A Little Self-Care

With summer classes finally over and the fall semester about to begin in just two weeks, I've had some ups and downs. Yet, despite all that, makeup is what I turn to when my life feels like it's crumbling and I need something to uplift my mood.

There's something so magical about sitting in front of my vanity and creating a canvas of artwork on my face. Whenever I feel down about myself, makeup is the common denominator for a confidence boost. This month, I celebrated another year of life and turned 23. With that came the decision that if I wanted to splurge this weekend, I would let myself have it.

Even though I spent more money than I would have liked, I deserved it. I knew that investing in myself is one of the most important things I can do to remind myself why I push as hard as I do and sacrifice my free time to pursue my academic dreams and earn my degree. Plus, the makeup quality always seems to come out better when you invest in high-end products.

There have been many times when I've wanted to get up and just say, "It's not even worth the struggle." But I know how disappointed I would be if I never attained financial comfortability in a career I love. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that all of these sacrifices are temporary and that I'm working toward a life I've always wanted.

On top of all that, I'm struggling to confess my feelings to a man I've been pretty close to since March. The feeling of dread and rejection sits a little too close to home for me. Every time I reevaluate the possible outcomes of admitting my feelings, the fear seems to weigh heavier than the possibility of getting the outcome I actually want: him feeling the same way. And honestly, that's the worst part.

Even now, as I'm finishing up this entry just days before classes start, I'm realizing that one thing has always remained the same, no matter how hectic my life gets: a new hairstyle, cute outfits, and having my makeup done sure can relax a girl, even on her worst days.

And on her best? Well, those things keep the people on their toes!

Busy Lifestyle Doesn't Mean An Unsatisfied Lifestyle

 When I began my first semester of college, I never thought life would get so busy. Yet, interestingly enough, I feel more productive and fulfilled than ever. Classes have become a place not just of learning, but also of socialization, connection, and opportunities for self-expression. From getting up hours early in the morning to pick out my best outfit to creating the perfect winged eyeliner as the finishing touch to my makeup look, each day was filled with experiences that were one of a kind.

Now, I'll admit the entire semester wasn't all glamour and new crushes. Some days, the homework stacked up, the assignments didn't make sense, and due dates were always knocking at my door while I just wanted to sleep in and bed rot. But that's the beauty of college: you give some, and in return, you take risks and live a little, too.

Every class I complete means I'm one step closer to my degree, and seeing the new graduates at their nurse pinning ceremony to collect their diplomas gave me the push to continue looking forward, never back. I wanted to be one of those students, surrounded by loved ones offering words of encouragement and pride. To get there, though, I needed to focus like my life depended on it when it came to schoolwork.

Talking to my classmates gave me the insight that everyone needs a break too. So, on the weekends, I started attending events with my classmates, such as hot yoga, reformer Pilates, festivals, mall trips, and even the occasional FaceTime call to update each other on the things happening around us. It's all about balance, and that's the lesson I've learned from all of this. Being busy doesn't mean sacrificing everything you love doing in your free time. However, it does require discipline, productive scheduling, and a decent bedtime.

                                                                                                                          

Sparkly Earrings & Second Chances

 Often when I'm sad and need a boost of serotonin, I think back to my sixth grade year. It seems to be the greatest highlight of my preteen hood. The year before I had lost my former best friend due to parental pressure and a fallout between our parents. As if the day was just yesterday, I remember the hurt on her face and the guilt I experienced cutting her off. Now it was the first day of middle school and I was determined to make some new friends. Once I had gotten settled into my seat for homeroom, the teacher introduced herself. I remember seeing a blonde haired girl with sparkly earrings sitting in front of me. She seemed quiet and to herself, yet sweet too. So as soon as  we got permission to get up, I made my way over to her table to say hi. 

That single moment changed everything, and by the end of the day I had accumulated a whole friend group! During that school year I got to experience many moments filled with giggles, drawings, book recommendations, sugar rushes and crashes at lunch hour, snack parties, fun emails exchanged, and heartfelt moments with support when I needed it the most. Getting older life has seemed to take a turn for the worst. At least it feels like it most of the time. While I still have good moments, it's easy to get lost in all of the other responsibilities that come with adulthood like: bills, mental health, college grades, aging health, and even heartbreak. It's as if everything was so much simpler back then. Maybe that's why I keep running back to it in my mind. School at the time was my only outlet of stability. At home I was going through abuse, neglect, and constant gaslighting. Eventually it got so bad that I reached a breaking point and had to take a "small vacation". My friends wrote me letters during my stay, and honestly it was the best part of such a horrific experience. Knowing that someone on the outside at least thought of me made all the difference. 

Though I didn't go back to that same school again, and I dealt with constant new placement to different group homes, facilities, and therapeutic foster homes, I eventually got to reconnect with two of my friends from that year. According to them I was the glue of the friend group and after I left it kind of just fell apart. That makes me so sad knowing it didn't last because my memories are so fond of the time. But it just goes to show that every friendship isn't meant to last forever. Now I just choose to think of the good times and the pureness that came with it. My association with that time period always makes wonder why I've been so attached to it all these years and I've come to a conclusion. Simply put, it's where my innocence lived freely and my girlhood thrived. That moment on the first day of school set myself up on a pathway to understand the meaning of true joy, friendship, and the possibility of starting anew when situations turn sour. It gave me hope for a better future. Sixth grade became a lesson, one that I would carry with me through the rest of my teenage years and to adulthood.

Until our next adventure,

D.B.

First weeks, Scavenger hunts, and New friends

Hello Lovelies, 

I’ve finally started my first semester of college, and let me tell you, I’ve had some highs and lows. The biggest factor was fear. Learning to step out of your comfort zone and socialize can be hard. Whether it’s knowing where you fit in, finding good peer support, or confusion on where to even start, all of it can cause havoc for first-time college students. 

The key to a smooth transition into campus life is being able to locate which buildings are where. From my own standpoint, the first day was well… absolute chaos. I was so afraid to ask others if they knew where each of my classes were, specifically Building H. This semester I’m taking Biology, English 111 and 045, as well as Psychology at another campus. After fighting a long internal battle of hesitation and seeing many other students looking lost themselves, I finally asked a faculty member and was led in the correct direction. 

Battling four classes is challenging, but also very rewarding for my long-term goals. I made it a goal to make a friend in each class. This gives me at least one person from each course I can get notes from, use as a study buddy, and advocate on my behalf if an emergency comes up — and vice versa. In the long run, attending the fall semester, I will have only two other pre-nursing classes to take in addition to Nurse Aide 1. So hopefully only this first semester will be jam-packed. 

During the past three weeks of school, I’ve made multiple friends, exchanged numbers, visited the bookstore, completed assignments, created a schedule and study routine, and located many resting centers, along with places to conveniently warm up my packed lunches between class breaks. All in all, the only downside was that the first few days I limited myself in interactions with others. After all, most people aren’t out to get you, and the most powerful tool you have is your voice. 

If I had to give advice to any other student, I would insist that you make motives to push yourself out of your comfort zone every day. It doesn’t have to be huge changes or actions — a little can go a long way. Whether it’s exchanging contacts with a classmate, trying a new menu item at the campus café, building a stronger connection between you and your professors, or even raising your hand and volunteering to read or answer a question — these are all great ways to go beyond your comfort zone. And you never know, you might just find you’re enjoying yourself. Who knows? The possibilities are endless. 

Go out there and chase the world, the moon, the stars, and even the galaxies. 

Until our next adventure, 

D.B

Lessons Learned Slowly

This chapter exists for the harder days. Lessons Learned Slowly holds the moments that shape us quietly — through struggle, reflection, and time. Here, I share advice, personal lessons, and thoughts formed through experience rather than certainty. It’s not about having all the answers, just moving forward with honesty and care.

Soft Support Systems

Friendship can be healing, complicated, and deeply meaningful. Soft Support Systems is about the people who hold us up — and the lessons we learn while learning how to hold others. I write about connection, boundaries, growth, and what it means to build relationships that feel safe, mutual, and real.

GIRLHOOD REVISITED

Some memories never really leave us. Girlhood Revisited is a soft space for reflection, nostalgia, and honoring the past without being trapped in it. Here, I write about childhood moments, emotional growth, and the ways younger versions of ourselves still live within us. This chapter is gentle, honest, and rooted in understanding.

AFFORDABLE BUT INTENTIONAL

Being intentional with money doesn’t mean giving up softness or joy. Affordable But Intentional is where budgeting meets real life. I share what works for me — stretching a dollar, making mindful choices, and finding ways to still enjoy the little things. This chapter isn’t about restriction; it’s about making room for what matters most.

SCHOOL, STRESS, & SMALL VICTORIES

This space follows my journey through nursing school — the long nights, heavy weeks, and moments that make it all feel worth it. School, Stress, & Small Victories is about learning in real time and showing up even when it’s hard. I share the pressure, the progress, and the quiet wins along the way. If you’re navigating school or chasing something demanding, you’re not alone here.

FACE FIRST, FEELINGS SECOND

This chapter holds the moments spent in front of the mirror — not just getting ready, but checking in. Face First, Feelings Second is where makeup meets mood. You’ll see soft glam days, bare-face honesty, favorite products, and routines that feel more like care than performance. There’s no perfection here, just expression, play, and learning to feel good as I am.

STYLED BETWEEN THE SEASONS

Welcome to Styled Between the Seasons.
This space is about more than clothes. It’s about how getting dressed can feel like becoming yourself again, or simply finding comfort on days that ask too much of you. You’ll find outfits I love, pieces that feel lived-in, and looks that reflect where I am right now. Some days are soft, some bold, some practical — all of them honest. Style here is seasonal, emotional, and always evolving.