SO YOU WANT TO GO BLONDE

It is never a good decision to go blonde, trust me. Every summer there are three re-occurring trends: tan skin, short shorts, and lighter hair. Let's make something very clear before this post gets out of control. There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING BLONDE. This post is simply to make fun of myself for thinking I could bleach my hair and it would look completely fine. If you couldn't guess from the title it obviously does not go fine.
My whole life I have experimented with different hair colors (the perks of having a mother whose a hairstylist), but never had I the kahonas to bleach my entire head. It wasn't until my freshman year of college when I decided to take the plunge. Now let me just say that I have very dark brown hair with very dark brown eyebrows.
Four bleach sessions later and a burning scalp, and my hair was finally blonde - bleach blonde. I do not even know how to explain how bad it was, so here's a humiliating photo for the internet to cringe at.

My head is in my hands right now, since you can't physically see my pain. My word of advice it if you know it's not going to look good, you probably shouldn't do it. This picture is proof.

5 WAY TO DE-STRESS

Stress: it's consuming. You know that feeling on a roller coaster where your at the very tip of a drop, and as tip over the edge and fly down, you feel as though you left your stomach at the top? That is how stress takes over. It feels as though your thoughts are going to fast for your brain to keep up. It not only begins to become mentally exhausting, but physically and emotionally draining.

If you're feeling stressed out, then take a breath. Take a deep breath, and read these 5 ways on how to de-stress.

1. EXERCISE: I know, it's so cliche, but it works. It does not have to be some insane three hour long session. A simple 30 minute walk can do the trick. Go out an enjoy the incredible Chicago humidity. Working out helps reduce stress because while working out your body is releasing endorphins, which act as a natural painkiller. These endorphins are also going to help you get some sleep, which also reduces stress. Really it's a win win!
2. MEDITATE: Just let me explain before you role your eyes. Meditation is not hippie stuff. Meditation is about creating a mindset that can help you relax and enjoy things a bit more than you normally would. By taking a single minute out of your day to deep breath and meditate can increase your self-esteem which in turn reduces stress AND anxiety. Why would you not want to give that a try?!
3. LISTEN TO SOME BOMB ASS MUSIC: Oh the power of music. It is insane to consider that just listening to music can completely change your mood. The power of a single song can allow decrease your blood pressure and heart rate. Put on your favorite music, and just relax or dance it out or whatever it is that this song makes you want to do. 
4. CUDDLE A CAT: Puppies, kittens, and babies. Nobody can resist playing with any of them. Whether your a dog person, a cat person, or a baby person, the sight of them lifts your spirits and puts a smile on your face. They are just too cute not to smile. Interacting with animals releases oxytocin which is a chemical in the brain that promotes a positive attitude. 
5. JOURNAL: Sometimes it helps to just write it down. Whatever is racing through your mind just put it down on a piece of paper. You may even want to start a journal and keep track of your own thoughts. Journaling lifts a weight of your shoulders because maybe what you're thinking isn't something you necessarily want to share with someone. Instead of bottling everything up, journal it out. 

13 REASONS WHY

   

"No one knows for certain how much impact they have on the lives of other people."

-Jay Asher

On March 31 of this year, Netflix released the series 13 Reasons Why. For anyone who has not heard of the show, let me fill you in. 13 Reasons Why follows the story of high school student Hannah Baker and why she took her own life. Hannah creates 7 double sided cassette tapes with 13 explanations as to why she did what she did. The tapes are passed along to the individuals who are in some way, shape or form, one of the reasons. 

Since the release of the show, it has received an immense amount of both negative and positive feedback. The entire theme of the show surrounds suicide, which is a topic people tend to shy away from. Suicide is not an easy topic to speak about, but it needs to be spoken about.
The main concern people are having with this series is that it "glamorizes" suicide. After her death, Hannah becomes more popular and more spoken about around the school. People begin to care for her after her death more than when she was alive. Another concern of the show airing is the affect it may have on people who already suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts. The show features extremely graphic scenes, especially when it comes to Hannah's death, and this could trigger negativity for someone who struggles with mental health already.
There is a bigger picture to this series that is simply being missed. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth, yet it remains a "too touchy" subject. The reality is that suicide is a problem, and 13 Reasons Why is addressing that problem. It is bringing it to the table to help people feel more comfortable about speaking of suicide. Most importantly, it makes you recognize potential signs of someone who may be suicidal, but is too afraid or embarrassed to come forward.
13 Reasons Why brings the conversation of youth suicide and depression to the table. This is a problem that needs to be addressed and this series is the first step. 

SO IT BEGINS

Hey everyone! My dog Manny's butt and I wanted to say hello before we start this enormous journey into the blogging world. I am not exactly where to start, so here are a few things about myself.

1. I just graduated from college with a degree in public relations, and I am over the moon about it!
2. Sarcasm is the only way I get through the day, and tacos. Always choose tacos... with avocado, duh. 
3. My pets are my children. Literally my children. I have two dogs, Ella and Manny, and two cats, Winnie and Chile. If it were up to me I'd have chickens and cows and horses and definitely more cats and definitely more dogs. 
4. Claire Marshall is my goddess.
5. I have an (almost) unhealthy relationship with coffee. 
6. My days off are currently devoted to watching Married at First Sight.
7. Twitter is my enemy. 

So this is it, well some of it. I have to admit that I am a tad nervous to begin this journey. Blogging is something that I have always wanted to do, but could never commit myself to doing. Honestly, I have no clue as to why. I am excited, nervous, anxious, and thrilled to be here with you guys as this blog begins. Here it goes!