Morning Rush: How to Cut Down Your Morning Routine Time

I assure you, I am not a morning person. Granted, I have it a little easier than my sister, who could sleep until two o'clock in the afternoon if you let her, but I can not think in the mornings. So I'm here with some simple tips you can try out to see what can help you spend a little less time preparing in the mornings.

1. Prepare everything the night before. It really, really, helps when you prepare all your stuff the night before, while you're still thinking. It makes it so you don't forget anything (hopefully), and you spend a lot less time running around trying to find everything you need for the day. If you plan your outfit the night before, it makes your morning go so much faster - no more running around searching for an outfit! In addition, your outfits won't look as thrown-together, which definitely isn't a good look.
2.  Create a To-Do list for yourself. I usually write a list of things to do in the morning and during the day in the evening right before I sleep, and then I tape it onto my mirror so I can read it while I'm brushing my teeth. It helps with memorization. You can put what outfit to wear, what you need to remember to do during the day, and some positive encouragement.
3. Consider showering in the evening. I have always showered in the evening, and I find it helps a lot to do that. I'm all about doing everything in the evening, so you don't have to think in the morning. In addition, considering washing your hair every other day, instead of every day. It's actually better for your hair, as over-washing can lead to a dry scalp or lice.
4. Find out your essential beauty items - cut the others out. If you're running late, there's really no time to do a full makeup routine. Instead, find out what makeup items are essential for you to look good. For me, it's concealer, eyeliner, and mascara (plus acne cleanser and lotion).
5. Organize your beauty products. Don't spend all your time running from your bathroom to your bedroom to wherever else you keep your beauty products. Keep everything you need in one place, and it'll save a ton of time (and energy).
6. Have a go-to outfit. A dress is the easiest article of clothing to throw on, so I recommend having a back-up dress in your closet for the times you're really running late and don't have time to think of anything else. If not a dress, then just come up with an outfit that you can just throw on. Jeans, anyone?
7. Consider buying facial wipes. Facial wipes make it super easy and fast to clean your face - definitely an investment worth thinking of. And they don't even cost much!

Hopefully those helped a little. If all else fails, set multiple timers in your bedroom and bathroom to keep yourself on track! Cheers, and have a great day!

Fashion On A Budget: The Best Cheap Stores to Shop

While I would love to be rich, unfortunately, I'm not. So if I want to be fashionable, I have to search for the best bargains. If anything is over $25, I always think it's really expensive, just to give you an idea of how cheap I am (not ashamed to admit it!). Obviously, dresses and shoes are a little different, but... I've compiled a list of my favorite stores to shop at. Hopefully it'll help you too!

1. Forever 21 - I'm sure most of us have heard of this store. Probably one of the most popular cheaper stores (especially with those my age), Forever 21 has a very large selection, all color-coded in different parts of the store. Unfortunately, the racks do tend to be a little packed, so it does take a while to find clothes. But if you're a talented shopper with a good eye, you should find some great pieces at Forever 21.
2. Kohl's - I personally have found quite a few clothing items at Kohl's. There are a couple displays that are slightly expensive (for my tastes, maybe not for yours), but overall Kohl's is a pretty good quality store for its prices.
3. Ross Dress for Less - A couple months ago, a new Ross Dress for Less opened up really close to my house, so obviously my family checked it out. I really love the huge selections of dresses the store has. Though to note, the racks are a bit unorganized. As far as other clothing goes, there isn't too much.
4. Marshalls - I'm sure we've all seen the commercials. Nothing else needed, yes?
5. T.J. Maxx - Owned by the same company as Marshalls (see above), T.J. Maxx has some super cute clothes - just look at their website! Though not exactly under $30, they do have quite a few fashionable clothes for under $50, including dresses.
6. Target - Definitely well-known right now, especially with the new collab - Phillip Lim for Target - coming out soon.

I'll update as I come up with more, but that should be a good start for you guys. Good luck, and happy shopping!

Glitter, Glitter, and More Glitter!

Recently I went to my local CVS (about a half hour walk - thank you!), and bought glitter nail polish ("Confetti Fun - Nicole by OPI)! Yay! I absolutely love my glitter nail polish. I know, I know. You're all probably thinking, "How could she not have glitter nail polish already?! It's a horror!" But I'm a procrastinator, so... Here am I, months after I planned on getting glitter nail polish. But at least I have it now, right?

The amusing thing is, I don't actually have trouble getting my glitter nail polish off. Maybe it's just my type of glitter nail polish (definitely consider investing in a better brand). But I did a base gradient with blue and purple (with a makeup sponge - my first try, it was awesome!), and then added a regular glitter gradient on the tips. And I used my nail polish remover (Sally Hansen), and it took it off without any problems. So I don't really know... I just used a Q-Tip and my remover.

If you don't already have glitter nail polish, here's my reasons why you should totally invest in glitter nail polish - and it's not even a big investment!

1. It covers your mistakes. If your nail chipped, no problem! Just do a simple glitter gradient, starting over the area the mistake, and no one will ever know!
2. It adds a simple level to your nail polish. Even a single solid color can become eye catching with glitter! Just add glitter, and you're good to go! It's a super simple, super easy manicure that'll look amazing.
3. It's super easy! Like, really easy. Trust me.

I hope you guys have fun with your glitter nail polish! Cheers, and have a great day!

DIY Hairstyles: Flat Iron Curls and Waves

I love my hair (it never frizzes!), but it also never curls. So when I need to curl my hair, what do I do? Luckily, A Beautiful Mess (one of my favorite blogs!) has the perfect tutorial (thank you)!  Let's go~

(Source: A Beautiful Mess)


Directions (paraphrased by moi):

1. Separate your hair into three different sections. (Or however many sections you want.)
2. Take your straightener (or flat iron) and clamp it on one section of hair. (Start where you want your waves to begin - probably somewhere halfway.)
3. Turn your straightener (or wrap your hair around the straightener) clockwise (if you're curling on the right side), slowly. Make sure every part of your hair is heated - if your hair doesn't turn out very curly, curling more slowly will probably do the trick.
4. Repeat for each section, and run your fingers through your hair (to break up the individual curls).

Tada! I hope you have fun. From experience, it takes a while to do this, so don't get discouraged. Also, it's recommended you use some sort of heat protection spray, so you don't damage your hair. Practice makes perfect! I wish you good luck!

Outfit of the Day: Simply Casual (but fashionable!)

Welcome to Jia's Outfit of the Day! Today's theme is Simply Casual (but fashionable!).





(Source(s): Pinterest)

Tada! Hope you like today's post, and make sure you follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest - click the buttons on the right side or just find me @blogjia12! Have a great day! 

Tips of the Day: Tricks and Treats

Jia's Tips of the Day:

1. White Eye Shadow
• Apply in inside of eyes (around tear ducts) 
• Apply above cheekbones
2. Eyeliner
• To emphasize your eye's natural shape, only apply eyeliner to the end of the crease (your double eyelid).
• Apply the eyeliner in long dashes (that touch) as close to the upper lash line as possible.
3. Mascara/Eye Lashes
• Curl your eye lashes - consider investing in a quality eye lash curler with pads
• Apply mascara at the base of the lashes, then apply to the entire lash.
4. Hair
• Right before you jump out of the shower, rinse your hair with cold water for a second. (I do it - it makes your hair glossier.)
• Air dry! If you absolutely have no time to air dry, try to wait as long as possible, and don't use heated air.
• Heat = BAD (That's all I have to say, right?)
• Don't rub your hair dry

Those are my words of advice for you guys! I hope you have fun, and have a great day!

DIY Nail Designs: Tutorials, Tips, and Tricks

Nails, nails, and nails! I love doing my nails. Especially since it's super fun, doesn't cost any money, and makes my nails pretty! Score! So I'm here to give you guys simple DIY nail designs, along with my tips and tricks.

1. Gradient Nails (Source: Chalkboard Nails)

2. Watercolor Nails (Source: Fashion Diva Design)

3. Herringbone Nails (Source: Fashion Diva Design)

4. Water Marble Nails (Source: Fashion Diva Design)

5. Gold Sharpie Nail Art - Source: Fashion Diva Design)

Tada! Hope you have fun experimenting!