Love Yourself

Hey y'all,

I'm just gonna jump right into my post today, so sit back, relax, and grab your favorite chips.
So, being a teenager isn't quite the fun ride sometimes.
Growing up, the movies made high school seem like a summer camp on steroids.
But, in reality, it's a nightmare.
But, through it all there is something you need to remember and not even question.


Love yourself.


Sounds simple, but is extremely hard.
In this generation, we can't live without checking our phones at least three times a day. (Admit it girls, you refresh your Instagram feed every 30 minutes.)
Social media takes over our lives in so many ways.
Pictures of gorgeous girls are plastered on every popular page and we can't help but look at ourselves and say, 'Hey, why don't I look like her?'
But, you know what?
You are you for a reason.
You are so unique, different, and oh-so special.
Let me be completely honest with you.
Flawless doesn't exist.
No one, absolutely nobody in this world is perfect.
Why? Because we are human.
And because we are human, we have a special power over things.
The power to give, love, and live.


Love yourself.



Over the course of my life, I've had a lot of bumps in the road that have given me a chance to truly appreciate what were once mine, and now are gone.
It's amazing what pain does to a person.
One moment you feel like your life is getting better, and then in a split second, everything comes crashing down.

But, in all of this chaos, we end up forgetting what the most important things are.
You can't blame yourself for things you have no control over.
Just because you were born differently, you're from a different country than all of the kids in your school, or even if you're the new kid with absolutely no friends.


Love yourself.


So, no matter what time you're reading this.
Make your day special.
It can be anything, go out with a buddy to lunch, make your mom breakfast, or even sit down with a warm cup of coffee and read your favorite book.
Because you deserve it.
Just know that I believe in you, and that I love you.
You are not worthless, in fact, you are priceless.
You are the only you, and if you don't like the way your life is going.
Then change it.
Let go of the people in your life that are making you feel miserable.
Let go of the things that negatively influence you.
Let go of your procrastination and worries.
Just let it all go.
If you have worries about secrets you told people you don't trust anymore, or if you just don't know anymore.
Just close your eyes, imagine all of your pain, worries, and anxieties all written on pieces of paper.
And then, when you're ready, throw it all into the garbage can beside the papers.
Just imagine throwing all of them away.
And there you have it.
A clean slate, a new day, and a fresh beginning.

I believe in you.

xo Jelly

No boyfriend, no problem

Is it just me, or does everyone seem to have a boyfriend now days? Maybe it's just because I work in the mall and always see cute couples walking around, holding hands and being sickingly adorable. I mean, when you're a teenager, you notice people and the experiments start. There's a few 'types' of people that I'm pretty sure everyone has noticed.

There's the girls who've had multiple boyfriends, and been around the block a few times. Their usually the ones who talk about their latest breakup in the bathroom at lunch, or the change room during gym class. Or the boys who walk around the school and know they could probably have any girl they want because they've dated so many. Then you have the newbies, the kids who have had one or two, and they like to keep it to themselves so people don't judge them on how little they know about relationships. You can always tell these people by the way they hold hands, like their scared someone will see them. And last but not least, you have the hopeless romantics, the people who wish and hope that one day they'll finally join the pool of relationships. These kids are the ones who watch and listen, picking up tips and staying up late thinking about what it's like to love someone like that.

Love is the wrong word for these cases though. It's being thrown around too much, losing its meaning. Yes you sometimes have that one couple who everyone roots for and do actually love each other, but for the most part it's just "Hey, you're attractive, let's date" or "I've been single too long, you look decent enough" And it can be harmless enough until you have the guy who's only in it for one thing. There's this couple at school that I've noticed, and the way the guy grips the girl and looks at her, you can just tell he's only in it for sex. It's awful to watch, really. Makes me wanna grab the girl by the shoulders and scream at her to wake up and see.

Let's jump back to the 'hopeless romantics' and me being that type, it's both wonderful and awful at the same time. Obviously I'm happy being single, avoiding the heart break and stupid-ness of getting someones mom to drive you home in their minivan from a date with their son/daughter. And I'm also glad I don't need to devote all my attention to someone who probably wont return it as much. But hey, seeing those couples act all adorkable together kinda makes it seem worth it. I mean, who doesn't want to have someone to tell everything to and have them still like you?

The other thing is most of the songs on the radio or that you listen to are love songs right? They always have lyrics about these little things that the artist noticed in the person their singing about. And I can't help but wish that someone would notice the little things in me, then write a song about it. (The song part is optional, I just said that because who doesn't want a song written about them?)
I always end up wanting someone to feel that way about me, then I get all depressed because I know it probably wont happen anytime soon, as I'm sure you do too :p

I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't be that person to chase down any person who gives you the time of day. You'll just end up looking desperate and that's really unattractive to most people. For me, I just try to focus on good music and make a little art. This could just end up being a single persons rant trying to make themselves feel better, but I hope someone feels the same or finds some truth in this.

Stay Lovely,
Dixie
p.s Noah go build an ark or something you weirdo

Fall/Winter Fashion

So fall is upon is, and personally it's my favorite season. I love it because I get to wear all the sweaters and scarves I've been saving for cooler weather. I am also in love with pumpkin scented everything, fall leaves, and rain. In this post I am going to give you a quick guide to being in style this fall:) Just to let you know, this is going to be a long post to cover everything for fall. Hope you learn and enjoy!

Let's start at the top, shall we? What am I wearing this fall as far as make-up goes?

Foundation/cover up: Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream with SPF 30. It's a liquid, and one I would totally recommend. I love it. If you're into powders, I also use Jane Iredale Pure Pressed, a mineral powder base with SPF 20. Best. Powder. EVER. For the spots though, I use Benefit Industrial Strength Concealer. Works wonders!

Mascara: L'OREAL Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara. I've tried a lot of different mascaras, and this is the one I fell in love with. Because my eyelashes are so long and thick, it really helps to separate them without adding clumps. I also use a safety pin to get rid of the extra little bunches of lashes. I use a plastic spoon for my bottom lashes, to minimize the amount of mascara on my skin. Just put the spoon under your lashes and brush them with the wand. Awesome for on the go if you don't have time to clean up around your eyes.

Eye shadow and liner: I don't really use a lot of these products, because natural is really in right now. If you are though, browns and champagne colours are so pretty. Try using brown liner too. My eye shadow is from Korea, so I don't know what brand it is. Jelly got me it last year, along with my liners. The eye liners brand is Nature Republic Pretty Tree Auto Eyeliner. In case you know the brand:)

Lip stick: I don't wear lip stick, I do however, wear gloss. It's called Sexy Mother Pucker (please excuse the name:) and it's from The Soap & Glory Cosmetics line. If you first put on Blistex Mint SPF 15, then the lip gloss, it seriously stays on for like 5 hours. That's if you aren't eating anything or rubbing it off. I would definitely recommend checking it out.

Perfume: I wear Someday by Justin Bieber. Before you say anything, I don't care if you hate or love the Biebs, his first perfume smells amazing. I'm not really a fan, but everyone always tells me how good I smell when I wear it.  Not all perfume smells good on everybody. It's about what's right for you, and what works with your body.
*Helpful tip: To see if a perfume smells nice on you, spray some on your wrist and let sit for a good 30 minutes. Then lick your wrist where you sprayed it, and if it tastes sweet, it's right for you. If it's sour, it's not I know it sounds stupid, but it works.*

Hair: Like I said, Natural is really in. I usually don't do anything with my hair, but I have been blessed with naturally straight hair ( please don't hate me) But every time I wash my hair, I put Moroccan Oil is it, and it repairs and makes it smell really nice, not to mention helps it dry faster.

Let's talk shirts and sweaters now.

Okay, the colours this fall range from earth tones to pastels. Mostly earth tones though, like purpley-reds and dark greens. When you look outside and see the leaves changing on the trees, those are the colours you want to be channeling. The colours of the forest, if you will.

Plaid flannel is really in right now, and is super comfy. Pair it with a matching t-shirt and an infinity scarf and you're ready to go! Layering is big too. It's all about comfort this fall, but not sloppy comfort. So don't take that as an excuse to wear sweats all day, every day.

What I usually wear is some skinny jeans with a loose shirt and a flannel over top. If I'm feeling particularly cold that day, I'll throw on a scarf too.

For Jeans, I have 4 pairs. One pair of light, dark, black, and grey. They're all skinny and the jegging style. I would defiantly recommend owning a pair of light and dark ones for sure. That way you have a pair of jeans for basically anything you own! The black and grey ones are an added bonus, and they are nice shades to have.

Shoes:

Combat boots are seriously in right now. If you don't own a pair, go out and buy some.

That's basically it for this post, if you have an questions or anything to add, don't be afraid to comment!

Stay Lovely,
Dixie xox

Fall Essentials

The crisp air, the cracking of the fireplace, and the oh-so-good cinnamon pumpkin pie. Mm! The joy of fall is here!

In all of the four seasons, fall holds a special place in my heart. The weather is gorgeous, the leaves change their colours, and most of all, Thanksgiving turkey? Oh, oh yes.

So, I thought I'd kick off this new season with a fun post filled with, 'Fall Essentials'! 

Let's begin!

Clothes.

The most important aspect to the season is the clothes!

The more chilly weather will pull you into the trend of knit sweaters, warm jackets, and toasty boots.

Now here are a few examples of essentials that you should try to incorporate into your fall wardrobe.

I just got this new ox-blood sweater for $15 at a boutique here in Korea a few days ago! I can definitely see it being VERY loved this fall! This scarf has been with me since last winter, I got it at Bluenotes for $10! Ox-blood was a very hot colour last year, and this year won't be any different. Have fun with your knit clothes! 

I also got this piece from Korea, this one was a bit pricey, but I don't remember exactly how much it was. But, I think versatile jackets like this should be a splurge. I can't tell you how many times I have worn this. It's not even funny. The military trend was a HUGE trend this past year, and just like ox-blood, it isn't any different this time around. Definitely a staple this fall.

And you can't forget the classic fuzzy monkey jammies. I guess you could wear these out... Not going to lie... I have... (For pajama day!)

Makeup.

Just like the colours of clothing get deeper for the fall, so does makeup. I like to go with a classic neutral smokey look for everyday. But trust me, it's much more natural than a full on smokey look.

Eyeshadow- Innisfree #18 Mineral Eyeshadow. This is an absolutely GORGEOUS shade for fall! It also has some small glitter, which makes it even better!

Eyeliner- Any classic black eyeliner. I like my Maybelline Eye Studio black gel eyeliner, but I didn't bring it with me to Korea. My trick with eyeliners is to always, always, always set it with a corresponding eyeshadow colour. This way, the liner won't travel, and it will set in place.

Mascara- Maybelline the Rocket Volume Express in Very Black. This is my absolute favourite mascara, EVER! It is so voluminizing and lengthening! It really does work like a rocket, my eyelashes just blast off! Haha! This is my second tube of it, and it never ceases to amaze me.

Eyebrows- Innisfree Eco Eyebrow Kit. My eyebrows are already dark and so sometimes I just want a quick pick-me-up and I brush this on them. The kit has two shades of a taupe-y brown powder. It gives off a very natural, yet defined look.

Face- Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer #5. This is another one of my absolute favourite products that I swear by. This is a waterproof concealer, and the littlest amount goes a very long way. I've had this for a few months and I still have more than three quarters of it left. Mind you, I use this everyday! 

Lip Care- Burt's Bees Mint Beeswax Lip Balm. I have used this since I was probably five, and I always go back to it, especially during the colder months. 

Lipgloss- MAC Cremesheen Glass in Richer Lusher. Coral is my favourite colour, and I definitely love putting some coral lipgloss on! MAC's cremesheen glasses are so moisturizing, they smell delicious, and aren't sticky at all! 

Books.

The last category I will do is books. I have been really into reading lately. I feel like since I've been away from home, books have been keeping me from feeling homesick and lonely. Here are a few that I have enjoyed. 

The Fault in Our Stars - John Green

Oh gosh... I won't start again with this book. I just can't. If you would like to see my full review and thoughts on this work of art, you can go check out my last post, 'The Fault in Our Stars: Book Review.'

I promise you, you won't regret reading this gem.

I Am Number Four - Pittacus Lore

I was at the bookstore and I bought this because I heard nothing but great reviews on it. I have to admit it was a good read, but I found the second half of the book a little cheesy. The first half was pretty realistic and interesting, but the second half had me getting a bit bored. Nonetheless, I can definitely see why so many people enjoyed this book, because I did too.

So, that's a wrap! 

Hope you have a fantastic start to this fall season! 

(Thanksgiving and Christmas aren't that far away! Yay! Goodness, where does time go?!)

Stay strong,

xoxo Jelly

DIY Dream catcher

Since the last DIY was such a hit, I'd though do another one. This one is a kind of spin off the Hipster Room post because I had mentioned dream catchers in it. I have made two dream catchers this past summer, and they both turned out really nice. Down below is the first one I did.

I think it's pretty good for being my first try if I do say so myself...:)

Supplies:
Hot glue gun
Wooden embroidery hoop
Ribbons
Beads
Feathers
Scissors

You can get all this stuff at the Dollar Store or Micheal's. I would try and find supplies around your house that you already have because it can get expensive to buy it all new. Even going to your local Thrift Shop wouldn't hurt.

You can get the hoops in all different sizes, and it comes with two when you buy one, because there's an inside hoop and an outside one. Depending on which one you start with, you're going to want to start wrapping the ribbon in a different place. On the inner on, you can start anywhere. The outer one had a screw at the top to open and close the circle, just screw it as tight as it will go and start right next next to it. All you have to do it hot glue the start of the ribbon and start wrapping.

Truthfully, this part takes the longest. If you use a little hoop like I did, it wont take you very long. But if you use a big one like in the picture, it takes quite a while. After this part though, it's all cake.

*Remember, don't worry about making it look perfect because the coolest ones are the ones that look kinda messy*
Once you're done wrapping, you can start on the middle part. . This looks hard, but it's actually very easy. There's tons of different styles you can do, I did the traditional one as you can see. I don't really know how to explain doing it without a video, so I suggest to Google it.
If you do one where you use both hoops, you can put a table doily (not the paper ones) in the center and tighten the outer hoop around it. I've never done it, but it's on my list of things to try.

Next you're going to want to measure out some string for the bottom. You can attach them anyway you want. I took on long one and tied it so I got two stings out of the one. When gluing the beads, you learn as you go. If you're trying to get them lined up right, it most likely wont be perfectly lined because of the glue and pushing the beads into place. Same goes for the feathers. Basically from here it's whatever you prefer to do. You can do lots of strings with feathers, or fewer like I did if you want it to be a bit simpler and easier. You can even rip off scraps of fabric and tie them off the bottom if you want it to look more bohemian.

Here's the other one I did, as you can see I used different string for the feathers, and did a different kind of wrapping for the center. This center was the easiest, because you just need to tie it off on one place and keep wrapping until you have what you want. You can also see the screw at the top where I attached the hanging string. This it the outer hoop.

I'd love to here about how your dream catcher goes, maybe even send me a picture via email! If you think there's anything I need to add or have any questions, just comment and I'll answer:)

Stay lovely,
Dixie xox

The Fault in Our Stars: Book Review

First thing I'd like to say is, SPOILERS IN THIS POST!

So, recently I read The Fault in Our Stars. To be completely honest with you, it.broke.my.heart. In many ways the book was witty, hilarious, and completely and utterly heartbreaking. This book is by far one of the most amazing books I've read because it's not just a story of a girl who finds a boy and falls in love, the end. No, this book isn't like that.

I think that books are very personal to people, and many people take them in different ways. Let me explain, if you can relate to a book, you open your mind to the characters and story more so than someone who doesn't relate to it. I'm not saying I have cancer, but if anyone has gone through health problems, the characters in this book can word terrible situations better than any counselor.

I found that I could relate to many thoughts and personality traits of Hazel's. It was amazing to see a girl go to a support group with no intentions of making friends, and then see her fall in love with Augustus from the first time they see each other. *Sigh*, so perfect...

You will probably see other reviews comparing this book's story to Nicholas Sparks' A Walk to Remember. Initially, I compared the two stories too because there are quite alot of similarities, but I've only watched A Walk to Remember and have never read it so I don't think I have the right to completely compare them. But, I thought that Hazel and Gus had more of a connection because they were both broken and sick, although Gus had no cancer when they first met. If only it had stayed that way...

'It lit up like a Christmas Tree Hazel Grace...'

Can I just say, that line was a killer. After all this time, Hazel was the one resisting Augustus because she thought she'd be the first one to go, but then the plot twist came. I found the twist definitely a soul crusher, but John Green didn't just throw down the grenade at once so it wasn't as terrible as it could of been, but it was pretty bad.

It was so sad to see perfect Gus get so sick and helpless when he was getting to the end. You can't help but feel Hazel's heart break...

I read the majority of this book on the subway, so I couldn't cry without people thinking I'm a total weirdo, but when I finished it today and came home, I couldn't help it and I cried. I've never cried while reading books before, but this one, wow, this one I have to say really grabs on to your heart.

I could go on and on about this book for hours but I'll stop this review here. So, in conclusion, I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a novel about true love and real pain. You get so close to the characters in this book, that you laugh with them, cry with them, and fall in love with them too. It's a truly beautiful story that won't leave your head even when you turn the last page. In the end, true love isn't just receiving a rose on Valentine's Day, but being there for each other until the very, very end.



xoxo Jelly 

Fear in the heart of a teen

It's the start of a new school year, everyone's trying hard to get back into routine and waking up out of their summer daze. The first day is always the scariest, especially if your the new kid or haven't been to school in a while because you home-schooled. For me, I'm the latter. I've been homeschooling for the past two years due to the fact that my family likes to travel. So today is my first day back part time, because I'm still doing a few courses online. Anyway, I know how scary school can be. There are pressures, fears, and just the overall stress of getting the work done. I'm not going to sugar coat it, schools tough. Here's a bit of advice.

Be nice. Be the best person that you can be. Honestly, this is very important. Just be good to people, help others. That new kid who's too shy to talk to anyone, invite them to join your group of friends. That nerdy kid that everyone hates, show him some kindness. I'm not talking about being perfect or not standing up for yourself because you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. No, I'm talking about not being mean, and not joining in on bullying someone just because everyone else is doing it. Trust me, If you're a good person, the less people have to talk about behind your back.

Don't be afraid about being yourself. Who cares what other people think? Plus, people think a lot less about you than you think. Just don't go out of your way resulting in getting unwanted attention. School sucks, so why not make the best of it by doing what you love. If you love chess, join the chess club. If you love to act, join the drama class. Don't worry about what people think about you, because as soon as you graduate, no one is going to care. That's another thing, you can't carry popularity out into the real world. When you graduate, no one cares if you were the most popular or prom queen. So don't strive to be popular. It's not worth it in the end.

Try new things. Break from your go-to friend group and try hanging out with other people once and a while. Or invite other people in if your more comfortable with that. Sign up for the yearbook committee or some cool after school club. You could even start your own if you want. Just find ways to make the best out of your high school years.

This next one connects is all of them. Don't let fear ruin your life. Don't miss out on doing something great just because your worried about what other people think, or that it might crash and burn. You never know until you try.

Stay lovely,
Dixie xox

p.s There's this nice girl who runs a blog about lots of different things, she's pretty cool so go check her out.
http://ivivvivi.blogspot.ca