Everything I know

Hi friends, today I wanted to write something different. Going viral on the internet right now are "Dear Sixteen Year Old Self" videos and blog posts. I love these types of ideas because what better way to take advice from someone than someone who has taken the time to really reflect on their life and what they would change or keep the same. Being that I am nearly 16 and not very wise, I thought I would modify it and write about everything I know currently.

1. I do not know very much. Although I would like to say that I am very wise and usually believe I am correct, most of the time I don't know what I am talking about. I love reading and occasionally watching an interesting documentary to try and obtain more knowledge. Even reading a few pages of a new book per night can be satisfying and educational!

2. Not everything is a competition. I've always grown up a competitive person by nature. In my experience, competition is good but it can also take away from the fun of something. Instead of trying to score more goals than your friend to prove yourself, congratulate her and score goals for yourself not for someone else.
3. Water is crucial. It's one of the most important things to survive. Not only will it make your body physically feel better, but from personal experience it even puts me in a better mood. When I don't drink enough water I get a headache and grumpy. I try to drink two bottles of water throughout the day and one right when I wake up as well as right before bed. Adding moisture to your skin is also super important. With dry skin, I put moisturizer on my face twice a day and a heavier one in the winter. 

4. Give people the benefit of the doubt. This is something I always try to do, but sometimes it can be hard.Ever had someone forgets to do their part of the project or does not remember to give you the money they owed you?? It can be stressful and make you feel like the world is going to end. Take a deep breath. Remember that everyone is trying to succeed, just like you! 

5. Less is more, unless its not. Time and time again I keep relearning that sometimes saying less is better. When one of your friends starts gossiping it is easy to get caught up in it and start saying things you may not even feel are true, and end up regretting saying those things later, trust me! However sometimes it's important to have open relationships after all communication is important. My best friend and I have made a pact that we can speak openly without hard feelings, especially when hard topics are really coming from the heart.

Leave a comment down below on some of your favorite tips!
xo
Kara

Beauty to try in 2016

This year I want to break out of  my normal beauty routine: nude shimmer all over lid with a chocolate matte brown, in the crease, dewy skin, long lashes, and simple blush. I always find myself watching youtube tutorials and hauls featuring some fun products. However, I never branch out and buy anything special. I have rounded up some of the products I most want to try this year!

(From left to right)
 Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Lounge, Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation,Two Faced Better than Sex Mascara, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze, Nars blush in Taos, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Let me know what some new beauty products you are looking forward to trying out this year in the comments down below! Thanks so much for reading.
xoxo
Kara

New Year's Resolutions

I cannot believe that it's 2016! Normally I don't make New Year's Resolutions because I can never stick to them or they aren't something that I'm actually motivated to do. This year I reflected on things that I wish I had done more or less of and I can improve upon them in the upcoming year. Additionally, I found a quote that is going to be my "motto" for 2016.

I am an extremely competitive person and it tends to be with other people. This quote is perfect for the new year because I am going to push myself and try to make myself better for me rather than to beat other people.

1.Drink more water daily

Drinking an increased amount of water improves skin condition, mood, and athletic performance. This past year I think I probably only drank one glass of water per day unless it was the day of a soccer game. In 2016, with the help of Plant Nanny, an app where the plant is virtually watered every time I drink water yourself, I can monitor how much water I have already drank and how much I still need to. It also sends notifications periodically throughout the day when you should be drinking another glass of water, which is extremely helpful!

2. Read 3 books per month

Before high school I was an avid reader, constantly going to both the library and Barnes and Nobles. Now however, I feel like instead of reading like I used to, now when I get free time or getting ready for bed I'm turning to my phone. In 2016, I am going to work on putting down my phone more and getting back into reading at least 3 books a month.Some of my recent book finds include Wild, David and Goliath, and Yes, Please.

3. Go on more hikes/runs

Going on runs has always been a way to relieve stress personally; however, I feel like I never have time to actually go on that run when I am stressed out. Additionally hiking is something that I always enjoy when I go, but when getting together with my friends I never recommend it. Richmond is the perfect location to go hiking because it's a short hour drive to the Appalachian Mountains to go hiking, or something more local would be along the James River. In 2016, I am going to go on more runs when I can and when the weather is nice, get some friends and go for a hike.

4. Stress less about school

Although I am certainly not the most studious person, I frequently find myself stressing over my grades and work due. While grades are important, it seems to be all consuming sometimes and causes a lot of stress not only with my current grades but college and the future as well. In 2016, I am going to only worry about what is in my control now and not worry about what is going to happen two days, two months, or two years from now.

5. Become more organized

Organization is something I always try to work on. I love making lists and using my agenda (only writing in black sharpie pens because it looks neat) However, my room is a complete wreck. I find that once I clean my room it only stays clean for a day or two and then I don't pick up my stuff or keep up with my laundry. In 2016, I am going to make a schedule to keep up with cleaning and stick to it. 

6. Be more positive

Being positive is easier said than done, especially when social media and society tend to focus on the negative. Nobody wants to be around negativity all the time, and once I realized how negative I actually was whether that was complaining about the weather or gossiping about how someone annoyed me that day, I realized that it wasn't something that I wanted to do or be known for having anything to do with. Granted some days are just not the best, in 2016, I am going to keep negative things to myself and try to only point out the positive because it will not only improve my mood but my friends' as well.

Happy New Year!

xoxo

Kara