New Year: 2015

2015!

Happy New Year to you! 

The year of the sheep. The year of promise to so many people. The day that resets everyone's hopes, dreams and aspirations. To be honest, I feel very good about 2015, I might have read a few horoscope predictions. After everything that happened in 2014 I was ready to come to a close to the year. I am not one to make huge resolutions on December 31st/January 1st, to be honest, I feel asleep by 8:30pm (hey, I just came back from a week out of town I was tired.) I was awoken by fire works at midnight and gave Skyler a sleepy kiss and went back to sleep. Some of my resolutions this year are simple read more, obtain good grades in my college classes, etc. The typical things. I don't set big resolutions on a single day out of the year because I like to set things through out the year. Because, I don't know what will happen in a month or three months or where I will even be. I feel like if I predict what my life will be like for the next year then I am setting myself up for disappointment and other emotional let downs. Since being a closeted perfectionist I tend to get really upset if I plan something out in my head and it doesn't work out. 

But some of my long term goals (more like mind sets) are to let go and stop holding onto anger. What is that saying? Holding onto anger is like drinking the poison intended for your enemies? Basically my anger is only hurting me. I don't want to do that anymore. This maybe a life long goal but no better time to start then now or more like on Christmas I decided this but not the point. 

I hope you had a wonderful season whether you celebrate a specific holiday or it was just another day for you. I hope you were surrounded by family or friends and love and happiness.

Let me know what some of your resolutions were and I hope you have a wonderful and successful year! 

Staying relevant

I'm sure many of us have had self conscious thoughts of: Am I important? Do people care or worry? Etc. In this day of age one of the ways we think we are relevant is based of how many twitter followers we have, how many people like our updates and photo's on Facebook; do you see where I am going with this? I too, have had days were I worry that perhaps I am socially awkward or are boring or any semi-ridiculous thought that something is wrong with me, when in actuality there is nothing wrong with me or you or anything wrong with the people you know, that don't "like" your new photo.

Before there was social networking how did people stay friends outside of high school? Sadly, many people didn't. You moved on with your life as you grew older. Making new friends in college, work so on and so forth. It wasn't because you didn't want to be around your old comforting friends but because as a part of life, you reached out and focus on you. With Facebook we see what everyone is doing. How they are going out of the country, how they are having brunch at the Ritz Carlton, having babies, these huge things and while many of us are sitting at home thinking, when is it my turn? Why are they getting to do all these things? Why do so many people care about their travels and life events? None of things should be important. We concern ourselves with other people's lives too often that we forget to look at what we have. What wonderful things are happening in our own personal lives.

We shouldn't find legitimacy through other people, but through ourselves.

And of course there is the dreadful "unfriended" on Facebook or "unfollow" on instagram or twitter. Why do we care? It's not like we actually talk to these people. Sometimes we do though and that hurts the most. How often do people move on because of a personal dig at you? Not as often as we would like to believe. Believing that someone doesn't want any further contact turns into a selfish desire. A desire to hang onto things and to make things stay the same because it makes us feel secure. Many people are looking for a clean slate, to move on from high school (the drama, the rumors, etc). I have felt offended when I have been unfriended in the past and I probably will in the future. But I myself have unfriended people. Only two people and it was selfish to say the least, but that's not the point of this. We shouldn't focus on what's happening on social networking, we should try to focus more on what is going on in the world, current events. How can we change the world, because that's more important and will be more relevant in the future. No one is going to remember when "so and so" went on a study abroad trip. Many things on social sites are fleeting and will only be remembered by those who actually experienced them.

Hopefully this will help those of you who are worried about why you feel like you aren't relevant. You are not. Just close the computer, go outside, volunteer and experience life through your eyes and your experiences because your relevance should be your own personal thing and everyone else's? That is there's.

Defining size

How often do you walk through a store and see signs that designate where certain clothes are? Such as, men, women's, boys, girls, etc. Or perhaps during online shopping? I'll admit, I love online shopping, even if I have no intent of buying anything I love seeing new shipments and imaging if I could buy whatever I wanted. For much of my life (meaning, the time in my life I could start shopping for myself) I had a hard time going into stores and buying things. I would usually end up crying and being upset, not liking anything that I saw or if I liked something it wouldn't be in my "size". I'm not sure, but I may not be the only one who has had this experience before. It makes me sad thinking that there are people who have or still are feeling the way I would when it came to shopping. Now that I am older I started to understand shopping more and shopping for my size, don't get me wrong sometimes I accidentally buy the wrong size. I didn't really have anyone when I was younger telling me if something looked good or bad. The typical words were: Okay, get it. Sure. So on and so forth. I remember shopping for a school dance my sophomore year in high school. I was at Macy's and saw so many cute dresses. I grabbed a few I really liked thinking they were my size and went to try them on. None of them worked, making me feel like something was wrong with me. That my body didn't meet the standard that these clothing companies appealed to. I ended up buying a very plain baggy dress that I despised even to this day. But don't worry, that whole dance in general was one of the lamest things I ever attended. Even up till this past year I couldn't eye my size or was in denial of my size. When you are a teen or in your 20's, maybe even older, you want to shop in your age groups area. I didn't want to shop in women's, or plus size. Though, I don't believe I was plus sized at any point but in a weird size of not junior or plus. So women's ended up being the easiest place to shop for me.

The point I am trying to make in this post is what defines size? Why do we have to have petite and plus size designated areas? I understand that separating men and women and from there women and juniors. But why do we need to advertise that in this area you are petite and over here you are plus size? You could argue that it makes it easier to shop. But what I would say to that is first, shopping is never easy regardless of organizing. But secondly, how much harder or more work would be placed on the shopper if the sizes were just in the same area with no giant sign? Our society has created this stigma with what our size is. That our size defines us, that we can't shop in the same area as someone who is smaller or bigger than us. All the while designers and retail know that them separating sizes can make someone feel uncomfortable. We shouldn't be afraid to shop in what is right for us. But also, there needs to be a bigger spectrum of sizes, not just a certain body frame. I'm sure in this post I bounced across that discussion of size and that maybe I didn't hit any particular point but perhaps this will help people to start thinking about the question at hand: What defines size?

Where have I been? Yet again. Catching up on life, school and my 21st birthday

Hello!
So recently I haven't been around much on the blogging front. I have over loaded with school, life and everything. It's been a drag. But I'm hoping now (that I am on Spring Break) I will be able to put up a few posts :)

Let me catch you up:

It was my birthday on March 3rd. Skyler took me to Dave N Busters and I had a few drinks, not a lot because I was getting sick from eating bread with gluten in it :x

I think this drink was called Candy Land. It was actually really good. You couldn't taste the alcohol at all. I would've drank beer but being gluten intolerant I can't have beer, so cocktails and shots it was.

Our attempt at an Oscar selfie. I think we all looking charming. (I'm hiding behind Skyler's should) :)

Oh yeah, and my sweet new ride. :P (It's in the wall btw)

I plan on getting a new camera with my birthday money, woop woop! Better quality photo's AND starting up my channel again :)



So after my birthday I had to study a TON for my biology exam. If anyone had taken college biology, you know it's a hard class









Well that's about it so far. I'm hoping to get some Spring, well it already feels like summer in Arizona, inspiration up. See you soon!

-Tori

Alba Botanica Shampoo review

Alba Botanica Shampoo

Hey! Have you ever struggled with shampoo before?  I have and I hate having to go through many brands looking for ones that work on my hair. Everyone's hair is different and therefore not every shampoo is effective. Which means you do have to be patient (something I am SO not good at) and look, look, look! Recently I have made the switch from typical brands, such as, L'Oreal, Maybelline, Covergirl, Garnier Fructis, etc. And have been looking for products that aren't tested on animals. Doing this is not easy. I have a hard time finding things that meet the criteria  So when I came across the brand Alba Botanica (Parent company Haen Celestial which also makes Avalon Organics) I was thrilled to find a shampoo that was cf! For anyone interested these shampoo/conditioner and other hair care products are cf:

• Giovanni
• Dessert Essence   

So the main questions are, does it work? Is it effective? And I'll tell you, the answer is yes! I love this shampoo! It doesn't have many of the harmful chemicals many shampoos have and it really gives my hair moisture and my hair just feels...clean. It doesn't suds up like a lot of shampoo's but that is due to sodium laural sulfate. Ick. I only use it on my roots because I want to target where it's oily, and condition the ends. The packaging is cute, very tropical to me. The only down fall (which it may not be for everyone) is that I find that I have to use a lot. I don't know if it's because I'm use to suds or what. It smells like coconut as well, which is a big plus! It's not a fake smell either. I would definitely recommend  this product to anyone.

Have you tried any new shampoo's, conditioners or other hair care things? If so tell me what you think or if you have made a post link me! 

Best friend tag!

So I would've made a Youtube video of this but oddly enough my point and shoot AND computer are having camera technical difficulties! So, I shall type it out! Enjoy.



Question #0: What is her/his name?
Sarah Shinn

1. How and when did you meet?
   Hmm...let's see. 7th grade?! Oh man. We had a mutual friend I think and maybe one class together? But we didn't become best friends until 10th grade
   
   
2. What is your favorite memory together?
   Too many to count...is what you would think I would say! But, I think one of my favorites was when she and 2 other friends drove 5 hours to see my high school graduation :) To this day I can't be more grateful
   
3. Describe  in one word.
   Understanding
   
4. What's their dream job?
   Musician
    
5. What's your favorite makeup brand?
   I honestly don't know.
   
6. What is something that annoys you about the other person?
   Nothing haha oh other than have incredible musical talent! But it's only "annoying" because I'm jealous. You go girl :)
   
7. If you could go anywhere in the world together, where would it be and why?
   Somewhere in Europe? England!
   
8. What is your favorite inside joke?
   June bug. Rolled up napkin.
   
9. Who takes longer to get ready?
   I don't know. Seems like an odd question.
   
10. Favorite season?
    FALL!
    
11. Favorite song?
    I don't know. I know she likes The Wanted, Landon Austen...and a few others
    
12. What’s it like being friends with someone who’s obsessed with youtube?
    I wouldn't say she is obsessed. She makes videos of songs she has written. More like dedicated to keeping a dream lit
    
13. Heels or flats?
    Flats? Sarah please correct anything I am wrong on.
    
14. Pants or dresses?
    Skinny jeans last time I was told (3 years ago...)
    
15. Favorite animal?
    Dog?
    
16. Comedy, horror, or chick flick?
    Comedy or chick flick.
    
17. Blackberry or iPhone?
    Iphone. That's a given haha
    
18. Favorite movie?
    THE PROPOSAL
    
19. What is something weird that you eat?
    Egglant! That stuff is so weird looking omg.
    
20. Do you guys have anything matching?
    We bought the same shirt once. From Forever 21 I think or wet seal
    
21. What's your favorite TV show?
    Friends I think. I am just going of social networking posts she has made haha

Woo. Well I don't think I have ever doubted myself more than right now! If you have a friend you want to do this for go ahead. I tag everyone :) 

Homemade cinnamon chai tea with milk

Hello! So first off, I cracked my computer screen. I accidentally dropped my laptop and it just cracked. It's not like I've never dropped it before but whatever. 

Anyways today I want to make a quick post about how I make chai tea with milk. I guess it would be a latte then? 

Well lately I've been on a huge tea craze! I've been going through 5+ cups of tea a day. Mainly just green tea and black peach tea. Today though I decided to make something a bit different. 

Homemade chai tea with milk:

-one bag of chai tea

-hot water. I just use my coffee pot to heat water. Yay for being a college kid.

-milk. I used almond milk. But use whatever you have, there is no specific type of milk you need to use. Also I just poured till I got a color I liked. Like tea darker? Use less milk. Like tea lighter? Use more milk. 

-sprinkle on cinnamon. Again, use however much you desire.

-optional: sugar. I didn't use any because I don't like chai sweetened but add it for a sweet kick

For you tea lovers I hope you enjoyed this quick recipe! Leave a comment if you made it or have your own recipe! 

Luvocracy

Hey, how are you? It's been awhile. But I wanted to make a quick post about the website luvocracy. :)

If you haven't heard of this website I suggest you go check it out. It's like Pinterest and amazon collide. It's a great plus to hear about products from people who aren't being influenced. It's also a place where if someone buys something off of your board you get website credit! How cool is that? So if you have an account or plan on getting one head over and be sure to find me! My username is tori3jensen 

Hope to see some of you over there :)

Julep Maven October box 2013

First off, I tried to make a video of the unboxing and my computer decided it wasn't going to use any sound even with the microphone on. So I don't even know what to do with this computer sometimes.

On to the contents and goodies hidden with in the magical Julep box. October, October, October (mentally create some chant with the word October) This months box is by far my favorite. I didn't put any add-ons there are a lot of people who do. I've seen some boxes with 10+ nail polishes in their them! I'm a college kid so rent is more of a necessity. I got the standard box. Mine is Boho Glam, which is very much my personality. :)

Yes, I organized it to look pretty. First look inside the box.

"Don't ask permission" -Joan Jett

Candy corn! I know this is a huge no-no candy to except from strangers but one, it's cealed and two, is Julep Maven a stranger anymore? (it also came with a ingredients list for anyone who could be potentially allergic to anything in it. It has no high fructose corn syrup. 3 for you Julep Maven, you go Julep Maven) I also saved this from my Fiance for you guys to see.

And of course, the nail polishes! I adore both of these! At first when I saw the one on the right online I thought it was more gold than yellow. I'm not a huge fan of gold, but in person it is definitely more yellow! I have some serious nail art "halloween inspired" plans with these colors so stay tuned through out the month :) My nails are bare in the previous photo because I plan on doing them today.

And my favoritest thing of all. A duo eyeliner pencil with sharpener. It's like the Julep god's heard my silent prayers of wanting a good eyeliner pencil. One side is black (good for up lid) to help tighten upper water line to get a more flawless, fuller lash line. And the other half is brown great for bottom water line. I don't wear much on my bottom water line because it makes my eyes look dark and my dark circles under my eyes even darker. (I have so horrid dark circles. Comment if you know of any really effective undereye concealer)

That is it for the October box! I loved everything and it was such a nice surprise yesterday when it showed up. (I've been crazy stressed because my bunny, Snickers, has pneumonia.) If anyone get's any other Julep box or even Boho Glam tell me what you thought of this months box!

See you later!

How I take care of my hair

There are many ways people take care of their hair. There is no perfect way to do it and there's no wrong...no there are wrong ways to take care of your haha. I dyed my hair 5 times in 6 months and took horrible care of it. It stopped growing after a certain length due to being damaged and dead. So about a month ago (give or take a week) I chopped inches off my hair to give it a fresh start. Upon cutting it I decided to make a conscious effort to take proper care of my hair, and here's what I do:

I only wash my hair 2 times a week. This does not mean I don't shower everyday. I don't have poor hygiene. But I typically wash my hair Mondays and Thursdays and on Mondays I shampoo and condition with Joico. After that I use macadamia natural oil deep repair masque and run that through my hair paying close attention to my roots and let that sit in my hair for 50-60 minutes. I only use the deep repair masque once a week (you can use it up to two times a week) but once works well for my hair. While I'm waiting I'm not just hanging out in the shower for an hour letting water run. I get out wrap it up, I use a plastic grocery bag. That's college kid budget for you. But honestly, you don't need a $20-$100 hair holder thing. Use what you already hair and it helps the environment. I usually watch tv or YouTube videos during this time or even do chores. Just don't go out in direct sunlight. It doesn't specify that on the bottle you shouldn't go outside but the masque is intense and so is the sun and could potentially hurt your hair further. Then I wash it out. I part my hair and let it air dry most days. Once it is mainly dry I use the macadamia oil on my ends. If you are going to use a heat tool run the oil through out all of your hair. Dot use too much it'll look oily and gross. A good amount is a dime size. Then style as pleased. The second time I wash my hair is on Thursday nights. I just shampoo and condition, dry my hair, run macadamia oil in the ends and typically put my hair in braids. So what do I do when my hair is getting oily on days I don't wash my hair? Dry shampoo. Get to know it, it'll be your best friend. I use Batiste because they are budget friendly and cruelty free. I know there are people who like the product and people who don't. I personally do. But it's all trial and error with hair products. Find what works with your hair don't buy something and pretend you like because someone said they liked it. Anyways, I spray this in my roots, give it time to sit (about a minute) and brush your hair. Use as much as you desire, again it's all trial and error. Your hair will not only be non greasy but the volume will be insane! Also, I spray in part conditioner part water into my hair for a little extra softness sometimes. I hope this post helped and maybe will lead anyone with questions about hair care in a good direction! :)

Macadamia Natural Oil review

Hello! I wanted to start this post off with a big ol' sorry! For many reasons. First, I've been gone for a few days, today's post is short, no pictures or links. My computer decided it was going to over heat and kill the video card. Sad times.The video card is a major piece to make the laptop run effectively and just run in general. So I'm using Skyler's (my fiance) mom's computer and this poor thing has seen better days. So I can't right click or highlight anything...so I'm sorry if my post become very boring and horrible. Please bare with me :) I'm hoping to be up and running with a fixed computer soon!


I've had Macadamia products for quite some time now. I absolutely adore their products! I have the Deep Repair Masque and Healing Oil Treatment and both have worked wonders on my hair. I only use the deep repair masque once a week (it says you can use it twice a week but one time works well for me) I leave it in my hair for about 50-60 minutes to really let it get down to the roots. After that I wash it out and dry my hair and this treatment leaves my hair so soft and healthy looking! Once my hair is mostly dry I run the healing oil treatment through my hair (don't use too much in one area it will make your hair look greasy) it's a great heat protectant for anyone who is looking for a natural one that isn't full of chemicals, and could potentially create product build up in your hair. Most days I just run it through and don't use any heat, it just really helps your hair stay healthy. Both I have made these two last for close to 6 months, then again I don't like over loading my hair with products. Macadamia Natural Oil is cruelty free (how awesome!). Honestly it's definitely a product that is worth trying. I have heard that there are people who are not fond of the smell, but I actually really like it. So if you are curious about the product go check it out! I got mine at Ulta. If you have tried these products leave a comment down below and tell me what you think.

Why I started a blog

I didn't start up this blog on a spur of the moment idea. It took me months of pondering if whether or not I wanted to do this. I was worried that I would run out of idea's or not even come up with any. I worried that it would be just another phase of something I wanted to do and it would fade away. But in the past few days of actually sitting down, making ideas, updating my blog, designing, it hit me, I know exactly why I made this blog. I made this blog with hopes of being there for girls who may not have female figure in their life to look up to. Perhaps they didn't have someone to teach them things about make up, skin care or hair care. When I was 7 my mom had passed away and it was just my dad and I for a very long time and I didn't have anyone to teach me about this girlier stuff and I had always wished there was someone to teach me. I was too afraid to ask anyone for help with fear of them judging me so I went through many make up fazes. I went through no make up, too much make up, wrong shade of make up and everything in between. I want my blog to be there for girls who need someone to turn to for advice and idea's or maybe just a place to be comfortable. I hope anyone out there feels that they can come to this blog and enjoy and ask questions. I will answer any and all and will help to the best of my knowledge.