Thursday, July 24, 2014

Bedroom Makeover: The Victoria's Secret Trash Can

Let's be honest: trash cans are eye sores. No one wants to touch them, they don't go well with anything, some of them are translucent-- just no.

I hated my trash can. My room is pink, and this puke green trash can was just not working with my theme. I know that it's just a small little can that needs to be in there, but must it be so ugly?

When my older sister moved out about a month ago (which meant I got to have my own room), I was determined to turn my room into a place I enjoyed being in. That's why I have roses around my closet, and other stuff you'll see later. I decided I wanted a room that was mostly pink, though I chose to keep the walls white.

When I say I wanted the room pink, I mean it. Which meant the green can needed to go.

However, I do not have a job yet, and no way was I going to beg my parents for a stinkin' trash can when I could be asking for more important things... like a bank account or money for driver's ed.

So, once again, I found a problem in my room, and I needed to solve it.

This also applies to you college kids! Most dormitories don't supply trash cans, so why not make a cute one out of something you already have?

A lot of girls shop at Victoria's Secret. I don't, because... let's be real. It's lingerie. I'm doing just fine with my yoga panties I got for five dollars at Gabriel Brothers. However, my sister saved some of her bags, so that left some DIY material for me.


It's simple, really. Just take your trash can and stick it inside a gift bag (or, in my case, a Victoria's Secret bag). You can also do a little extra, like I did-- put in some tissue paper for decoration. I also have another Victoria's Secret trash can by my bed for convenience, but I didn't take a picture because my room is a wreck right now.

So yeah. That's what I had to talk about. Thanks for reading.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Bedroom Makeover: Organize Your Closet

This image brings to mind many things.


Frustrating mornings deciding what to wear might come to mind. Or maybe knowing exactly what you want to wear, only-- where the heck is that skirt, anyway?

As the school year starts getting closer, I begin to think about how much time I won't have. I can't sleep in until 3 p.m. anymore. I can't stay up until 3 a.m. anymore. And I'm not a morning person-- I wake up five minutes before I'm supposed to leave. I'm going to have to get better on that before I get my license. The point? I don't have time to spend ten minutes searching for the perfect outfit. I need a system.

And so I created one. I heard about people organizing their closets, and so I decided I needed to organize mine. The other ways seemed so complicated and hard to stick with, though-- whites with whites, Louis Vuitton shoes with Louis Vuitton shoes, lace with lace. I can't stick with something that specific to save my life! And I don't own any Louis Vuitton shoes-- just a poster and a scarf.

I came up with what I hope is a very simple organization system. No more long mornings searching for your favorite tank top!

Now, this can be reversed, but my style is more casual clothes on the right, and dressy clothes on the left. I have a strategy to this-- I'm left-handed, so this makes it that I'll be more likely to grab a pretty outfit. Then I realized that I use my right hand just as much and no matter where I put the stuff, I'm gonna want to wear a T-shirt. Oh, whatever.

1. Sporty tank tops


On the far right, I have my sporty tank tops that I'd be more likely to wear when riding my bike or in gym class (which, thank God, I passed with an A and will never have to take again).

2. Tank tops I might wear under something else


I know, I know. That blue tank top isn't very cute at all. But it comes handy, so don't you dare judge me. These are like magic. Purple bra shows through a white shirt? Just put on a cami.

3. Tanks that could be worn on their own


These are tanks I might wear on a weekend or to a party... birthday party.

4. T-shirts


Some days you just don't care. It's nice to be able to just reach into a certain part of the closet and be able to find something comfortable.

5. Shirts to wear when I want to be comfortable but still look decent


You know what I'm talking about. When you're not feeling like dressing up, but you want to have a look that still says, "I tried." The kind of shirts that have the best of both worlds. They could be worn with ballet flats or tennis shoes.

6. Plaid shirts


Plaid is another type of clothing I like. It could be worn with black leggings and tall, heeled boots, or worn-out jeans and sneakers. Requires hardly any effort on my part.

7. Slightly more upscale shirts


I've been meaning to get rid of this green one. I think I kept it for St. Patrick's Day? I don't know. But! Behind it, there are more fancy shirts-- a grey sweater, a Christmas-like red shirt, and a bohemian one (that I never wear).

8. Fancy shirts


These are shirts I might wear for an interview, head shot, or presentation. We're moving into fancy territory!

9. Sweaters... or jackets... whatever this classifies as...


I keep these all in one section. I might wear one to meet dress code at school when I'm wearing a strapless dress, for example.

10. Short skirts


I don't know where I got this hanger from, but I love it. Almost all of my short skirts on one hanger? Love, love, love!

11. Fancy... and bohemian skirts


Wrinkled? Yes. Been meaning to get rid of it? Thinking about it. The skirt might not look good on the hanger, but it's cute on a body. I got it while thrift shopping. Who cares if it's not from a brand name store? Thrift shopping is the best. Behind it are some maxi skirts.

12. Casual dresses


These are dresses I might wear to school or just to look cute, but not like I'm trying. Oh, and if you have a small bust (like a certain 34B I know... not me, definitely not me... nope), strapless dresses are like heaven. Well, when they don't slide off.

13. Funeral dresses


Not that I look forward to wearing one of these to a funeral any time soon; I just call them that because they could be worn for one. Honestly, I might wear the one in this picture to the first day of school. It is a sad event, isn't it?

14. Sunday and wedding dresses


These are dresses for not-as-casual occasions, but could still be worn for casual events, like spring weddings. Believe me, showing up over-dressed to a wedding when you aren't the bride is a little embarrassing. In my defense, black people don't do farm weddings-- we just don't. How was I supposed to know it was acceptable to wear a maxi skirt? I showed up in a dress that was more suitable for an evening wedding. I should have known.

15. Homecoming/dinner party dresses


Not a lot of people re-wear their homecoming dresses, but I do. Not to homecoming, of course, but for recitals, auditions, etc. I wouldn't recommend wearing your homecoming dress for an audition, but most of mine are really down-to-earth (my dress from my freshman year was too short to wear anywhere else, though), so it doesn't matter.

16. Bridesmaid dresses


Don't throw away your dress from your sister's wedding! I've never been a bridesmaid (which, by the way, I would be a very good bridesmaid and am accepting requests), but these are definitely bridesmaid-esque dresses. The purple one behind the grey one actually is a bridesmaid's dress. I almost wore it to a wedding in October (another farm wedding, but less casual than the previously mentioned one), and I'm glad I didn't; I would have matched the bridal party. Theirs were red, but it was the same design. The point here is to keep your bridesmaid dress, because... I don't know, they're cool. Unless you had to wear an ugly one. Then go on and give it away.

17. My graduation gown!!!!


I'll be graduating from the same high school as one of my sisters, and since we're close to the same size (width-wise), her graduation gown is mine now. It's on the very far left of my closet. It's nice to know that the next time I remove it from the hanger, I'll be graduating. Weird, huh? Less than two years and I get to wear it.

Well, that's how my closet's organized. Now, follow your heart and organize yours!

Thursday, July 17, 2014

5 MORE Japanese Songs That Should Be Available in the West

This is my third post on this topic. Check out the others here and here.

21. "Dried Up Youthful Fame" by OLDCODEX for Free! Eternal Summer.
I can't begin to describe my love for this song or how great of a job Kyoto Animation has been doing with this anime. So I just won't.

22. "Future Fish" by Style Five for Free! Eternal Summer.
Again, dang, Kyoto. That animation. My favorite parts of the ED (in the second video)? Hmm. 1:44. Why? No explanation required. And the little bit that starts around 1:54. Again, no explanation needed here. And they're all so adorable at 2:44! And then there's Rin's booty dance shortly after. "Never give up!"

23. "Life is Like a Boat" by Rie Fu for Bleach.
"Every time I see your face, the oceans heave up to my heart, and make me wanna strain at the oars, and soon I can see the shore."

24. "My Pace" by Sunset Swish for Bleach.
This song is just... so chill. Honestly, I don't really know what he's saying, but still. Bad day, good day. This song is appropriate for any day.

25. "Hanabi" by Ikimono Gakari, also featured in Bleach.
Okay, you may be able to tell that this is one of my favorite songs in the world right now. No matter what key or what singer, this song is purely wonderful. I don't why, but it makes me so emotional. Maybe because it's a really pretty song? Almost everyone who sings it nails it (except for that high note at 0:10). This song is on iTunes, but it is a cover ("Asterisk" is also on iTunes through the same people), and doesn't sound nearly as good. But I bought it anyway. The singer on iTunes doesn't breathe well, and so instead of singing like, "Kirameite, yurameite, aoki yume mai hanatsu, hana moe yuku..." it sounds more like: "Kirameite *breath* yurameite *breath* aoki yume *breath* mai hanatsu *breath* hana *breath* moe *breath* yu *breath* ku..." But when you're desperate like I was, you buy it anyway. And then you get annoyed with it later. But can we admire the ED (the second to last video)? The art is so beautiful for Rangiku (seen at 0:11), Yoruichi (0:16), Orihime (0:22), and Ichigo (0:27). "Kono hana moe yuku!"

26. "Body Rock" by Mamoru Miyano
This song may be a little "scandalous", but... I had to. And it doesn't make it any better that Mamoru is Rin's voice actor from Free!.

Well, that is all. For now. I shall return. Soon.

My Favorite Beauty Products

I know, I know. It's been a while. I plan on posting more soon, but for now, here is a little post... gosh, I'm painfully bad at introductions. Let's skip to the good part.

1. Olive oil



As a black woman, my hair needs more oil to keep from drying out. Also, I am trying to grow out a pixie cut into a bob. My goal is for my hair to reach the top of my shoulders. Also, olive oil is a great way to protect your hair when heat styling, no matter what racial group you belong to. TIP: Instead of using a mousse (which generally dries out hair with alcohol), use this as a leave-in conditioner after washing your hair.

2. L'oreal True Match



I only use the powder and concealer, but LET ME TELL YOU. This stuff is like magic. Without concealer, I look like Levi from Attack on Titan. If you don't know who he is, he has bad under eye circles. But this is like portable Photoshop. The only con is that people can tell you're wearing makeup, because it covers every freaking blemish. Gosh, I love this stuff. TIP: Put the concealer on first. It's okay if your concealer is slightly lighter than your foundation-- that's actually a good thing. It will highlight your cheekbones and add an overall glow.

3. COVERGIRL Exact Eyelights



The compact above is meant for women with brown/hazel eyes. Exact Eyelights has different compacts based on your eye color, and let me tell you about this. It's perfect. Going to a wedding? Wear these colors. Going to an interview? Wear these colors. Perfect for a daytime look. And it brings out your eyes! What's better than that? TIP: Put this on after your foundation and before you apply powder.

4. REVLON Nearly Naked



This stuff is amazing, too. Sometimes, when I'm in more of a rush (or I just don't care... well, almost don't care, else I wouldn't wear makeup at all), I skip all the previous steps and put this on by itself. It's a light covering, and looks very natural by itself. If you have freckles, they'll still be visible. Hence the title, it's basically as close as it gets to not having any makeup on at all. TIP: Put this on after applying eye shadow, to cover up any stray specks of eye shadow underneath the eyes.

5. Hair, Skin & Nails (Spring Valley)



I just started on these a few weeks ago, but I've noticed some results. I've had some weird dreams lately, but there's no way of proving these vitamins are the cause. Besides, my hair has been growing quite a bit since I started using them. My nails are stronger. I haven't noticed a difference in my skin since I've started, but it was already pretty healthy. The only con? You have to take these three times a day. TIP: Always, always take with a meal.

6. Neutrogena Acne Wash



Annoying YouTube commercials that you're not allowed to skip aside, this stuff is amazing. Well, for me, at least. I have friends who used the product in the past and said it worked okay, but it was mediocre. It doesn't work for everyone, but for me, it works wonders. Now, if only I washed my face regularly...

7. Nair moisturizing face cream



Now, this one is a matter of talent. It's easy to use this on the upper lip, sideburns, chin hair, and unibrow. However, I also use it to shape my eyebrows. This takes A LOT of practice to do, so it's best to stick to your preferred method of hair removal. Although, if you have good precision, this is great. Your face will feel baby soft. And, there's no pain! You've got the best of both worlds. TIP: If you have coarse hair, you'll need to leave it on longer than others. I suggest watching TV. Apply during a commercial break, leave it on during the show, and then take it off during the next commercial break.

So, this is my list of beauty products I like. And everyone should try. Just sayin', bro. Just sayin'.