some big advice from a not so big sister

Hi Divas!

It has come to my attention that life can be a bit... out there.

It's unforgiving, and leaves little space for mistakes - and room to breathe. I mean, what's a girl got to do to not have the world resting on her shoulders? 

I am the youngest out of my siblings, they're all older than me with ten plus year age gaps (I know!). I've learned a lot from them (and my mom of course, #shoutout to her). But, gaps in age and maturity have left me to figure out some things on my own. 

Which brings me to my post today... if you couldn't already guess (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)

With age (mind you I am 20 years old.. but hear me out), I've learned so many lessons and tips from everyone in my life. Big and small. And, I thought, maybe I could share them with you. Give some (big? little?) sister love. I'd like to talk about a broad topic of things. Some sentimental, some vital, and some that are absolutley life changing. This advice can apply to any diva in which the heel fits - we welcome all divas on this blog! 

 ☆*:.｡. >⩊<.ᐟ.｡.:*☆

Friendship Tips. Friendships can be tricky. They're beautiful and a bit harrowing at times... but when you find your people you know.     

Boundaries: these will save you. You need to welcome boundaries from others, and set your own. Don't get me wrong, boundaries can be scary. What if people get upset with you, or don't agree? These are real worries. But, if that does end up being the case, those aren't your friends girl! People who care about you  - and want you in their lives - will do the things necessary to ensure that. Be selfish about keeping your values and heart intact - they're invaluable. 

Endings: Some friends, aren't meant to stay forever. It sucks - and gawd does it hurt - but sometimes people are lessons, not our forevers. Remember that two things can exist at once, you can care for someone but not want to have them in your life and that is okay. Please, do not stick around in a friendship if you think things will get better, or think they will change... it's not your job to make people better nor can you waste energy you could be using elsewhere. Some cases vary, but keep this is mind.

Communication: Okay friends, repeat with me: communicate those feelings! You cannot expect change without explaining that it is needed. You cannot assume it to be so. You cannot read minds. Even though I believe in intution - especially that of my ladies out there - we need to be mindful that all of our minds and experiences differ. Sometimes, it seems pretty obvious what is right and what is wrong - and you go based on that okay! - but also people do make missteps. Talk it out. Listen. Go from there. Then make your choice.

 Beauty Beauty Beauty. Let me stress, take care of yourself. It is so so so necessary for your health, both mental and physical. Take the shower even when you're tired. Brush your teeth even when everything feels useless. And brush that hair even if your arms are heavy. Your body is your only body - forever.

Shower routine: Wanna smell good, like gewwwddd? (channeling Keke Palmer here, okay?)  Then let me put you on: Exfoliate (2-3x a week, and before shaving), with those scrubby gloves. Cleanse that skin! Use an anti-bacterial wash to get the grime and icky stuff. I personally use the Natrium Smooth Glycolic Acid Wash. Then, when washing in more sensitive areas, use a light fragrant-free soap (I used baby Dove wash). Follow with your fragrance of choice that is moisturizing (I also use a Dove body wash here - the special edition Bridgerton collection!). After the shower, you need to lock in the scent. So, do as follows: Lotion, Body oil, Perfume. My holy trinity, and I stand by it. Apply your perfume on your wrists, inner elbows, behind your knees, and your neck.You'll have people asking how you smell so good, and trust me girl, you will!

Acne: If you struggle with facial and body acne like I do, then let me be of service. Change your sheets regularly. And that pillow case? That too. Do not wash your hair after you wash your body (and clip it up after you're done), because the conditioner and shampoo can cause breakouts. Do not overdo it with product after product because you could be ruining your skin barrier and causing more damage. Always wash your hands!! Even if you don't think you touch your face often, it will happen here or there. No picking and minimal pimple patches. If you're like me, picking your face is so hard not to do. But picking and excessive use of pimple patches causes scarring and continuous breakouts. If you're able, consult a dermatologist as well. I have not been able to but hopefully one day!

The Basics: Somedays, we're not going to feel our best. But, baddie to baddie, we need to do the little things to keep ourselves put together. Don't bite your nails - paint them, trim them, and file. Take care of that hair!!! Always floss before you brush, and scrub that tongue. Change your socks every day, and don't forget to wash your feet and behind your knees. Clean your piercings. Have a selection of different perumes. Accessorize. Don't over wash your hair - do this based on your hair type. Always wear sunscreen during the day.  Deodorant - not the spray on. Wear chapstick or vaseline after brushing your teeth. Put the shea moisture hair products down. Spray some perfume mist above your head and let it settle in your hair. Pick your outfit the night before an event/class. Apply lotion on damp skin. Don't wear your outside clothes on your bed. Clean that water bottle. And most of all, make sure you feel like your best self

. 

Some randoms. There are some random things I live by and I do so that I am happy. I think we all have those little quirks that keep us ticking.

- Do things by yourself. You are not a loser or weird for going to the concert by yourself or going out by yourself. You don't need an excuse to do something for you. Do one craft a week. Doesn't have to be big - or small. Exercise your mind and your imagination, and take a break from the serious. Sing when no one is home. Dance in your room before bed. Listen to your "I'm that girl" song whenever you need a boost. Don't be aggressive when getting ready. Be gentle when applying your lotion and products, and don't rush. Stretch stretch stretch. Always have at least 2 pads (or tampons) in your bag. Always have the minis in your bag: chapstick, mini deodorant stick, perfume mist, hair ties, etc. Treat yourself - you don't need to wait and "reward" yourself with what you want. Carry at least $20 on you at all times just in case. Don't be cheap on the things you use everyday because they are necessities (within reason). Don't shy away from your feelings Cry to a song once in a while. Show your love to others.Watch older movies and shows!!! 

Okay my beloved divas, it is time for me to do my homework (spare me!). I hope that I was of some help in my long, long, longgggg list of personals do's and dont's. 

⋅°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋅°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋅°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋅°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋅°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋅

Remember: a flower in the hands of a gorilla is stupid. Don't let life be your gorilla. 

Kisses,

Angie