MIAMI

Being a Florida native you would think I would have taken a trip to Miami by now, but I hadn't until last week! The trip is usually around 6 hours long from Tampa, but I left from Orlando since that's where I spend most of my time/it's where my apartment is, and it ended up only being around 4 hours long.

I've never really had a reason to take the trip which is why I'd never been, but The 1975's only Florida stop was in Miami and that was more than enough reason to also book my very first AirBnb and make the journey down south.

I learned a lot of things in our 2 night stay in Miami..

Everything is expensive. (i.e. $30 for parking, $60 to sit on a beach chair in Miami Beach )

It's about 20 degrees hotter than the rest of Florida.

People will pay a lot of money for absolutely anything if they can show it off.

These realizations didn't stop us from having a good time though! I just have no desire to live in Miami, but it was nice to check it out and actually travel somewhere for the first time in a long time.
It was also an eye opening experience to figure out how AirBnb actually works, and I'm excited to book more trips in the future through the service.

      I feel like I'm constantly writing about how amazing The 1975 is, and how they blow me away every time I get the opportunity to see them live. I truly feel like I'm in a dream each time. I've seen them more than I've seen any other artist ( A whopping 3 times, I know, so crazy, so intense. ) and I'm not bored yet! They always leave me wanting more and I'm always looking forward to their return. And I WILL be attending their next show. The venue was actually across the street from our AirBnb, which was super convienient and super beautiful. If I go back to Miami it's only because the scenery is everything Florida should be, but fails at.

We visited Wynnwood, The Design District, two free museums (!!!), and Miami Beach for the rest of our brief stay, but we were ultimately too poor to really enjoy anything and just retreated back to our room and ate Mac&Cheese from CVS while watching CatFish. But at the end of the day it was a great trip. 👍

The Importance of Formation

One of my last assignments for the semester included writing an analysis of one of my favorite songs.  The only requirements asked for the song to be popular at some point in time and that it contain enough lyrics for a proper analysis. I have about at least a million favorite songs from a wide variety of different artists so it was hard to pick just one!
Beyonce's Formation World Tour came to Tampa Friday night and I wasn't in attendance. And my whole entire blog is named after one of her songs, so naturally I chose Beyonce and wrote my song about Formation to fill the little void in my heart, and to make writing the darn thing more bearable.

Note that this paper is a tiny bit on the longer side, and much longer than any regular blog post that I would put up. This is just one of the few papers that I had to write this semester that wasn't a total buzzkill so I thought I would share. Most of it is just lyrical analysis with just a bit of application in between and at the end. 

Some would argue that it is an artist’s responsibility to discuss and shed light on social issues through their work. Within the past decade the topic of police brutality has garnered America’s attention and the discussion of racial inequality and race relations has also become a front-runner for heated discussions. In a world where black lives are systematically and sometimes intentionally targeted it is important to empower black individuals to let them know that they do matter. It is also important to take pride in being black, and to let others know that black is just as beautiful as everyone else. Beyoncé’s ‘Formation’ does just that. Released in early 2016 and written by Khalif brown, Jordan Frost, Ashton Hogan, Michael Williams II, and Beyoncé Knowles and produced by Mike Will Made It and Puss, Formation is unapologetically black and celebrates embracing black culture while calling on black women to stick together. The song falls within the Bounce genre, which is a style of hip-hop that originated in New Orleans, where much of the song’s references and video stem from.

Back//Better

Like I've said before in many blog posts, I'm terrible at blogging. But hey, the first step to being good at something is to recognize that you suck, am I right?

Now that we've gotten the fact that I'm absolutely terrible with a capital T at blogging, let's get to blogging. So it's 2016, which I'm sure you're well aware of by now, and some things have actually happened, yay!

Let's start with the most recent, I turned 22 and got my very first tattoo on the same day. I've been wanting a tattoo for years and I just decided to go and get one because I actually had money and I'm not getting any younger, hello. I know that it's the first of many and I can't wait to get more. I'll save the explanation and reasoning behind my tattoo for a later post.
Second, spring break wasn't too long ago and it was probably the most epic spring break I've ever had. I saw Rihanna! Live in the flesh! Courtesy of my best friend who was visiting from out of town. Such an amazing early birthday gift, one that I'm not sure that I'll ever be able to repay to be honest.
I did a lot of adventuring during spring break as well. ( Well, local-adventuring) We paid a visit to Wekeiva Springs, checked out a local donut spot, and visited an incredibly large nursery full of beautiful succulents and cacti. The place was seriously huge.

The future freaks me out

***NOTE: This is a post that I wrote a few weeks ago. I've finished finals and I'm on break now, but these thoughts are still very fresh in my mind as we approach the end of the year. This is not something that I would typically post onto my blog, but I feel like it's necessary for some reason.


It's December, but surely you already knew that. 

I've finished two of my finals and I have two more to go. I also have two semesters of school left.  (Hopefully, if all goes as planned) Which I don't wanna talk about. Two people asked me about my plans for the near future today, and telling them "I don't wanna talk about it." wasn't exactly a good enough, or polite, answer. So I guess I'm typing my answer here.

I don't know. 

That's my answer. Honestly. I don't know what lies ahead in my future and I'm scared, beyond scared. I'm terrified. Growing up I was always told I could be whatever I wanted to be, and to follow my dreams and that those dreams would come to fruition if I worked hard enough; I'd be doing what I loved, and making money, everything would be magical, I would have a great circle of friends in a bright, brand new city and Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome would come waltzing into my life at any moment if I didn't pay love any attention. And maybe that does all happen, maybe it does. But there's no concrete way to tell if it will. I don't know what I'm doing! I don't even know if the plans I have now will be the plans I have in the next two months. I don't even know what the next sentence in this blog post is going to be. Will I have a blog six months from now? I really do hope so. But the future is just so questionable and up in the air and it's all very terrifying. 

I don't really know what I'm getting at with this post, just expressing my fear I guess. Or maybe it'll be something to look back on, or maybe it's my way of saying "Hey, if you're in school right now, and you have no idea what the hell you're doing, it's okay, I'm in that same, bleak, unsteady boat with you. Now lets get to paddling." 

Give Thanks

An obligatory (late) Thanksgiving post. It had to be done. 

Whenever the end of November rolls around I have to really stop and think about what's happened in the past year, I mean isn't that what everyone does? It's amazing how much you can fit into 365 days, and it's amazing how those 365 can completely change you as a person. I had a lot of big things planned for this year, and a lot of those things fell through. I also lost someone who was and forever will be a cornerstone in my life. And it created a huge shift within my family. 

But I'm thankful I even have the opportunity to pursue my plans and my dreams, and I'm thankful that I'm part of such a strong beautiful family, and I think that it's important to recognize that I'm truly blessed. I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving and a terrific break!

Also aren't my cookie skills on point? 

I didn't realize the frosting was actually dark blue!!! Everyone's mouth was stained after eating them, whoops. 

Sunday Sounds No.4: Weekly Recap

Some sketches from this week

I think I theres two more weeks till the end of the semester. That's crazy. Something crazier? Theres 39 days till Christmas (and 10 more days till Thanksgiving) Where are the days going?

I wish student life was a little more exciting, I feel like I never have anything to look forward to anymore, no trips planned, just assignments, due dates and the very very ominous light at the end of the tunnel called a future. We want to go somewhere for spring break for a repreive, but that requires money and whats the one thing that students don't have? Bingo. 

We did revisit the Black Bean Deli this week though, which is one of our favorite spots in Orlando (Maybe an upcoming blog post?) HIGHLY recommend. I probably should have taken more shots of the entire place and not just my plate, but now I have excuse to go back. (; 

Also wrote a post this week about being a creative or creativity in general that is just sitting in my drafts for right now. I feel like I can feel myself becoming more motivated to create and to share content of all mediums, and I'm excited about it. I can't think of anything else that i'd rather be doing.

And Made In The A.M. came out (officially) on Friday! Check out this week's playlist for a few of my favorite songs off the album, and a couple other songs I've been loving recently.

Halloweekend: BBHMM

So this is definitely a late post, but Halloween was this weekend and I had to write a Literature review for one of my classes, so I think I'm excused from my schedule, at least for a day.

But Happy Halloween!

I haven't dressed up and gone out for Halloween since my Freshman (?) year, and even then it wasn't anything extraordinary. This year I decided to be Rihanna from her BBHMM performance at the iHeartRadio Awards. (You know, this one) And sadly, no one knew who I was lol. You would think people kept up on Rihanna's outfit's I mean hello! (Sarcasm obviously)

But it was a pretty simple costume, not exactly 100% spot on but I think I did a pretty good job considering I only had a week to get everything together for it. If you want to see a larger photo check out my instagram and if you're wondering where everything is from I'll link them down below.

Shoes - ASOS / Thigh Highs - Spirit / Faux Fur Vest* - Target / Body Suit - American Apparel 

* I used green temporary hair dye on the vest to make it green 

**Sunglasses were free from college and I made the necklace with some paper, paint, and some string haha. 

Sunday Sounds No.3: Watched the fireworks...

This week concluded what will probably be my last homecoming week ever (hopefully), and I don't think that really hit me until I just typed those words. As a transfer student I feel like I didn't really get to enjoy and relish every second of my college experience, it's been kind of hum drum for the most part if I'm being honest.
The last time I really remember having a blast was my Freshman year, which was my worst year academically, and soon turned to be my worst year emotionally. I went out a lot, made a lot of friends, experienced a lot of new things and people, and lived on campus (Which I 100% recommend doing if you're a first year student!) But I also didn't take school seriously, made some very big, very terrible mistakes, and kind of hated myself for it for a very long time.
I had to work my ASS off to get back into a University, and while working so hard I feel like I missed out on quite a lot. So Friday was a time of reflection for me, I'm actually doing so much better, SO much better, and I feel lucky to even be at the University I'm at.

So this playlist is just a reflection of time I guess, and perhaps a great one to make out and watch fireworks too.

Fall '15 Mood board

Tumblr trends are a bit weird huh?

I thought that these 'mood boards' were actually really pleasing to the eye though and I've seen them floating around all over my dashboard. I think it's also a really nice way to give some organization to your thoughts, and to plan outfits and looks for fall.

I've been DYING to get a big fluffy faux fur coat, even though I would never be able to wear it in Florida, but a girl can dream right?

Also really been loving mustard colored pieces. Yellow is actually my favorite color, and I have seen so so many mustard items this year. I think the color is flattering on just about everyone and it works so well with other fall tones like deep reds, greens, and of course black.

I've also really been dying to get my hands on a pair of New Balance's (that somehow made it back into popularity, thank God because they're so comfortable) I have maybe 4 different pairs stowed away in my Saved Items on ASOS, whoops. I'm just getting tired of wearing converse to class every day and I think, and know, that a pair of NB would make my tired,bored feet pretty happy.

Sunday Sounds No. 2: Walk The Moon + Hair

Ohhh what a week. 

I can't even really remember what I even did on Monday and Tuesday, so lets just say I mindlessly went to class and completed some assignments like a zombie, because that's probably precisely what I did. (Actually I just remembered dreading a Stats exam on Monday which I actually did very well on, go me! Anyways.. ) 

Wednesday is when my week really started. Or at least it's the first day of the week that I can remember, and it's the first day of the week that I remember enjoying. We finally saw Walk The Moon! Live, in the flesh, on stage. It was great. Holychild opened for them, and if you haven't listened to them you definitely should. They're really fun and not a typical pop band, and they have a great energy about them! Nothing but positive words for Holychild. 

It was probably the friendliest crowd we've ever been around concert wise. Probably because it was predominantly teenage girls who skipped school to be there. But I can't even be mad 'cause if my mom allowed me to do the same at that age I would have taken advantage of it too. 

Thursday was a bore as usual, and so was most of Friday. I decided to go see Hair Friday evening though and it was interesting. Is it my favorite musical? No. Was it bad? Definitely not. Was the nude scene all anyone was talking about? Absolutely. 

Life Lately No.1

So since I've been gone for a little over a year I thought it would be best to kind of reintroduce myself again with a small life update. Been busy with school obligations as usual, looking for another job as usual, and my creativity has taken a comfortable seat on the back burner, as usual :(

I've been trying to unbuckle that little seatbelt in my mind and let it free. I've found myself painting more than usual, and really wanting to record these songs that have been sitting in my journal for MONTHS now. It's really frustrating to have to focus on school when you'd rather be recording, or emptying the contents of your mind into the pages of your notebook, or a white canvas.

 I still really have no concrete idea of what this blog really is, or what I want to talk about, but I guess I'll just roll with it. It truly is an extension of myself, and I think it's important to have. I don't think I'm one to post about beauty, or hauls, like I was doing before. I still really do want to keep this blog up, I'm just a little lost. We'll see what this incredibly small space on the internet transforms into.

That was a long one

So it's been over a year since my last post! Yikes. Not good, haha.

I guess that's what happens, but such is life, and I'm here again and that's all that matters.

It's kind of amazing how much you can fit into one year. So much has changed, and I feel like I'm on the cusp of figuring things out while simultaneously just wingin' it.

I could sit here and type up all of the mishaps that have happened. Or all the things that I've done, but I'm not gonna do that, and instead I'm just gonna take this post to say a quick "sorry I can't stick with one thing I'm working on it," and we can move on from there.

Here's to a new slew of posts and motivating myself to keep up with things.

End of Summer...

Boyfriend Jeans |  Hunter Boots | Vintage Jansport Backpack | Nars Bronzer | Alice Flats from Nastygal | Lite Racer's by Adidas | Matte NYX lipsticks

Oh jeez I've really abandoned my blog this time. Yikes! So incredibly sorry. Thanks to everyone who still follows me, you guys are the bees knees. And thank you to the new followers! I would explain my absence, but it would just end up sounding like more excuses. 

So summer is basically over, right now I'm in the middle of moving. I'm going back to my parents house for a nice little break, then I come back to start school, and work, once again. Life is moving so fast, and it's getting really hectic but I'll save that for another post.

Since I haven't made a wish list post ALL summer, my blog deserves one. These are a couple things I've been eyeing, and that I might finally purchase in the next upcoming weeks before class starts again.   

I really need to start planning out posts so I can keep my little place on the internet active. 

Sunday Sounds No. 1

Since I have every Sunday off I thought it would be wise to start up some kind of weekly post. And since I'm lacking a camera right now I kind of need to!

May was such a blur, and summer is going by so quickly it makes me wonder how I ever just stayed in bed all day and did nothing when I was in high school.
My brother's graduation and The 1975's show were the only 'big' events that happened, and I'm just continuing work and finishing up a couple of credits before I transfer into a University.

Things have been a bit slow. I've been thinking about what I want to do with my life lately and I'm at a little bit of a standstill. I still know what I want to do. I'm kind of just rolling with everything that comes my way right now.

Along with these posts I thought that I would incorporate a playlist of what I'm listening to right now every now and then. Have a listen and enjoy the rest of your Sunday :)

/ / T h e 1 9 7 5 / /

Last week I was able to see Sir Sly, Bad Suns, and The 1975 perform at the House of Blues in Orlando. Truly one of the best shows I have ever been to. We got to the venue extremely early, and I'm talking 11 in the morning early, doors weren't until 6:30 in the evening.

When 6:30 came around we were all let inside of the venue ( or should I say CRAMMED inside ) and Andria and I had a great view aside from two tall people in front of us. Sir Sly opened the show and I have never been more impressed with an opening band!! Their stage presence was so phenomenal and I really enjoyed their set. Their single Ghost was featured on Teen Wolf, but my favorite, Out of my mind, isn't even available to listen to online. You can watch them both here on Youtube. ( Not my video! )

I don't know why these girls were incredibly rude but after Sir Sly was done playing, but I have never been pushed around more at a general admission show. Pushing to the point where everyone was completely pressed up against each other, completely aggravated, and not enjoying the next band. Be nice when you go to shows, don't push, don't say rude things, and don't lie when you're asked to stop. Bad Suns was pretty good as well, I wish I was able to enjoy more of the set but what can you do. Their single Cardiac Arrest is definitely my favorite. Watch the video here.

I don't even know where to begin when talking about The 1975. If you have not seen them live you definitely should. I honestly feel like its such a privilege to watch them and hear them in the flesh. I can't even listen to their CD anymore without comparing the songs to the live versions. Their energy is just completely off the charts and I know I keep repeating myself but they just sound so DAMN good. They played quite a bit off of their CD, and they also played a lot of their earlier songs which actually surprised me. It's been a week and I'm still really upset that the shows over. It's such an experience to see them and I cannot wait until they come back to Florida.

May Wishes

I figured it's been a while since I made a wish list post. Or any posts at all! So sorry about this camera mess, I'll actually look into this week because I really do miss posting! :( 

Not much on this wish list because I'm still working on purchasing items from past wish lists, but other things keep getting in the way ( i.e concerts, school books, no time ) I don't even remember the last article of clothing I purchased. My shopping addiction needs to be fueled SOON. 

The main thing that has caught my eye recently is Crosley's new suitcase record player in this peachy color! I was actually given a record player for my birthday but it's stopped working ( it was purchased at Target, soooo…. yeah )

Other items in this list include a pair of jellies, and this denim romper from Zara. Keeping it really simple and light this summer, however I am hesitant about purchasing jellies because it gets quite hot here in Florida and foot sweat and plastic are a complete no. I've also been eyeing Mary Jane pumps from AA, but they're a bit on the pricy side.

What are you wishing for this month? 

Jamaica 2014

First of all let me apologize for being completely MIA for the past few weeks. I started working a new job, finals got the best of me, and my camera also crapped out on me! :( It's not taking my memory card at all, so I think I might have it looked at, or I might just buy a new one because I'm just so completely done.

So no camera, I had to resort to using my iPhone for my trip to Jamaica last week. Thank god for great editing apps. And my camera funking out on me might just have been a blessing in disguise, if it were working I think I would have been spending all my time trying to vlog and take pictures instead of relaxing and enjoying myself. We're planning a trip for next year so I will definitely have a working camera by then!

Part of our family visited Jamaica for one of my cousins weddings, and we're all Jamaican so the location was a perfect fit. And it was incredibly gorgeous. This is the second time I've been to the island, and my first time in Montego Bay. I absolutely adore the countryside. This trip completely kicked my last one's ass. The hotel we stayed at was by far the best we've stayed at as well.

We actually were really tight on time, and Easter is a huge holiday in Jamaica so we weren't able to venture out and visit the markets and whatnot. I so wish I was able to vlog this trip because explaining everything just isn't the same as seeing it for yourself.

There are a couple more shots on my instagram if you're interested: @imjanay

Spring Haul

The majority of these items were purchased at Forever 21, the blue pocket tee was purchased at Urban Outfitters. Foundation was purchased at a local drugstore, and Benefit blush was purchased at Ulta. 

So I probably shouldn't even be doing a haul,but shopping always gets the best of me. Always. I've kind of been getting bits and pieces here are there, and some of these were given to me. I feel like I've bought some really great items and I've been loving them so far! I think the thing I'm most in love with has got to be my utility jacket though. It's such a lightweight jacket, and a few weeks ago I was telling myself I needed a good jacket that I could throw on during spring showers instead of a sweatshirt because it tends to get really warm and stuffy later on in the day. It's just an effortless kind of look when you pair it with a simple shirt and some boots, but you look prepared for the rain, and with a hood on the back of the jacket you are!

I also picked up a new foundation after months of hearing everyone rave about it. I'm not a fan of Covergirl products at all, but I've worn this once and I'm impressed. I have to see if my skin feels the same way, I'm really hoping this doesn't break me out! *fingers crossed*
Another thing I picked up was a box blush from Benefit. This was actually a mistake. I meant to get a bronzer. It looked darker than what I thought it was? I don't know, maybe this was a blessing in disguise. I don't own many blushes, but I've been using this one every day and I really like it!

What have you recently purchased?

Wardrobe Essentials No. 1 // The Babydoll

Dress: Forever 21

Sandals: Urban Outfitters

Sorry for the blurriness! 

Instead of purchasing items that I think are 'cool' or 'different' I've really been into buying things I know that I will wear more than once, things that you can dress up or down, and just really essential items that should be in everyone's closets. Sometimes I just want to wear a regular white T-shirt and jeans to class, and believe it or not but I don't even own a regular white shirt. It's so important to have basic items in your closet because you can create so many looks with them, and sometimes simplicity really is key.

So in my quest to revamp my closet I think it's important for me to take you along on the ride!
Babydoll dresses are a must have for spring and summer. They're short, but they're not too short, and they're perfect balance of playful, flirty and "It's too damn hot to wear pants today."

I purchased this one from Forever 21 for ten dollars, and while it is a bit oversized I still think that it's a great piece. I do wish it had a more defined waist, as I find my body to become a little bit boxy within the dress, theres also a pocket on the dress and you probably can't tell, and I wish they had done a little something more with that as well. But I do suppose you get what you pay for, and I'm not complaining because a dress under fifteen dollars is a steal!

What's one of your spring essentials?

Eternal Optimist // Chinchilly

I always seem to find myself in periods where I either care about my nails a lot or I really just don't, at all. Lately I've been a bit obsessive about my them, trying to find the perfect colors to go with the weather/mood/outfit/what have you. I would say I own a good amount of nail polishes, but some of them I go back and question myself, "Janay, what where you thinking?!?!?"

As of lately it's been all about basics for me, I'm trying to stray away from the hot pinks, way too pale pinks, and electric blues ( gross ). I picked up these two colors from essie on a whim and they're perfect for spring! Not too dark and not too light, and within the pastel spring palette :)

The pink one is Eternal Optimist ( 90% of me bought this for the name ) and the muted gray/purple is Chinchilly. I also picked up the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri because I can't paint my nails, sit still, and still have them looking somewhat decent.
It saves me time, and I don't find myself cursing beneath my breath whenever I accidentally touch something with my drying nails. It's a godsend.

What's on your nails?