Country Chic

Hello everyone!! Haven't done a post in awhile!! Finally getting back into the grove of things.
I have a guest blogger today.  Her name is Karla and I have known her for about 10 years now.  She has always been an encouraging and uplifting friend.  Even though sometimes we go awhile without seeing or talking to each other, we always pick back up where we left off.  I value and appreciate our friendship.

We collaborated on this blog as we wanted to create a post that talked about being stylish without breaking your bank.  Karla's personal style is a mix of country with a chic touch, therefore, the title is "Country Chic".

Here is her post and some pictures of our trip to Kohls to find affordable outfits that were Country Chic!

So somewhere between graduating high school and graduating college we were supposed to learn how to “dress like adults.” But no one really ever taught us how to actually buy those clothes and wear them the right way. We seem to have just lost the ambition to dress to impress anymore. You know what I’m talking about. You see that girl walking through the mall in those great heels and adorable jeans with perfect hair and makeup and there you are hair in a ponytail, old jeans, and tennis shoes subconsciously thinking SHOWOFF! but really you’re just jealous because you didn’t take the time or money to look that great! Seriously after working all week (and usually the weekends) and I finally get to go somewhere other than work I’m so drained that I just don’t feel like actually getting ready and looking like that “perfect girl.” If you’re wondering.. The answer is yes I am that lazy! But I know that I’m not alone with that. I can’t be the only 25 year old that supports herself! We all have our days, or weeks. In my case years, of just not trying anymore. I would rather have that extra 30 minutes of sleep than to spend it on my hair! But I guess it is time to face the facts, it really is worth it these days! If you want to stand out in a crowd you actually have to try! We are never going to meet that “handsome rich guy” wearing the suit sitting at the bar if we are in our raggedy old clothes! I don’t know about anyone else but I feel like maybe it’s time I actually try to impress people! I mean I guess I can’t rely on my amazing personality and perfect sense of humor forever! I should probably dress a little more like a lady and a little less homely.. I’ll admit I love my jeans and t-shirts. I would rather wear that every day. And yes I’m pretty broke most of the time but I figure if I can stop spending that extra $5 on McDonalds and all the other crap I eat I might actually feel better and I can put that money towards some new clothes! Maybe spend more than $10 on that haircut and have a professional dye my hair! I don’t know maybe, just maybe, that extra 30 minutes of sleep really isn’t that important anymore. If nothing more I hope this post gives you a little boost to hit that snooze button one less time every day, and be a better you!!

P.S. guys if you are reading this please take note from Ryan Gossling in Crazy, Stupid, Love. Buy the suit, have it tailored, and wear it with confidence! You will be irresistible to woman. 

About a Girl Polka Dot Top-$19.99
Lauren Conrad Dark Jeans-$36.95
Candies Green Bracelet-$14

Simply Vera Coral Top- $17.60
Lauren Conrad Dark Jeans-$36.95

Simply Vera Coral Top- $17.60
Lauren Conrad Dark Jeans-$36.95

Simply Vera Lime Green Shirt-$14.99
Vera Wang Black Pant Leggings-$35
Apt. 9 Blazer-$60
Jennifer Lopez Black Heels-$38.99

Simply Vera Lime Green Shirt-$14.99

Vera Wang Black Pant Leggings-$35

Apt. 9 Blazer-$60

Jennifer Lopez Black Heels-$38.99

Simply Vera Lime Green Shirt-$14.99

Vera Wang Black Pant Leggings-$35

Apt. 9 Blazer-$60

Jennifer Lopez Black Heels-$38.99

Elle flower dress-$48
Jennifer Lopez Black Heels-$38.99

Rewind lace dress-$25.99
Boots-Karla's own :)

Rewind lace dress-$25.99
Boots-Karla's own :)

Simply Vera Black Top-$14.99
Lauren Conrad Pink Beaded Skirt-$10.80!!
Simply Vera Necklace-$25.50
Jennifer Lopez Black Heels-$38.99

Simply Vera Black Top-$14.99
Lauren Conrad Pink Beaded Skirt-$10.80!!
Simply Vera Necklace-$25.50
Jennifer Lopez Black Heels-$38.99

Are you feeling homesick, yet?

 I have only been asked this question a couple times since I have been here, but I have always responded with, “I miss certain things about home, but I don’t feel homesick, yet.”   I have been too focused on achieving my goals while I am here to think about being sad.  I know the time is going to come when I am in tears about missing America, my family, friends, and all the things that come along with being gone, but I am not quite there yet.  I am thinking it will happen around mid-November, especially Thanksgiving.  The thought of missing pumpkin pie, MSU football games, and the colors of fall has already started getting to me.

After going through a couple orientations to get to my study abroad destination, the topic of “The Stages of Cultural Adaption” has come up a couple times.  I am going to compare my study abroad experience thus far to the stages that have been scholarly published.  I think many of you will be able to understand how I am really feeling about my experience after reading this!

WARNING:  This post is used to describe my study abroad experience and not to scrutinize the country I am in, in any way.

Here is a chart explaining the results researchers have found about the stages of cultural adaptation:

http://web.viu.ca/studyabroad/departsmart/modules/whileaway.htm

So the first stage is outlined here is for the “pre-departure ups and downs”.  I would agree with this concept because for awhile I was too busy getting paperwork done to be excited, then I was excited for about 2 weeks, and then about 3 weeks before I left, I was more scared and nervous than anything else.  I kept thinking to myself, “It is the Middle East…what happens if things get worse in Jordan?”  “I am going to be missing so much back home…what if something happens back home?”  “This program is so expensive, is it going to be worth it?”  However, around 2 weeks before I felt an extreme high of excitement!  I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to study abroad and I really felt like this was the perfect time to do it.

Once I arrived, my experience was lead by a euphoric sense of life, often referred to as the “honeymoon period”.   As soon as I reached the country, I felt no sense of homesickness, and only complete excitement!  Our program kept us pretty busy with orientations and visiting the city, familiarizing us with the university and customs.  I also feel like I adapted really well because I had been to the Middle East once before, so the initial culture shock wasn’t present.

Once I moved in with my host family (about 4 days after I landed in the country), I started showing pictures of my family to them, and shed a couple tears.  However, these were more tears of appreciation, rather than homesickness.  You really do start appreciating things in another light, once you are taken out of a situation that you were once accustomed to.

Now, according to the chart and program representatives in Jordan, I should soon be coming into the “Culture Shock” stage.  They say it is about 1 month after you have been in the country, and today marks 1 month and 3 days.  Would I say I feel the “acute homesickness”, as described?  ….I would say I am not homesick to the point where I have spent time crying or feeling like I want to go home soon.  I know I haven’t achieved my goals here yet, and I think that keeps my mind off of any extreme homesickness.   HOWEVER, I would DEFINITELY say my “euphoric sense of life” has faded and my sense of NEGATIVITY about the country has kicked in!

It started on October 1, this past Monday, when I fell really ill.  I am almost sure I ate something that did not agree with me and then in turn, became extremely dehydrated.  I ended up passing out twice and the second time my host family found me and took me to the hospital.  They checked things out and all is well now, I am much better!  Because of this event and having been in the country for a month, I started viewing the country with a “Negative Nancy” viewpoint!   As I was walking to school the next day, I started making comments about how I hate how smoking is allowed everywhere here and is done in close proximity to children, how the city is really dirty and people just throw trash in the streets, how Jordan is the 4^th poorest country for water, and about how health regulations aren’t as strict as they should be and can compromise others’ health.   Honestly I could make a good hearty list of things that I am not favorable towards here. 

Soooooo  yes, I just spilled quite a bit of negativity on this page….but I am doing it with honesty and using it as an example of how my study abroad experience is outlined with the common cultural adaption stages.  I am currently at the point where I can acutely point out the things I like better about my country and home.

Most importantly, though…and this IS important.

I am enjoying my time here!  This is experience truly is something I could not get in the classroom.  I am learning so much about the language, culture, religion, politics, the lives of other students in the program, and about myself.  I have already begun appreciating things back home in a way I haven’t before.  My program has also done an EXCELLENT job with the academics here and the cultural trips we have been on.  I will be writing a blog post about the trips, soon!

Looking forward to the next few months!

Thank you for reading :)

Pros and Cons of My Study Abroad Experience Thus Far

  Pros:

• Forcing myself to discover what I am really interested in for my future degrees and job.
• Becoming more independent.
•   -I am doing this by living the life of a citizen/student here.  That includes getting a taxi/bus ride to school everyday, speaking the language, understand expressions, and cultural expectations.
• Traveling and visiting other cities in Jordan, along with other countries (during my semester break)
• Mastering the ever-so-difficult Arabic language

Cons:

• There is an issue with the water system here.  What does that mean?
• A:  You are not able to flush toilet paper down the toilets here...because there water system can not handle it.
• B:  You can not drink the water from the faucet.
• C:  Water is bought monthly here and can get pricey.  Therefore, you are not able to take long showers.
• Chocolate
• I have already expressed my issues with this on Facebook a bit...but basically...I have not found a solid chocolate bar that I am happy with.  Often times, I can only find an off-brand milk chocolate or common brands like M&M, Snickers, Twix and half the time they are so old that they are unbearable to eat.  I would just love to find a dark chocolate with raspberry flavoring in it....hmmm.  Some friends here have said that there is a market that sells international chocolates...I will have to find that place soon, because my nutella jar is almost empty.
• "Cat-calling"
• Seriously, A LOT of the men here...they have no filter.  They yell out the window, honk at you, call you "admirable names", stare you up and down until their eyes have looked at every inch of you....it is sickening.
• Church
• I am missing my church back home and the services that fill my soul every week!  (I also miss all my friends and family..!)

All in all...I am really enjoying my experience and know all of the advantages that are coming along with it.  I am determined to finish my goals and move on with life after my study abroad.  I am so focused on my goals that I haven't been homesick much at all, yet.  This week will be filled with an exciting trip, as well as the week after.

I will post pictures soon!  Goodnight everyone!  xoxo

Peace in the Middle East?

I have never been the type to like politics, political science, civics, history, or anything having to do with government issues and the current media.  I feel like current media only portrays one image...and that is of depressive stories-that in turn, leave a distaste in my mouth.  That distaste then finds its way into my daily life.  Who wants to be around someone who lives their life with a sour attitude because most of what they see on the news are the sour stories that they believe lead our daily lives?

Well, I am one to say, that I have not completely fled from my distaste of the distasteful politics, but I have come to realize why it's so important.

Politics and the news are relevant because they play a major role in our daily lives.  Sure, you can go about your day to day life without caring about the government, the decisions that are made, or what is going on around you.  However, sooner or later, you will realize how beneficial your knowledge about current politics and media will become.  I am realizing this now.

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is an issue that I have only skimmed the surface of.  However, being in Jordan for 4 months and taking "America and the Arabs" class has intrigued my interest in the subject more than ever before.

I am learning how many different sectors of society go into a conflict this big-economical, religious, political, and cultural issues all come into play.  I have some major reading to catch up on about the history of Palestine and the Israeli conflict, but I am enjoying the reading and expanding my knowledge about this topic!

I really do believe in the phrase, "Peace in the Middle East", and it means more to me now than ever before. I have been to 2 Arab countries now and I have seen some common burdens that people deal with on a daily basis.  

I will comment more on the traditions/cultural differences here another time!

An Experience of a Lifetime

Everyone that hears about my opportunity tells me, "Your trip will be an experience of a lifetime!"  When I first started hearing this, I sort of brushed it off my shoulders.  Yeahh yeahh...it will be great.  However, as time has gone by, I am really coming to realize how amazing studying abroad will be.  This is the perfect time in my life and I am looking forward to taking advantage of every experience that is thrown at me.  I know at times, situations will be overwhelming, and I will probably cry until my waterproof mascara starts running.  But, getting through those tough times will make me stronger and in turn, a better person.

So...I am currently at the airport.  Let me tell you what a struggle it was the past couple days!!  I would say I am a pretty organized person.  However, this time, I did not plan my packing well.  It seemed like there was always more important things to do than pack.  So, when it finally came time to actually put things in suitcases (yesterday), I had a mild panic attack.  How in the world am I supposed to fit 4 months of stuff in 2 bags and a carry on?!  Not to mention the Arabic books that weigh entirely too much to travel with!

After purchasing a scale a weighing my bags a few hundred times- ;) -I finally got each bag to hit the EXACT 50lb limit! Yesssss.  So I am here.  Waiting to board.  I already feel such a sense of excitement and independence.  Bring it on, Jordan.

Shellac Nail Polish

What is all this shellac fuss about?


Well, after researching on my own and getting shellac done 3 times myself, I have found out some first hand information about this type of nail polish.


It is a gel based nail polish that I believe was started by the brand "CND".  It looks just like a regular polish, and is used pretty much the same way with a slightly different removal process.  They have a patent-pending formula that uses a UV light to set the finish.  This polish is said to last up to 14 days with few chips or cracks and maintain that shine finish.


Watch this YouTube video to see exactly how it works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAKIImwdjZI


So...did it work for me?


I am here to tell you that I was very impressed with shellac!  I had it done 3 times with a french manicure finish. I was very happy with how long the nail polish stayed fresh looking.  Once the 14 day mark hit, it was definitely time to get them removed because the polish grows out, however, I had very few cracks or chips during the entire 2 weeks.  Also, it helps your nails grow out and stay healthy since it isn't harsh on your nails.  Salons can charge anywhere from $25-40 to get a shellac manicure.  It really is worth it to get this done...I am looking into purchasing an at home kit. 


Also, a tip when getting them removed...
The nail salon will charge anywhere from $5-10 to take them off...however, it is a very easy process to do it on your own.  All you do is soak your nails in acetone for around 3-5 minutes and then use some sort of a file to chip off the excess polish.

First Day of Shellac

Around 3 days after

1 Week after getting Shellac

Shellac can be done like this as well!

So creative and stays for 2 weeks!

There is a nail stylist in the Saginaw/Bay City area that highly suggest for shellac (she did the purple design above)!  My good friend Morgan goes to her religiously and lets her have free range to create whatever design she wants with the gel nail polish.  She is super creative and very friendly!

Here is her info:

Jill Auernhammer

Green Acres Plaza
Saginaw, MI 48603
989-791-9700
http://www.x-tremesalon.com/

If you have any other questions, let me know :)

Have a great day everyone!

How to Dress Professionally without a Suit Jacket

As I prepare for the real world after graduation, I have had to find outfits appropriate for interviews.  Since I don't own a suit yet, I don't have a suit jacket.  So, I wanted to put together some outfits that still look professional without a jacket.

10 Key Pieces:

1. Black cardigan

2. White sleeveless poplin dress shirt

3. Well fitted black dress pants

4.  Mid-length or long sleeve shirts to tuck in to dress pants

5. Long capri dress pants

6. Pencil skirt

7.  Black and nude dress pumps

8.  Work dress with an appropriate shape

9.  Pearls and colorful earrings

10.  Fashionable and professional pair of black flats

White Shirt-BCBG sleeveless
Simple black cardigan
Pants-Express Editor Studio Stretch Wide band

Shirt-Forever 21
(Borrowed from my roomie, Emily!)
Pearls-BCBG
Dress Pants-Express

You don't need this many pearls, one or 2 strands would be great.

Wide Band Pants nice to tuck shirts in and super comfy!

A sheer top with a simple tank underneath
tucked in is easy and chic!

Top-BCBG
Pants-Long Navy Capris from Forever 21
Shoes-Nude pumps from BCBG

Earrings I got in Israel
Fun yet professional if worn with a
simple outfit like the one above

I call this my Jackie Kennedy dress! I <3 it.
A white dress might not always be appropriate in a
 workplace, but the shape of this dress works
well for a professional atmosphere.