nail polish off my nails, it had stained them a yellow-y color. I love the matte look of this polish, but I don't like my stained nails, so I'm not sure if I'll be trying any other UO matte nail polishes.

The beauty section of Urban Outfitters has just been really great lately, and I also bought a few of their face masks. I've only used one so far, and I really liked it! I don't use face masks too often, but it's nice every now and then to pamper myself- I'll light a candle and put on some soft music and just relax. Another store I was at recently was World Market, and they have a huge selection of tea that I love looking at. This rose green tea caught my eye, as I love both green tea and rose flavor. I was not disappointed, this was a very refreshing drink!

On my last trip to Target, I got sidetracked by the pretty craft supplies in the dollar aisle. I picked out a few things that I don't necessarily need, but were too cute to pass up.

And finally, when I was doing grocery shopping earlier in the week these sunflowers were just calling out to me and I had to get them. They're currently in a vase on my desk and they make me happy every time I see them, so they were definitely a worthwhile purchase.

xoxoJordan

wildness is a necessity

We live in an age where we're constantly connected, plugged into a device, reading status updates and posting pictures of our coffee, responding to texts and commenting on someone's photo. Our minds can never be quiet because we always have something to check, some update to read or message to respond to. Our phones are never more than a few feet away, our laptops always ready to be opened. We're distracted from the beautiful moments in life because we're trying to get the perfect instagram picture. And if we don't, we're disappointed. The beauty of that moment has somehow diminished. We've become chained to our technology, we're living our lives through our screens.

Now don't get me wrong, I love that we have the ability to show our friends the amazing sunset we saw on our way home, I love that I can write a post on my blog and connect with people who have the same interests as me, I think it's incredible that we can make friends with people from all over the world.

But there comes a point when it all just becomes exhausting. Filling our minds with who ate what for breakfast and how many followers we have and why a photo doesn't have a certain number of "likes". We are dissatisfied with our lives and feeling detached from ourselves. And the only cure to this is to turn it all off and get outside.

Nature is rejuvenating. Spending time amongst the trees, by the water, under the golden sun, is the cure for the anxieties and stresses of everyday life. And though it might not make your problems go away, it will clear your mind so you can handle whatever comes your way. Fresh air is good for your spirit, and gives you back the energy your technology has taken from you.

I've been making it my point lately to get outside and refresh my mind. I've been taking days to hike with my friends, going for runs on the trail by the river, sitting under trees to read, and watching the beautiful sunsets that happen every single night. I didn't realize how disconnected I've become with myself until I spent more of my time outside than inside. Life is passing so quickly, I want to make it full of as many beautiful moments as I can. And these moments won't come when I'm staring at a screen.

 I've been leaving my phone at home more often. I've been trying to stop mindlessly scrolling through social media, and just let myself be with my thoughts. I've been figuring out what makes life meaningful.


There is so much out there in the world that you miss by wasting your time inside. We're all going to waste time, but we'll never feel fulfilled by wasting it in front of a screen. Waste your time outside instead.

"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity".   -John Muir

self portrait series & some things

TO LISTEN
While I am perfecting my autumn playlist (soon to be shared with you), here is some other music I've been listening to recently.
(click the song to listen)
A Place Like This // Majid Jordan
Save Me // Majik
It's Strange // Louis the Child
Warm // SG Lewis
Gold // kiiara
Waiting Too Long // Hippie Sabotage
Swimming Pool // Yuma X

LATELY
Making lists, making plans, making art (or trying to), early mornings, sweaters (even when it's too warm), french press coffee, spending time in the woods, lots of pictures, watching the sunset, being.

SOME WORDS
Document the moments you feel most in love with yourself- what you're wearing, who you're around, what you're doing. Recreate and repeat. //Warsan Shire

Have a beautiful week
xoJordan

moon magic and new beginnings

I don't know if it was the lunar eclipse (which was especially significant for my sign, Aries- if you follow astrology), the start of a new month, or just the changing weather, but I have felt reawakened by these new beginnings. Much like the beginning of a new year, I feel like it's a chance for me to start over and be refreshed by new directions.

It has been a perfect first day of October. It was finally cool enough to wear a sweater and boots to class. I'm listening to French jazz and burning cinnamon incense as I write this, and I have soup simmering on the stove. Later tonight I have a dessert date to celebrate a friend's birthday. A perfect autumn day.

I have to say, I'm not sad to see September end. I look forward to a new month, a new season, a new chance to begin.

recently

There has been a slight chill in the air as September slowly comes to an end, and I find myself wanting to put on cozy sweaters and knee socks in the morning- though by midday I'm peeling off all my layers. I can't wait for fall to come full force, so I can finally pull out all my knits and boots from the back of my closet.

I had a disposable camera that I used throughout several summers, and I finally got it developed. Although I can't wait for autumn to come, looking at these warm summer memories makes me happy.

I've been taking more time lately to write about my day, my thoughts, any creative ideas that come to mind. I've never considered myself a writer, but I enjoy writing nonetheless. My favorite thing to do is bring my moleskine and favorite pen and go sit in a coffee shop after class. I don't know if it's the soft coffee shop white noise or being surrounded by other people studiously working, but I often feel more inspired there than I do sitting in my room.

I hope you all are having a lovely week xoxo

getting over a break up

Tried and true, these will help. If I could have a giant sleepover with all of you that would be wonderful. Because boys are dumb and us girls need to stick together, right?

But in all seriousness...

I think we build a little home in the hearts of every person we really care about. And when they close the doors and don't let you in anymore, it hurts. But even when all you've had are storms, one day you will wake up and the sun is shining and it doesn't hurt so much and you realize there are bigger and better things waiting for you then some silly boy who locked you out and didn't know what a beautiful heart he was giving up.

Stay lovely, girls. The world needs love, and needs you to give it.

recent favorites

Today I'm sharing with you guys a few of my recent favorites. To start off, if you follow me on instagram, you might already know that I got my nose pierced! So of course my new jewelry is one of my favorites.


I also got a new set of watercolors, and have enjoyed playing around with them. I have been so busy lately I have not been making time for myself to be creative, so these paints are helping me get back into it.


I've been trying to set a nighttime routine for myself of drinking tea and reading for a little while before I go to bed, to calm my mind and bring a little peace before I sleep. My mom lent me the book "Quiet" by Susan Cain a while ago but life got crazy and I'm just now picking it up again. This book has been helping me feel so understood as an introvert. Also, I've been drinking this St. John's Wort tea that I found at my local health food store, which is especially calming when I'm feeling a bit blue. You can read about the benefits of St. John's Wort tea here.


This is a more personal favorite, but looking through old photos and memories has been bringing me a lot of joy lately.


And finally, planning future adventures is a favorite, because I have something to look forward to and daydream about when I'm working long, tiring days. (Ps. I have a video tutorial for making your very own adventure jar if you'd like one for yourself!)

Sending lots of love to all of you, I hope your week is going great. ♥

winterize your nails

Well, hello. It's been a while, I almost don't know where to begin. I will save an update on my life these past few months for another post… but for now I have something fun to show you guys. Julep contacted me about a "Winterize your nails" campaign that they are doing, and I was inspired to give myself a winter manicure.


I start with clean, filed nails. I have recently switched to only using non-acetone nail polish remover, and it has made a huge difference in the health of the nails. Before, they would feel dry and brittle every time I took my nail polish off, but now they are stronger and healthier than they've ever been!


When you're giving yourself a manicure, don't just stop at your nails. Make a sugar scrub to exfoliate and moisturize your hands! I combined sugar and coconut oil to make my scrub, and it leaves my hands softer than any lotion does. (*note: don't pour oil in the sink, especially coconut oil that hardens at a relatively high temp)


For my winter manicure, I started with a soft white base coat. Then I chose a silvery, glitter nail polish to paint on top. I did a thin coat at first, then layered more at the bottom to create a sparkly ombre effect. (ps. If you're looking for some new nail polishes, check out all the new colors Julep has!)


The subtle sparkle of this white manicure is reminiscent of twinkling stars and falling snowflakes.

odds & ends

I went to the beach with my friends for a few days last week, and ever since I got back I've been spending all my free time doing some spring cleaning! To all my penpals, I have not forgotten about you! Sorry for such a long delay in my response, but I promise I will have something in the mail for you soon. :)


I recently made these raspberry bars, which are super yummy, and they're raw/vegan! I used this recipe, and it turned out really well! I always tell you guys the changes I make to recipes, but I didn't need to change much in this one! I did use fresh raspberries instead of frozen, and I added a few less dates (because I didn't want them to be too sweet). Also, I did not add the icing on top of the bars, but they were still delicious without it!


And speaking of spring cleaning, I recently redecorated my bedroom (since I am currently living at home for the summer). So maybe a room tour will be in the near future? ♥

mother's day // blueberry muffins

I have always baked something for my mom on Mother's Day- from the time I was young and had to have my dad's help, to now where I've taken the tradition into my own hands. Some particularly delicious things I remember making in past years include lavender shortbread, fresh strawberry cupcakes, and cinnamon breakfast puffs. This year I decided on something simple, but still yummy- blueberry muffins.


I knew I wanted to make them from scratch (I feel like I'm cheating every time I use a box mix!), so I searched for recipes and found one from Barbara Bakes.


I really liked this recipe! The muffins came out perfectly light and moist, with a crisp topping from the streusel. I used fresh blueberries and they stayed suspended in the muffin, they didn't sink to the bottom!


I made a few slight changes to the recipe:
- I used coconut milk instead of regular milk
- I added 3/4 cup of sugar instead of 1 cup
- I baked them for 35 minutes

Also, next time I'm going to add a little lemon zest! I forgot to this time, but I feel like these muffins were missing just a little something, and lemon zest would be the perfect enhancement.


Everyone in my family loved these muffins, so this is definitely a recipe I will be repeating!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Sunday. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

nineteen

Yesterday was my nineteenth birthday. I can't believe how quickly this past year has gone by, and so much has changed since last April. I made a list of things to do/things to live by for 19, to make sure I have an amazing last year as a teenager.

Remember my 18th birthday post last year? I decided to do a similar post to document this birthday.


First, my outfit of the day. I wore my favorite dress and layered a bunch of dainty necklaces. Luckily it was warm enough for me to wear this, it had been raining all week but the sun came out yesterday!


When I woke up, I walked out of my bedroom to find dozens of balloons scattered around my dorm. Then there was breakfast and coffee waiting for me on the dining table, made by my lovely roommate!

After my last class of the afternoon, I met a few of my friends to play frisbee on the quad. Little did I know this was actually a ploy to keep me busy and away from my dorm.


After frisbee, Josh pulled out an envelope and handed it to me. I figured it was just a birthday card, but I opened it and found an invitation to a teaparty at my dorm!


Ashley and Sheela had put together a surprise teaparty for me; complete with little desserts, lots of tea, and pretty decorations!

After the lovely teaparty, I ended the festivities by going out to dinner with a few friends. Food and good company always make a perfect evening.

Thank you to all my friends and family for the birthday wishes, and an extra thanks to my friends who made my birthday super special!

Cheers to 19 ♥