1 Year of Mermaid Hair

It's been over a year since Blair Brown bleached my hair for the first time in my life, effectively turning me into the Cool Girl I'd always wanted to be. When I first dyed my hair, all I could think about was the silver-lavender head of hair I was about to own. Knowing that I wouldn't be able to afford to maintain this color, I also looked forward to the process of growing out my hair. I planned from the get-go to leave my hair be as it grew out and eventually faded, potentially using the bleached base to re-dye my hair on my own.

In the last year, my hair has undergone more than just the initial transformation. My hair has grown out, faded, been cut, and been re-dyed (more than once).

April 2016

Look at this dye job! The blue roots, the purple tinge, the inexplicable pink streaks. It's worth noting that my hair literally felt like straw for at least a month after I bleached it. At the time, it seemed like a wash. Looking back, it was totally worth it.

May 2016

After years of natural hair, it felt so weird to have the texture that comes with bleached hair. My hair has always naturally curled, and my bleached hair either stuck straight out or hung flat upon waking up. It took me a while to come up with a solution that didn't involve applying heat to my hair and I definitely still have bad hair days, but I've mostly figured out how to get public-appropriate hair by sleeping in a tight braid. 

June 2016

My hair finally starts softening thanks to just a TON of deep conditioner. The purple has become more prominent, and my roots turn from blue to blue-green.

July 2016

This was my ideal hair color! I'm really grateful that Blair used a darker color than I asked for (the hair stylist always knows best), because the color lasted a LOT longer than if I'd gone pastel at first. My favorite part of having mermaid hair is that every time I wash my hair, the color changes ever so slightly. It brings out the pinks, purples, and silvers in my hair, giving me a new look every week.

August 2016

Around this point, I started to worry about my "yellowing" hair. Looking back, it's just a grayer shade of lavender-gray. 

September 2016

Once the dye started to fully wash out, it really started to go. Within a month, my hair was almost completely silver.

October 2016

I tried dying my hair pastel pink with two separate box dyes. The color didn't hold. I'd recommend avoiding pastel box dyes– the next time I dyed my own hair, I used a vibrant color.

December 2016

I got a haircut when I came back to Oregon after graduating in December. The poor tips of my hair were so fried, and no deep conditioner was going to save that.

January 2017

I used an at-home dye to dye my hair pink. It was really bright pink at first, but faded much more quickly than the professional dye. For only $11, though, getting nearly 2 months of color was completely reasonable.

February 2017

This was the exact shade of pink I wanted when I first tried to dye my own hair back in November. It only lasted a couple washes, but it was worth it.

March 2017

Again... Once the dye started washing out, it REALLY started washing out. My hair was back to silver fairly quickly. The blue in what was originally my roots has held fairly strong, though.

April 2017

The yellow-correcting toner has slowly been weakening over the last year, and now I guess I'm just a bleach blonde. I'm excited to dye my hair before my graduation ceremony in June, though. I can't wait to show you all what I decide to do!

Have any of you ever tried to grow out a dye job? Tell me your tips and tricks in the comments below!

What's Next

Now that I've officially signed my letter of employment and have been approved for my apartment, I finally feel comfortable announcing what I'm doing after graduating: I'm moving to New York!

I'll be working on the social media team for INSIDER. I was actually hired alongside a fellow Influence Her Collective blogger– Tomi from GoodTomiCha! I'll be living in Brooklyn, just a short 45 minute commute to my job in midtown New York. These plans come after months of trying to figure out my post-grad plans along all while doing the work to actually graduate. I applied to 42 jobs (though I have a list of over 100) and contacted the owners or roommates of nearly 70 apartments in my search. In the end, it all worked out.

I've been dreaming of NYC since I was a child. When I announced my plans to one of my oldest childhood friends, she reminded me that we'd planned to move there together when we were nine years old. We used to act out this fantasy with our American Girl dolls, pretending that they were balancing the glamor of the city with the demands of their powerful careers. We'd stay up late talking about what we wanted our apartment to look like, what we wanted to wear, and where we wanted to work. We were growing up in a small town, but we were ready for the big city.

My parents noticed that I was going to be a big-city girl at a young age, and my mom took me to New York as my Bat Mitzvah present when I was 13. This trip only affirmed my aspirations. When I got to college, I began working on ways to make my dream come true. I applied for internships in New York the summer between my sophomore and junior year to no avail. Despite this let-down and feeling of failure, when it came time to make my post-grad plans, I decided to try again. I'm glad I kept pushing for my dream, as my efforts and set-backs are really paying off.

I'm so excited to embark on this amazing journey, and I can't wait to share it all with you.

Best Music of 2016

This was a rough year for women across America. Our bodies were obsessively critiqued and analyzed without our consent, we were consistently denied bodily autonomy and healthcare access, we were called names behind our backs and to our faces, we were harassed and even murdered in the streets, we continued to be paid less than men for the same work, we were told our worries don't matter or don't even exist, and much more, especially for women of color, LGBT+ women, and non-Christian women.
So, it's been a rough year for women and femme-identifying people. Yet, still, here we are today, looking 2017 in the face and hoping it'll be better than last year. Luckily, 2016 was an excellent year for women in music, giving many of us the soundtrack we needed to combat the sexism happening all around us. I've compiled many of my favorite songs by women released in 2016 to inspire us to keep pushing and fighting.

5 Gifts for Every Zodiac Sign

1. Gold Aquarius star sign necklace– Give the Aquarius in your life a way to show their water-bearer pride.
2. Bananagrams– The perfect Aquarius game: competitive, fast-paced, and clever.
3. Fuzzy socks– I guarantee your Aquarius friend isn't relaxing enough. Let their feet at least take a break in these adorable bear socks.
4. Aquarius notebook– Every Aquarius needs a place to let their feelings out. This journal is a healthy alternative to taking off for the woods for a couple months.
5. Bear travel pillow– Clearly, there's a connection between bears and Aquariuses: they're both really independent. A travel pillow is the perfect accessory for that solo trip to Asia or the spontaneous cross-coast train ride.

1. Rose petal oil– This beautifully scented oil is perfect for a Pisces to moisturize their split-ends, cuticles, and whatever else they deem fit.
2. Pisces shea butter soap– Make hand washing a cathartic experience for your Pisces friends by giving them this personalized soap.
3. Watercolor pencil set– Satisfy a Pisces' creative urges and their craving to immerse themselves in all things water by combining the medium of watercolor and colored pencils.
4. Pisces necklace– A simple way for a Pisces to show off their Pisces pride.
5. Oversized scarf– Any Pisces would love to wrap, warm, and possibly hide themselves in this comfortable (and chic!) accessory.

1. Aries nail polish– This color was designed specifically for your Aries friend (literally!).
2. Inspirational desk sorter– The typical Aries is hard-working and organized. Appeal to both qualities with this super cute office accessory.
3. "You can never be overdressed or overeducated" journal– Both education and fashion require some risk: something an Aries truly values.
4. Fire scented candle– Aries is a fire sign and lover of fine things. This present hits both those requirements.
5. Aries keychain– A cool, casual way to show for your friend to show off their not-so-casual zodiac sign.

1. Taurus shirt– A simple way to show off their zodiac sign.
2. Card holder– A Taurus doesn't like to lose track of their wealth. This sleek, unadorned, quality card holder keeps their cards in reach at all times.
3. Black furry keychain– Appeal to a Taurus' sense of feel with this sophisticated statement piece that demonstrates commitment to fashion without calling too much attention.
4. Taurus mug– If someone in your life doesn't have a mug broadcasting their zodiac sign by this point in 2016, it's about time they own one.
5. "Enchanted Forest" coloring book– Tauruses are creative and love nature. This book requires both these traits.

1. Hair chalk– What Gemini doesn't love expressing themselves in a different way every day? This assortment of different colored hair chalk washes off within a couple days and gives plenty of different options to mix and match for a number of unique hair colors.
2. Gemini leather patch– A cheeky and adorable way to show Gemini pride.
3. Gemini necklace– Do I need to spell it out for you?
4. "Here comes the fun" passport holder– Geminis want to experience everything the world has to offer, and this includes traveling the world.
5. Muse porcelain cup– I was going to make a joke about Geminis being two-faced (thanks, Tumblr), but this is really just a beautiful and incredibly unique addition to a kitchen and can also be used as decor.

1. Star-shaped lights– If you can't afford a telescope, this is a cheap (and adorable) alternative.
2. Cancer necklace– A simple and subtle accessory to show crab pride.
3. "Happiness planner"– Cancers are some of the most pensive members of the zodiac. This planner focuses on channeling that thoughtfulness to find out what contributes to one's good days, weeks, and months.
4. "I think you are wonderful" set– Remind your Cancer friend that they are, in fact, wonderful, even though they may not always think they are.
5. Cancer watercolor print– The colors and design in this print are perfect for any Cancer's aesthetic.

1. Gold polka-dot cocktail shaker– Leos know just what the perfect party entails, and this cocktail shaker is sure to aid in creating that.
2. Lion choker– Extravagant? Check. Statement? Check. Gold? Check. This choker fulfills all the requirements of the perfect Leo accessory.
3. "The master plan" notebook– What used to be the secret of every Leo is now a well-known fact: they want to rule the world. Help them on their way to that goal with this notebook to document every aspect of their master plan.
4. Gold metallic lip– Leos are all about standing out; and what better way for them to do this than with gold lips?
5. Leo keychain– Another statement piece for the Leo in your life.

1. Simple stud set– Virgos can have their moments of standing out from the crowd, but for the most part, they prefer timeless elegance to trends. These studs are the perfect addition to any classic outfit.
2. Virgo candle– A scent and design picked especially for Virgos.
3. Black and white striped 2017 17 month planner– Chances are, your Virgo friend bought their planner for the new year months ago. If they haven't, this classy design is the perfect choice.
4. Virgo notecard set– Virgos are suckers for stationary of all kinds, but especially stationary with a simple, elegant design.
5. Black tote– Another wardrobe staple for the zodiac sign that prefers quality to quantity.

1. "52 lists for happiness"– Another happiness journal (what? Everyone deserves to be happy!), but this one targets a Libra's indecisiveness.
2. Libra necklace– This rustic accessory is perfect for the romantic Libra.
3. "Love" print– Libras are the romantics of the zodiac. This print demonstrates just how much they value love by repeating it across the page.
4. Libra earrings– The best way for a Libra to show off their zodiac sign is by balancing their sign on each side of their face.
5. Cat sleep mask– A cute and flirty piece to help the Libra in your life get some more sleep.

1. Scorpion square scarf– My favorite part of this pick is that it wasn't designed specifically for a Scorpio, but it's edgy and features a scorpion, making it a great gift for any Scorpio.
2. Nude figurine tray– A simple piece of decor to normalize the human body, something Scorpios feel passionately about.
3. Black over the knee boots– Sure, these may just be a piece from my personal wish list, but I'm a Scorpio!
4. Black lace bodysuit– A sexy layering piece to go under any outfit or to wear over a bralette to make a statement.
5. Scorpio patch– Another (more obvious) way to show Scorpio pride.

1. Agate bookends– A beautiful and unique piece of decor to help your Sagittarius friend show off their prized book collection.
2. Salsa growing kit– A spicy, hands-on gift for a spicy, hands-on friend.
3. Sagittarius constellation light– The perfect conversation starter to hang on the wall of someone who loves conversation.
4. Scratch travel journal– An easy and visual way for a Sagittarius to document how much of the world they've traveled.
5. Arrow bracelet– This may not have been designed with a Sagittarius in mind, but it's the perfect minimalist accessory to compliment a fun statement outfit.

1. Savings jar– Give your Capricorn friend a more creative way to do something they do without thinking about: save money.
2. Tech touch gloves– Capricorns love practical gifts. These gloves combine practicality (staying warm and still being able to use your phone) with style.
3. Goat wine stopper– An adorable representation of the Capricorn symbol that doubles as encouragement to leave more half-empty bottles of wine lying around.
4. Capricorn ring– Beautiful, simple, and easy-to-wear.
5. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie– A quick (but essential) read from one of the most influential and acclaimed feminist WOC still alive.

A Broke & Fabulous Gift Guide 2016

It's my favorite time of year as a blogger: gift guide season. I make a point to only include items $50 and under. This year, I'm introducing some new gift guides and updating some old ones. This won't be my last gift guide post of the season; read this and stay tuned for more.

1. Bath bomb set: Give your friend's senses a gift with an all-inclusive way to self-soothe.
2. Eye mask: An inexpensive, quick, and easy way for someone to pamper themselves.
3. Cozy blanket: For days when getting out of bed is so not an option, make sure the bed is as nice a place as possible.
4. Pillow pet: A source of physical comfort and a friend!
5. Homesick candle: This unique take on a candle incorporates nostalgia into its scent, making it an ideal source of comfort for the especially homesick.
6. Face mask set: Nothing says "self-care" like a face mask. It's soothing to wear and gives great results, especially when you're able to treat your skin depending on its type.
7. Mug: Perfect for tea, hot chocolate, soup, and communicating that today is not the day to get on my nerves.

1. Stuff Every Graduate Should Know: Those of us graduating need more than just a book to be able to make it in the "real world," but this is a very helpful start and reference point.
2. Personal blender: Most dorms allow little contraptions like this mini blender, and it encourages healthy eating at a time in one's life when junk food reigns supreme.
3. Coffee Hydro Flask: Give the gift of warm coffee during an 8 am class with this portable mug that keeps liquid warm for up to 6 hours (or cold for up to 24 hours).
4. Charging cord: Between the library, class, my friends' houses, and traveling home, I'm always leaving my chargers somewhere. With a unique charger (that is designed not to break so easily), I can be sure that whoever borrows it can't claim it's theirs.
5. Socks: Again, between all the places I go, communal laundry rooms, and how many times I've moved as a college student, I'm constantly losing socks. Nice socks in particular are a luxury I just can't afford.
6. Herb planters & herbs: A super easy way to brighten up a dorm room or a cheap apartment with no natural light. Throw in some basil, peppermint, or other edible seeds to make this gift really worth its while.
7. Personal banker organizer: Not everyone keeps track of their budget online: some people prefer to handwrite their monthly expenses. Help someone gain control of their finances with this guided spending tracker.

1. Travel journal: Help the traveler in your life record their trips for years to come with this cute (and compact) journal.
2. Waterproof phone case: Keeps any phone safe from the rain, the ocean, humidity, and any other kind of water to continue to document and serve as a means of communication when traveling.
3. Luggage tag: Make a boring bag stand out on a baggage carousel for a more efficient trip through baggage claim.
4. Mini cosmetic kit: Not only is this perfect for shorter trips or for a carry-on bag, but look how cute everything is!
5. "Anywhere Travel Guide": If you can't keep up with where your friend is traveling this year (Croatia? Jamaica? Indonesia?), get them a travel guide that will give them something to do regardless of where they end up.
6. Travel pouches: Keep everything nice and organized in these pouches that tell you what's inside without showing your business to the entire world.
7. Carry-on cocktail kit: Flying sucks a little less with a cocktail that you can make yourself on the plane.

Spaces & Faces: 3201

Welcome to my apartment! (Finally). I've lived here since October 2015, but apparently it's taken me over a year to finally get my room to the point where I can put it on the blog. Now, just in time for me to move out in a couple weeks, here is a look at my living space.

My bed is where I spend most of my time. I've had most of these pillows and this duvet cover since freshman year, so my room aesthetic has largely remained the same. Emily painted this beautiful piece of art as a rough draft for an incredible gallery piece she did, and I got to keep it because I was one of the people that posed for her.

I've slowly been building up this gallery-style wall since I moved in: it was originally just the quote cards, but has since grown to incorporate my first-ever wedding invite, my sister's grad announcement, some DIYs, and some miscellaneous pictures.

I love the aesthetic that hanging up my jewelry creates. Not only is it like a little wall of art, but it's a super practical way to store my necklaces.

I love my &s: I hope to acquire more of them as I continue decorating my living spaces.

The foot of my bed features some of my own paintings of little succulents.

All of our furniture came from the university, but we do our best to spice it up with our own unique touch, like these DIY wine bottle vases.

Carolyn has a bunch of really cute quote canvases: these are two of my favorites. It doesn't hurt that they're both so aesthetically pleasing.

Living with two dogs (and three women) is a whole bunch of fun. We spend a lot of Friday nights together on the couch watching Harry Potter movie marathons and sharing junk food.