April/May Favorites

(Made with Canva)

Hello Beauties!

What is this? A favorites post?? I know, I know I said that I would continue do this, but with all honesty, life got in the way. Also I didn't feel that I had any worthy favorites to share with you lovely people. For this time, I'm going to combine April and May because a lot of stuff happened in these months. Ranging from my personal life, to my academic life. But now that I'm done with school and have all the free time in the world, let's get started!

**(All products are not sponsored, and have been bought at my own expense and interest. All opinions are of my own.)**

• Music

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NF

NF is a artist that a friend recommended that I listen to around the end of April. They said that "he's a Christian rapper and I think you might like him,". Well, turns out I did. NF is someone who I would like to meet because of his music.  He pours out his whole heart in his albums Therapy Session and Mansion. In his song, "How Could You Leave Us", he talks about his mother and her overdose from pills. My favorite song on Therapy Session is ironically "Therapy Session". He sees music as an "outlet" for him and any listener can that. I can see the aspects of the Christian rapper within his music. But honestly you don't have to be a Christian to like his music. I highly suggest anyone to listen to NF, if you're looking for someone new.

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"Victory Belongs to Jesus & Reprise" by Todd Dulaney

I originally heard this song while preparing for a concert. The praise team sung this before we performed. This song... this song... it does things. The first verse is "Who will stand against the LORD/ No one can/No one will". Every time I hear this song, my heart gets happy. In the reprise, they say "The victory belongs to you". When those five words are said, all one can do is agree. The victory of any troubles that we may go through, belongs to God. I listen to this song when I'm feeling low, or facing an obstacle that seems difficult. Definitely listen to this song!

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Rihanna

For a while her song "Rude Boy" was stuck in my head. I finally gave in, and listened to all of my favorite songs by her. Which also caused another problem. I love a good chunk of her songs. So for about a week, I was listening to her music consistently. I found old favorites like "California King Bed", "Hard", and "Hate That I Love You". Let's just say that I was really happy when I found all of her songs. Don't be afraid to go back to old favorites! I first discovered Rihanna when I was in elementary school and she still remains to be one of my favorites.

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Alessia Cara

Alessia Cara is my new artist of the month(s). I heard her song "Here" but never really followed after. "Scars to Your Beautiful" was the one that caught my attention. It's simple beauty and meaning made me want to hear more from her. Then she goes and sings "How Far I'll Go" from Moana and I fell in love with her. I can see her having a very successful career in the music industry. Her music and her voice are different than what I listen to normally. *Random thought* What if she and Demi Lovato sang together?? That would be an epic song! *sorry* I can't wait to see what Cara has in store for her fans. 

• Events

(My Twin, my Big, and I)

Induction of Phi Sigma Pi

In the beginning of my second semester of college, I made a decision that changed my college experience. But before I explain, let me say that I came into college not wanting to join Greek life. I've seen/heard so many horrors of sororities/fraternities that I completely denied the idea. Coming to college, I've been exposed to so many different aspects of Greek life that my brain was fried. All to say, that I joined Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity. I joined the group because I missed having my supportive, academic friends. These group of wonderful people have filled in that gap tremendously. Through this group I've made friends and mentors that I can't see myself without. In the fall, it will be my first semester as a Brother, and I can't wait to see what Phi Sigma Pi has for me.

(DNCE Concert)

DNCE Concert
A glorious thing happened at Central Michigan University on April 21st. The dance-rock band, DNCE came to CMU. This was announced to the campus in November, and tickets went on sale a couple of months later. I immediately bought some. This was my second concert that I've attended. With Demi Lovato being the first. Seeing Joe Jonas perform, brought so many nostalgic memories in terms of, always being a Jonas Brothers fan. Even though I never went to a JB concert, I've always been a fan of their music. But DNCE delivered! There was t-shirts thrown, girls screaming, people jumping, and confetti falling. My favorite song during the concert was, "Pay My Rent". Maybe because during this song, confetti was falling and I was having the grandest time of my life. But who knows, I was just really happy that I got to see them.

(Laverne Cox at CMU)

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox, actress on Netflix's "Orange is the New Black", came and spoke to CMU during our Pride Week event. The title of her talk was "Ain't I a Woman", the same title as Sojourner Truth's speech. Cox talked about her life, growing up in Alabama and how she came to who she is now. All her life she had to struggle to be accepted, and still to this day, she still gets attacked for who she is. My favorite part of her talk was the quote she used by Brené Brown, "empathy is the anecdote to shame,". I took this as being empathetic, you can override anything. Shame is a tool that people use against others to bring them down. But being humble and understanding, one can help break another's shame. All it takes is for someone to listen and help guide them. Cox was graceful and inspiring and I'm so happy I got to hear her.

• Life

Freshman Year

I talked about this extensively in this post. But I made it through my first year of college! Can't wait to see what sophomore year holds!

Dyeing My Hair
I dyed my hair! This has been a long time coming. I thought about this for about a year. I knew the color, but sometimes my mind would wonder to a different one. Yet, I would still come back to this color. I had it done in a ombré, because I won't know the next time I would be home to color it again. That way, it can just grow out. I was super proud of the color and this made me feel like such an adult!

Working for CMU for the Summer

This summer I'm doing something different. I decided that I wasn't going home for the summer. The reason being is that I don't have anything to do at home. While I'll be missing out on Ann Arbor's Top of the Park and the Art Festival, and Ypsilanti's monthly First Friday, I needed to get away. Luckily I was able to get a job working for CMU, and I get to live in Mount Pleasant. I'm so happy this happened. I get to work with friends and it also limits the amount of back and forth moving for my parents. Another thing that I found while living up here, is that I love cooking! I'm super excited to be making adult decisions!

Whew! I forgot how much I love writing these posts! Let me know if I should be checking out anything else! It can range from technology, makeup, food, places, people, music, the options are limitless!

Until next time,

Raven

Freshman Year

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Hello beautiful people!

Freshman year of college, is done and in the books! It's crazy to think that I'm already one year down. I've learned so much in just 10 months, than in my entire 19 years of living. I've met so many great people, heard really great speakers, had emotional breakdowns, got really involved, and many more. 

In August I started out as a shy, introverted freshman. Move-in day was completely hectic for my family. I brought my mom, dad, older brother and sister. We headed up to Mount Pleasant with two cars full of my stuff. After I checked-in, we saw my very small room and my new home.

From the first day, I said that I wouldn't go home until Thanksgiving break. That's exactly what I did. From this I realized that I love my independence. I love walking out/in of my room at weird hours (mainly from hanging out with friends). I never realized I hate the question "Where are you going?" until I went back home. Being able to do things on my time, whenever I want to feels so good. 

But college for me wasn't all parties, and going out every night, I actually focused on my studies. Luckily I met people who understood my mindset. My first semester of college, I had a 3.56 GPA, was secretary of my hall council, and much more. My second semester, I joined Phi Sigma Pi National Coed Honors Fraternity, became a Resident Assistant, and Business Manager of Christ Central Choir. 

My freshman year has been filled with many happy memories, few setbacks, a couple of emotional moments, and much more. All to say that college has been the best decision that I ever made. Now to end this, here's photos from my freshman year!

(Team Frugal for IMPACT)

(First CMU Football game of the year)

(CMU Homecoming Mock Rock)

(Saxe/Herrig/Celani Hall Council at the DREAM Conference)

(Me and Coach Bono)

(Me and the Asia Project)

(Me and Steely at the RHA Banquet)

(Laverne Cox at CMU)

(Pizza with the President)

(Saxe/Herrig/Celani Powderpuff Team) 

(Saxe/Herrig/Celani Hall Council Retreat)

(Solidarity and Love Rally)

(Meeting Dave Ahdoot)

(Induction of Phi Sigma Pi)

Until next time,

Raven

Sorry!

Hey beautiful people!

Sorry there wasn't a February Favorites! As I said in my "So What Up?" post, college limits my time. March has been a brutal month for me emotionally, spiritually, and everything in between. 

I'm trying my best to get back into the swing of things and I'm struggling to get by. As for right know, I'm in the process of writing some really interesting blog posts about life, college, and everything in between.

I ask for your prayers and encouragement.

Until next time,

Raven

January Favorites

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Hello beauties!

January is already over! Where has the time gone! It feels just like yesterday when I was ringing in the new year with my sister at her church! So much has happened in the world since New Years Day. With the presidential inauguration, executive orders, etc, the world has never been so separated. But hopefully as time goes on, we as a people who want to make the future more tolerable, we can put those differences aside and come to a common agreement. Enough of my own presidential speech, let's get started with my favorite things of January!

**(All products are not sponsored, and have been bought at my own expense and interest. All opinions are of my own.)**

• Music

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"Stranglehold" by Kevin Garrett

I know, I know, I'm a little bit obsessed with Kevin Garrett. How can you not be? In my last blog post, I talked about how I was so excited to hear what he would make in 2017.  Well he must have either read it, heard about it, because a week later he released "Stranglehold". This song is very different from the usual piano/acoustic feel of his music, but I love it! It still has a mellow feel that I feel he emulates in his music. It took me a while to get into this song, but I'm a fan. You should be one too!

"Little Bit of You" by Kevin Garrett

Yes Garrett is being featured twice in this favorites, "Little Bit of You" somehow reminds me of possible hustle song. I'm pretty sure you could make a hustle out of this song. I love it because I had a interview for a job and I listen to this song to calm my nerves. It's honestly something about his voice that makes me forget all about my worries. Once again, if you're looking for a new artist to listen to, *whispers* Kevin Garrett.

(Source)

"One Step At a Time" by Jordin Sparks

Do you ever have those days where you need to listen to throwback songs for some reason? For me it started off as me listening to old Chris Brown songs, then it shifted Jordin Sparks. But the more I listened to it, I could honestly relate the song to my life right now. In college sometimes you feel rushed. It seems that everywhere you turn, there is something that's due, you have a meeting to attend, or you feel like there isn't enough hours in the day to complete everything. This song helped me to remember take everything "One step at a time/there's no need to rush...it's gonna happen when it's/Suppose to happen and we/Find the reasons why/One step at a time". I listen to it when I feel like I'm sinking in school work or I'm having a bad day. It's such a classic song and I love it.

• Games

Disney Emoji Blitz

I downloaded this game out of just curiosity, and it's been such a thrill. It's a matching game like Bejeweled, but with Disney characters. What I love about it is that it places a keyboard in your settings. With each new emoji that you get, it unlocks series of character emojis. I have an example below. If you love Disney, emojis and games, I highly suggest this game!

(My own emoji!)

• Events

(Russell Harris, Principal of Jalen Rose Leadership Academy)

In honor of celebrating MLK day, CMU hosted a brunch open to everyone. I attended the brunch as a member of Christ Central Choir, who performed also. The brunch brought different parts of campus together. Whether it be hall councils, multicultural organizations, CMU faculty and staff, and so many other people. The speaker of the brunch was Russell Harris, principal of Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit, MI. My favorite quote from Harris was "Your struggle is real, your success is necessary, everything else is secondary." I'm slowly trying to implement this quote into my life. 

A couple of hours after the brunch, the march was held. We walked from the Bovee University Center, down by South campus, Towers, North campus, up Main St. all the way to downtown Mount Pleasant. Once we reached downtown, we heard spoken word, and a short speech from one of the original people who fought to have MLK Day off for CMU. This event was a great experience to be part of. It was really nice to see so many diverse people standing together, on one accord.

• Life

(Me, Sam, and Alli)

(Michala, Greg, Jobin, Ahsha, and Me)

Since coming to college, I've made so many new friends. Something that I found interesting was that I came CMU very introverted. I was very shy, really didn't know what I wanted to do in regards to being involved. But as time moved on, I've had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. During the hardest times of the school year, these people were there for me, even if they didn't know. Sometimes just seeing their presence/personality/energy/aurora, etc. helped me get through the day. Hanging out with them, helps lift my spirits. I'm so blessed and honored to have meet them and I pray that thy continue to be beacons of light within my life, or in the lives of others.

Well that's it for January! One month down, eleven more to go! Tell me some of your favorites that I should check out!

Until next time,

Raven

Goodbye 2016

Hello beauties!

We have reached the start of a new year! I can't believe that 2016 is over and 2017 is here! 2016 was honestly the best year for me. But I do recognize that for some 2016 may have been the total opposite. So many events happened in the last year that when I look back, I smile, cry, and ponder about them. It was really difficult to figure out which ones to talk about, so I tried my hardest to talk about the ones that either made me laugh, have a special meaning, or creates special memories for me. I even will talk about some of the lows I had this year. Without further ado, let's get started.

**(All products are not sponsored, and have been bought at my own expense and interest. All opinions are of my own.)**

• Music

(Source)

"Closer" by The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey

This song, you guys, this song, is my anthem for 2016. I wrote about it in my "August Favorites" post. Normally when I write "favorites" posts, I tend to avoid the artist for the next month, but I could not avoid this song. I blame this partly on Leadership Safari. I love this song so much, mainly for it's addictive beat, nature, and the lyrics. "We ain't never getting older!" The Chainsmokers and Halsey have had an amazing year and I can't wait to see what they are going to create in 2017!

(Source)

Kevin Garrett

Kevin Garrett is the most recent artist that I discovered in 2016. In 2015, I added his song "Never Knock" to my Winter Days playlist, and totally forgot about him until around this time. I finally listened to his Mellow Drama EP, and I fell in love with it. Garrett is now the artist that I listen to when my anxiety is going through the roof. His voice is so simple and smooth. He doesn't try to achieve high notes, and his music isn't overly complicated. I can hear his music being played in local coffee shops (mainly hipster). The EP is exactly what it says, it's such a mellow listen. My favorite song off it is "Coloring". I hope that he continues to rise in 2017, and I encourage you to listen to him!

• Events

(My Parents and I)

High School Graduation

June 2016 was where my life really began. It all started with this day, my high school graduation. This was the most happiest day of my life, I had completed four arduous, emotional, constantly ever changing years at Arbor Preparatory High School. I graduated with the largest class of my school (it's only five years old), and with some of the best people whom I call my friends. Graduation was just the spark that fired the rest of my summer leading to college in August.

(Group photo in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City)

Traveling to Europe

Also this year, I accomplished something off my bucket list, travel to Europe. I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Europe with my AP European classmates, AP students, and teachers. In July, I flew 12 hours over the Atlantic and landed in London. From there we went to Paris, Florence, and Rome. Some of us went on the two day extension where we saw Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri. I'm super thankful for the tour guide we had, because only one person could handle this crazy group of people. If I had the opportunity to do this again, I would drop everything and pickup my passport.

• Makeup

(My Halloween Makeup)

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Smog

I bought Smog around October just for the sake of wanting it. The description says "deep coppery bronze", at times it does pull the bronze color, but sometimes it pulls a golden color. I love the simplicity of the color, and it has now become my everyday makeup routine. This reminds me of Urban Decay's former eyeshadow "Snakebite". I loved this color and was so upset when they discontinued it. But "Smog" is the perfect replacement!

(My family and I for CMU's Homecoming game)

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Ricco
Attending a school where the colors are maroon and gold, one has a natural love for maroon. During the fall where the colors are changing, I was on the search for finding the perfect fall lip product. I then discovered this lipstick by Stila. I was little suspicious at first because of how pigmented it is, but it matched perfectly with my CMU sweatshirt. When pairing this I tend to match with a lighter eyeshadow. Lately I've been pairing this with the Smog eyeshadow and people tell me, "You know you're wearing maroon and gold right?". I love it's lasting power when it comes to being out all night, I only have to reapply if I eat or after a really long time of not reapplying.

• Lows of 2016

Constant Anxiety and Depression

This year has had many highs, but a few lows. Those lows started a while after I started college. Aside from the biggest change of my life, I literally felt like I had lost myself. I only participated in the activities out of care for others. I'm the person who hates bringing attention to themselves. During the middle of the semester I felt burned out, really sad, and scared. For me, my anxiety starts with fear, I feel scared of unknown things. Which leads to irritability and seclusion. It all boils over at some point, then it starts a new cycle. This happened three times during the semester, and luckily I had amazing people who helped me along the way. But if you ever feel like this check out Half of Us. It's a website geared toward college students with mental illnesses. Also talk to people, friends, RA's (Resident Assistants), MA's (Multicultural Advisors), RHD's (Residence Hall Directors), even professors, (Yes they do care).

Letting Go of People
For me I have a very hard time letting people go. Once I meet you, I immediately place you in a circle of my life. There were many people who in the beginning I felt so close, but as time went on, I felt the need to let them go. I tried so hard to tell myself that they still have a meaning a purpose, but it convince myself. I had to let someone go during the hardest point of the semester because I couldn't hold on to them anymore. Yes it did hurt mentally, emotionally, and physically, but as time went on, I felt myself getting better. Sometimes it's for both of you, but it needs to be done.

• Life

Turning 18
For me turning 18, really didn't mean too much at the beginning. I was still living with my parents, working, still going to school, etc. But during the summer and especially in college, being 18 changed a my thought of being 18. It meant being a legal adult, going to doctor appointments by myself *gasps*, staying out as long as I want, and so much more! In college being independent is something that I'm still learning. Making decisions on my own, when I eat, do I go here or stay in my room. But everyday I'm learning and growing.

College
In August, I had no idea of what I got myself into when I came to Central Michigan University. I came in a dry sponge ready to soak up whatever came my way. I learned more about myself in five months, than in my 18 years of existence. Attending college has been the best decision I've made and CMU has proven that to me. Yes, college has it's downs, but I didn't let them to me. Whenever I was feeling homesick, I would call my parents, friends, or, siblings. Above my desk, I have pictures of people who I want to make proud. On it I have my mentors, my cousins, grandparents, family, and friends. Because of them, I force myself to get out of bed and go to class everyday.

Well, goodbye 2016. You've been filled with so many memories, trials and tribulations, happiness and heartbreaks, and so much more. Hello 2017, may you be welcoming, exciting, and a fresh wind for many people. 

This is my first post of 2017! 

Until next time,

Raven Tipton