Count Your Blessings: A Praise Report

As you may or may not know, I go to a Christian university. With that, I have been having an interesting time in my faith for the past couple of years. But, that's a different story for another day. 
God is pretty interesting, isn't he? You honestly just never know what he allows and doesn't allow in your life and how it plays out until you take a step back and realize what has happened as a result. 
Last semester, I wasn't chosen to become an RA for my school. I wasn't devastated, but I was definitely a little sad. BUT, no worries, throughout this semester alone I have seen everything that I'm doing and what I wouldn't have been able to do, had I been given that position. 
I've also recently started tithing, which if you don't know what that is, it is giving 10% of your income back to God, or in this case, through the church back to God. 
*And just for the record, churches should not be forcing you to give any money. I know that a lot of people have the misconception of the church forcing you to fork over your hard-earned cash to them, but honestly, a good church would never pressure, much less force you to give your money to them. My church never makes anyone feel that way and you shouldn't feel that way either.* 
Finances have always been a struggle for me especially because growing up, it was always so difficult for my parents to make ends meet. Now that I'm older and am more capable of supporting myself, I try to do so in any way that I can. 
Since tithing regularly whenever I get paid, God has always provided. Whether it's random gigs or the new job I just got at Express, I am confident that he never fails to provide in any way that you need. 
I'm not saying to start giving your local church your money in hopes of instant blessings, nor am I trying to pressure you into tithing if you don't already. I'm simply just sharing how God has blessed me in my life even though I am still imperfect. All this post is, is simply an encouragement that I hope touches you in some way. 
Money aside, I'm so blessed to get to work with my church as an intern and that I have great people in my life that support me in all that I do. 
Now it's your turn to tell me, what makes you blessed?

The Dean's List VoxBox + First Impressions!

It's the middle of the semester, and so it's that time where I'm beginning to get very tired and exhausted from everything that is happening at once. 
Thankfully, Influenster sent me the Dean's List VoxBox just in time for a little pick-me-up during this time of year. I'm excited to try everything out! My video unboxing and reactions are linked below, but if you'd prefer to read about it or get a more in-depth review on some of the products, keep reading!

This voxbox was pretty solid, if I do say so myself. I have a snack, a few beauty items, a couple new pens (my obsession!), and some lady products. I'd say that this box rounds out pretty perfectly what is necessary for this time of year. It's a combination of treats and necessities that I love. 

Let's get onto the box!

Fall Haul! Barnes & Noble, Cotton On, Sephora, Make Up Forever

I LOVE Fall! And Fall means shopping! 

A couple weeks ago, I got a bunch of things in the mail at around the same time, give or take a few days, and I thought it would be the perfect time to do a haul! I haven't done one in a while so it was the perfect time to do so.  I featured this haul on my Youtube channel so you may watch it if you prefer that below: 

How to Deal: Dating Comfortably

I have been in a relationship for 4 years now. You can probably imagine some of the things we've been through and the rollercoaster it has been. 
A video that came out a few years ago talks about the different stages of relationships and it's called "Strangers, Again." One of the stages of any relationship is being comfortable, and while that in itself isn't a bad thing, what you do with being comfortable is what can be detrimental to your relationship.   In my own opinion and interpretation, here are two ways you an be comfortable: 
1. Comfortability turns into apathy. So many times, couples who are comfortable like this eventually grow apart because they are so used to the routine of the relationship and they eventually stop caring. 
A way to combat this? I'll explain that with the other side of comfort: 
2. Comfortability turns into exploration. If you are this way with your significant other, it means that sure, you guys are comfortable just like the other couple, but instead of growing apart you use it to try and figure out new ways to explore yourselves as individuals and as a couple. Because at this point you two already know each other so well, you can use it to push yourselves and each other and see what you two can conquer together, whether it's something adventurous like skydiving or something as learning to be okay sitting in silence together. (Note: sitting in silence together is different than being silent because there is nothing to talk about.)
Darell and I have definitely been both of these types of comfortable, and now that we're getting older and more mature, we're learning and trying ways to be comfortable and explore our interests together and as individuals rather than growing to slowly not caring about the relationship at all. It is definitely easier to start growing apathetic than to start exploring and maintaining the relationship, but it is all on you and how much effort you both put in to get things going. 
So, what are your best tips for when you are in the stage of being "comfortable" with your significant other? Has this stage ever been what led to the downfall of a past relationship? I'd love to hear your stories!

Friends Start with HELLO

I'm an extrovert, so I love being around and connecting with the people around me. We are made to be in community with other people, so being social with my friends is something that I love and really cherish too (quality time is one of my love languages).  And of course, in any relationship you have with anyone with your life, it all started with "Hello!"

Study Tip: GO TO SLEEP!

So when you read that, you are probably thinking that I'm super lazy and that is the most counterproductive thing to say. BUT-- hear me out when I explain why I think sleeping can be a good study tip in the right context.  ----------------------------- My freshman year, my lovely RA was always up late doing homework, but even with caffeine she would still sometimes fall asleep. So instead of fighting sleep and therefore staying up later to do homework, she tried sleeping and waking up early. 
It worked better for her, so when I was up late doing homework, once I started fighting to barely stay awake, I tried the sleeping method. And it worked much better for me, even if I was exhausted when I woke up. At least I was able to be awake.  --------------------------- So my tip for all those procrastinators out there? (Holla!)
Sleep when you are fighting to stay awake! It's one thing to doze off, but if you are doing more fighting your body than doing your homework, you really aren't doing anything productive. You'd actually spend more time doing homework if you're trying so hard to even stay awake. 
So, GO TO SLEEP. Seriously! Just set your alarm for at least two or more hours before you need to be up for the day (especially if your paper is due for an 8am). 
Also remember to set up multiple alarms for yourself! We all know that when we're exhausted we're more likely to accidentally press snooze without knowing it. So make sure to set up multiple alarms for yourself so that you can keep being bugged to wake up and finish that paper (or other assignment). 
Does anyone else do the sleep-then-wake-up method like I do? Or are you able to do all-nighters without accidentally knocking out? 

Heat Wave #ootd

Last week, Southern California had a massive heat wave and it was so unbearably hot and sticky outside. Luckily, I managed to survive it by wearing loose and flowy outfits like this particular one to battle the heat. 

I spent some time hanging out with Adriana of Alaska Renee and we decided to hang out at a typical spot that many people from our school normally go to (it's called the Anti-Mall. How hipster is that? Haha). We've both been there before, but we're not there often so we took the opportunity to explore this cute little corner that was perfect to snap a few photos. (We even did a video together!)

Dress: Forever 21 | Sandals: Payless (old) | Cross necklace: c/o BornPrettyStore | Elephant Ring: c/o Collegiate Standard | Gold midi rings: c/o BornPrettyStore | Flower earrings: Forever 21 | Heart stud: Walmart | Bralette: local store

Flowy dresses that kinda hang on the body are starting to really become a thing. It's funny because I remember a few years ago I'd try on dresses like this and thought they looked unflattering on me. It's funny how people's perceptions change according to current trends!
BornPrettyStore sent me a bunch of cute accessories, and I love how dainty they are! It makes them easy to style and mix and match stuff as you please. They are also super affordable as well, so check them out when you get a chance and use the code "KDDT10" to receive 10% off your purchase! 
Disclosure: I received one or more products courtesy of BornPrettyStore. There was no monetary compensation, and all opinions are my own.