iamtheghostfox

[iamtheghostfox]

[iamtheghostfox]

Time to feed the soul. 🍁

(weheartit.com)

[iamtheghostfox]

10 Things I Learned Being in College

As the Fall semester is in full swing, a lot of you maybe Freshman in college and wondering why all teen TV shows lied to you about college. I know that's the first thing I thought when I went away to a 4 year college. Why the hell did Gilmore Girls say this was going to be the best years of my life? I'm sat here eating ice cream, watching a crappy movie on my laptop, and missing my family. The truth is, it's nothing like they show in movies or shows, it's nothing like what other people say it is, and it's nothing like your parents predicted. It honestly depends on your outlook and what you chose to experience. I defiantly wish someone could have told me that sometimes it takes a while to meet new people. That depending on your classes you need to put in 110% of your attention to studying. Here's the big one, I most wish that someone would have told how much you actually miss your family & friends when you move away.

For all going through this significant defining moment here is 10 things I learned being in college. Hopefully this can shed some light on the honest college experience.

Save Those Pennies: Whether you have financial aid, scholarships, or working a part-time job. College life can sometimes have unexpected expenses and to unsure some financial safety. It's good to have some money stashed away. Trust me, I made this huge mistake whilst moving to another city for University. Now you might be thinking, "duh, that's obvious" but in reality it's hard to say no to Starbucks on the daily.

Join Clubs That Interest You: If you're just starting in your school or in a different city. Signing up for school activities like academic clubs or common interest clubs might expand your friendship Rolodex.  Universities usually have non-traditional clubs that might interest an assortment of  individuals. For example, my school has a needlework club, an amine club, and a writers workshop.      

Don't Let Opportunities Slip:  Schools typically have some great opportunities that might be difficult to find otherwise. Internships, jobs, and traveling can all be experiences you acquire whilst in your undergrad year. So, if there is an opportunity for any of the above, TAKE IT!

Be Cautious: Sometimes the unlimited freedom might be a little to much to handle on your first year. You might want to go to a party every night, or maybe not take that huge test so seriously, or walk back to your dorm at 1 am after a hookup. Okay, that last one may have been a little close to home. Whatever the situation maybe, please be cautious of your surrounds, let other people who and where you're going, and keep in contact with a trusted friend.

Remember School isn't Cheap: Going to UNI can mean a number of things. Getting your degree, meeting new people, or experiencing life on your own. But, amongst all the shiny new experiences, try to remember that school is not cheap. Missing up on grades could cost you an extra $50,000 along with a makeup semester of sorts. So, plan well for all events like test, quizzes, social life, and work.

Communication is Key: If you are struggling in your classes be sure to have a conversation with your professors. They have many students to grade and teach, that they may not know that you are having a difficult time understanding the material. There are also incredible resources at each University, for instances, many have centers where you can take you test alone. This is for students who have high test anxiety. The key is to communicate these issues with your professors and administratives.    

Study Groups are Your Best Friend: Studying alone can be a hassle, moreover, it's easy to give into procrastination and distractions when you're alone. That's why in college study groups will be your best friend.

Dating Can be Messy: Dating in college has it's pros and cons as any dating scenario would have. However, dating in academia might be slightly more challenging. The problem is almost everyone is looking for some fun with no commitments and no strings attached. This is something to keep in mind when you dating during your college years. Make sure to always be honest with what you truly want in a relationship.

Good Relationships with Professors: It's hard to imagine being close with a professor but just like high school that are certain teachers in which you have a special connection. In college, this relationship can mean an excellent recommendation, a mentor, or job opportunity.

Just Breathe and Take it Easy:  It's important to remember that college can be one of the most memorable times of your life. Also remember that it can be the most stressful, so, make time to breathe and take it easy. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a quick break to destress.

[iamtheghostfox]

do not forget about yourself Autumn mood ✨🍁

[iamtheghostfox]

Hunger

We live in a world where hunger is neither mentioned nor absent from everyday conversation. It exist outside our world, it is taken as pure pleasure or absolute disdain, there is no in between. Hunger is a gift and a tragedy, a mere artist struggle and a mention in passing. We choose to eat but don’t really saver the moment in which we are full. We choose to not eat on the precipice of social suicide. 

Hunger comes in many shapes, sizes, frames, and delivery. It allows us to grow and not, it begins at home and not, and it lives in our bodies and not. Hunger craves its name on our minds, threatening to lose it if we do not obey. So, we obey. We listen quietly to our own hunger and it speaks differently to each of us. Sex, love, knowledge, literal, and loneliness. Sometimes it can be absent for awhile that damned hunger. It will refuse to listen much like teenage angst it will revolt and leave us. In many occasions, hunger can leave us for good. Setting us aside and leaving us to fend for ourselves. We will spend years looking for that once plentiful hunger. Reminiscing of the times we had it, the times we were full, and the times we were empty. In the end, we’d rather feel that roaring hunger than nothing at all.       

[iamtheghostfox]

September Reading List: 

As much as I love the summer reading, there is nothing like cozy nights wrapped in a blanket with hot tea and a good book. Around this time I typically stock up on must read novels that I’ve been either dying to read or wanting to reread. Here’s what’s on the reading playlist for this month…

The Works of Edger Allen Poe  Around this time I’m usually itching for it to be Halloween already. Reading Edger Allen Poe hits the right spot before the true witching season begins. His short stories are by far the creepiest and mind blowing tales. Prefect for stormy nights…

Stephen King Everything’s Eventual   Being that the new IT movie hit cinemas this weekend, I had to reread my favorite King anthology to celebrate. If you’re looking to expand your Stephen King library this one is a must have. Stories from 1408, Autopsy Room Four, and the Man in the Black Suit are just a few that will have you even more scared. I defiantly cannot read this at night or at least I have to have my cat next to me.

Aziz Ansari Modern Romance If you’re looking for something a bit light hearted and warming. This book will have laughing till you cry and maybe even just crying with how relate able the material hits home. Aziz Ansari has always been one of my favorite comedians and this novel just shows how funny he is on stage and in written form. Which by the way is a lot harder than some give credit too.

Jon Ronson The Psychopath Test  This is an interesting reading, taking psychological aspects with science fiction elements and piecing them together. It follows the story of a psychologist interviewing a man who says he faked being a psychopath. There is obviously more the story but it’s so intriguing that I’ll leave it up to you to discover the truth. I will say, not everything is what is seems.

It’s not the longest reading list but there are very interesting elements in each read. Can’t wait to dive in!

What are some books from your reading list?

[iamtheghostfox]

When in Doubt... PANIC!

I don’t know if anybody else feels a moment in time where everything just stands still. Not literally but there’s just this abnormal feeling that nothing in the world is moving or that everything in the world is moving but you. 

You experience it on social media and my circle of friends. Everyone progressing in the direction of life whilst you still seek your own path. Then you being to think that maybe it’s you, you’re the one who is stopping yourself from the pursuing your life calling. Then again maybe it’s society, who doesn’t want anyone to succeed because there can only be a few elite at the top. Every notation beings to sprawl through your thoughts, going back and forth, like a never ending game of tether ball. 

We just get so stuck inside our own heads that it’s almost impossible to remember that life is a dick sometimes. It will throw dodge balls at you and life whilst you winch in pain. On the other hand, life can be as sweet as honey dripping down your throat. Our job is too know how to handle each situation with care. It’s not an easy job and could very well be the end of us but if we just let life push us around, we’re going to have bigger problems then watching everyone else progress. 

Whether you’re scared to put yourself out there or you don’t think you’re good enough. Remember, you are the one thing in life you can control. Somethings aren’t going to sit neatly on our laps when we want them too. Basically, we have to coddle, pet, and nourish these dreams in order for them to feel comfortable enough to grow. Much like a new born puppy, you don’t just assume it will feed itself, you have to teach it but first you have to feed it by hand. Another good reminder, is that what you see on social media is the projection that others want you to see. We don’t know the smile behind the camera or what could be causing it. We must remember that life exist outside the digital box and that’s the one that counts. 

So, next time you’re feeling unsure and panicking about life’s direction. Calm down and keep moving forward, it can only get better from here. 

[iamtheghostfox]

Whoa! These high waist shorts are now available on this etsy shop. Check the back for a little extra design that is out of this world. Visit foxesvintageco at Etsy.com or link in bio for more details. #style #ootd #clothing #smallbiz #onlineshop #instashop #instalike #style etsy #etsyseller #photooftheday #fashion #flashesofdelight #outfitpost #etsysellerofinstagram #vintageinspired #vintagestyle

[iamtheghostfox]

Writing is food for the Soul

I remember the very first time I received a journal. I was around 8 years old and it was trendy to have one of those Lisa Frank type stationary. The glitter plastic decorated in some sort of mystic animal (usually a unicorn or purple kitten) covered the flimsy line pages. I honestly didn’t care much about the exterior, all I wanted was to create my own patterns and rhythms with my pen in hand. Little did I know that my journal writing would lead me to my greatest passion.

Writing is the food that allows the soul nourishment and growth. Therapy at its purest, organizing convoluted thoughts, memories, and every little space in between. It’s  knowledge , power, and most importantly it is freedom. I learned at such a young age that writing allowed me to roam free around all the craves in my brain. Whatever thoughts plagued my mind, my sweet medicine was paper and pen. As I entered my college years, writing become a way of creating art. Extracting the idea that art imitates life. Finding myself in new experiences fueled my addiction for writing. It was like my own brand of premium heroin. A boy broke my heart, write it down. Worries about school, write it down. A new style idea, write it down. Traveling to a new place, write it down.

There is nothing quiet like the liberating feeling tracing your thoughts onto a blank sheet of paper, or for modern times fingers to keyboard. Withdrawing all those head pounding notions onto a surface area in which you can control the outcome. Becomes a deceleration of independence each and every time.

Aside from the intellectual aspect of writing, this form of art has a greater purpose. It contributes to the notion that “the pen is mightier than the sword”, words in general have the almighty power to direct change. Change among nations, small communities, families, and individual people. Remember although America won are independence throw fists, it was the written words that lite the first flames. This in turn is why I write. It does not matter if one person reads the words or a whole country. What truly defines you as a writer is the action that follows after reading simple words. I write because it’s my life’s calling but I also write to dictate change. Whether the change comes within myself or another soul, writing is my choice of weapon.

[iamtheghostfox]

Uncertainty

Life is full of uncertainties. I really wish this wasn't the case, I wish we could just know whether or not a job, person, decision was the right path to take. Lately I have been struggling with many internal decision that I've really never had to make before. The anxiety of it all has really started to build up in my heart, soul, and mind. Sometimes I wish someone else could make these decisions for me. Wouldn't that be simple? Someone just comes over looks you in the eye and tells you for certain not to give this person a chance or not to take that job in another city.

Uncertainty is hard to process when your life is going full speed. I'm at the age where all my friends are either getting married, are married, have children or are getting ready to have children. I joke all the time that I'm still a baby and I need more growing before I find someone. But recently a dear friend gave me some very interesting advice. We were talking about boys, relationships, you know the normal girl talk. I had mentioned that I am not sure of my feelings towards someone special and I feel as though I have a lot of growing to accomplish before anything romantic happens. Then he said something that really got me thinking, "why not allow yourself to grow with a person maybe that's what you need now"? This question/ statement literally made me stop in my tracks. I never really thought of it that way, never gave it a shot because I had forgot that people can grow together. It's a beautiful thought. I've been so good at keeping up a wall, never getting hurt over boys, never crying over a stupid situation, always being the strong one with little to no emotions for another human being.

I want that to stop, I want to take the advice of my friend. I don't want "fear to become a profession", I don't want to live my life wondering what could have happened if I just opened my heart. At the end of the day no matter what happens, good or bad, at least I'll have a story to tell.

It's also important to remember that uncertainty can also be a way to warn us. Sometimes it's so simple, right there in front of us that we are  blind to see anything. Sometimes uncertainty is a window into exactly what we are thinking. When we are uncertain that's when we must stop and really ask ourselves if this is what we want.

[iamtheghostfox]

Photo

[iamtheghostfox]

5 Things To Keep You Sane

Life can throw you some serious shade. Between responsibilities, work, education, and a social life it can get quit hectic. It’s no wonder starfish kind of just give up when they get stressed out. Alas we are not starfish, we are human beings and we must keep calm and carry on. If you are finding it hard to follow that motto, here are 5 things that will keep you sane through a troubling time.

Podcast Listening– This is a recent activity that has become a soothing blanket over the mundane actions of everyday life. There is such a variety of different shows in every way that you prefer. If you want an enthralling adventure “Astonishing Legends” is the prefect Podcast for you. Want a mystery to unravel right before your ears “The Black Tapes” and “Tanis” are your best bet. What about a relaxing mediation? There’s a Podcast for that, “The Daily Mediation Podcast”. The point is there is all sorts of relaxing entertainment that will get you through the work days.

Green Tea and Fun Mugs– Sometimes it’s the simple things that carries us on. My favorite new routine is waking up with a sweet cup of green tea and a fun little mug. It brightens up the morning in the smallest way but has a big effect. I’m currently obsessed with Saffron Tea. It’s infused with mango and detoxes your body plus boost your mood. (Psst! The fun mug also provides the best mood boosting of all)

Journaling– When things get a little jumbled up in my head or life gets a little to serious. I love to gather up my journals/interactive books and write the issues away. It’s a fantastic way to keep things organized but it’s an even better outlet for letting out what has been bothering you. Journaling has such a calming effect that afterwards it feels like you can conquer it all.

Gym Time– The best discover that I have ever made was how much working out and turn your life around. Not only do you feel confident but I found that gym time can be therapeutic. Whether it’s running on the  or kicking it up with the punching bag, you are physically releasing all the pent up energy.

Setting aside Me Time– With the high speed movement of life, we sometimes forget to stop and breathe. More importantly we forget the small things that bring us joy. That’s why it’s so critical to set aside a chuck of time for the things that light up the darkness.  There is nothing like throwing yourself into your favorite hobby. Forgetting if only for a moment the entire world.

[iamtheghostfox]

Garlic pepper soba and chilli sesame roasted tofu vegetable soup for lunch today, good stuff :)

insta: @veganzoejessica

[iamtheghostfox]

Although June is almost over and a new reading list is among us, I’m not going to lie I’ve been a bit slow in reading my latest books of the month. Mostly because I’ve been working hard at the shop but I’m excited to conclude these stories. This month’s list is short because the novels are very long, however, I found that a shorter reading list made for less pressure to finish and more time to enjoy the content.

This month’s theme was books written by women. The books include “How to be a Women” by Caitlin Moran, “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell, and “Replica” by Lauren Oliver.

How to be a Women by Caitlin Moran

If you want a good laugh and feel like gabbing with a good friend, this book is those two lovely things rolled up in one book. Grab a glass of wine with this one because your going to need it. If you want a little feminist talk, funny teenage stories, and intimate moments. This book is the way to go! Moran is like a big sister or cool aunt that has wisdom all around. She writes about sex, periods, bad romances, and body image.

2. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

I know this is a but juvenile but for the most part, I have been enjoying this read more than I thought I would. It’s fun, has an interesting plot, and the characters are well developed. I might be a little bias because “Eleanor and Park” is by far my favorite YA novel. Although this one is a bit longer and a slow burner, it is a comforting read full of feels. The main character is a spunky ginger who loves her some fanfic and is discovering the magical world that is freshman college life.

3. Replica by Lauren Oliver

Much different from the others which takes a more science fiction route. The novel is divided into two sections that tell the story of two girls Lyra and Gemma which intertwine. The stories also mirror each other inside a military owned institution created to hold thousands of model humans all replication of each other. It’s an enthralling tale as it unfolds with tons of secrets and mysteries. It’s about identity, humanity, and individuality with top notch heroines that kick a** getting the job done to uncover the truth behind Haven Institution.

What’s on your reading list?

[iamtheghostfox]

It's an odd feeling being single in your mid-twenties, one half is happy being free and developing in self-growth, and the other half longs for something special. I've been single for a while, at times intentionally, but mostly because dating is hard... and PJ's seem more comfortable on Fridays.

When I tell friends or family members my relationship status, I always get a mixture of statements or questions:

"Why not?"

"Oh, are you dating casually?"

"Cool"

It's usually followed by an awkward silence and then a change in subject. Being single is seen as either a positive or a negative. Negative in the sense that some people find it baffling to be alone in the world without a SO (someone special). I can't count the times I've been given weird looks for expressing my love of being single.  As you can probably tell, I am pro-single, I enjoy being alone and meeting new people. I love the growth I've been able to experience whilst single, the knowledge I've gained about myself, and the sense of confidence I have developed. I'm not saying being in a relationship is a negative condensation, one day... maybe... I will find a partner but for now I would like to reflect on what I learned being single. After all, who better to get to know first then ourselves.

INDEPENDENCE: There is comfort in the notation of being and doing stuff alone. About a year ago, I made the somewhat spontaneous decision of moving on my own to a different city. It was an experience of a life time with tons of life lessons, that otherwise I would have never learned had I been in a relationship. In that time, I learned how to live on my own... I'm not going to lie, I cried for 3 months straight of home sickness. However, I grew to enjoy living on my own and realized what a wonderful experience I was living. Now, I know I am able to live alone and maintain a cool independent confidence.

SELF-GROWTH:   I choose to be single because there is always a part of me that feels like I still need some more personal growth. At 26, I often think that if you're not growing within, you're not living and so, I consistently try to grow within myself. Sometimes you need moments of solidarity in order to discover new aspects about yourself.

TRUST: I discovered early on that you don't need a romantic relationship in order to learn how to trust. Platonic relationships are equally as important when it comes to giving away your trust. It can hurt just as bad when that privilege is taken for granted. As someone who gives away their trust without a second thought, it was hard to learn that not everyone is looking out for your best interest. I appreciate this lesson more knowing that, the next time I want a romantic partnership, I know to be cautious but allow trust to form without retaliation.

SELF-LOVE: We've all been there, right? Being sixteen and thinking the entire world revolved around finding Mr./Mrs. RIGHT. Now that I'm much older, I recoil and cringe at younger me's diary entries about crushes, how so and so was prefect, and how much I LOVED them. "Girl, you had no idea what love was at sixteen so sit down", I shout. For me, I believe knowing true love is self-love. Love is being able to accept flaws but also having the courage to change what can be fixed. Love begins within you.

COMMUNICATION: Not all your communication skills come from romantic relationships. Family and friend relationships all require us to learn some levels of communicating. I happen to develop mine through not only those special friendships but as well as customer service. When you own any business your communication skimatter more than anything, in fact , your business depends on that skill set. All the relationship advice I have ever heard, insist that communication is key to any relationship. I think that you should have a good idea of that means before you enter into something that could be potentially long-term.

Romantic relationships can be beautiful and everlasting. You can discover all sorts of angles about yourself and others through these special relations, however, the same can be said about wanting to be alone. It doesn't mean your anti-social or an oddball, it just means you're not ready to (insert reason here). Being alone just like romantic relationships has its ups and downs, it has its challenges, and its pros and cons. It's great when you are find yourself ready to mingle but remember single is not a status of negativity. Be strong and proud of choosing to be on your own!

[iamtheghostfox]

Sometimes your loved ones need space in order to heal, just as you did at one point. Do not doubt they love you any less simply because they need to look after themselves. You are loved, and they are aware you love them.

[iamtheghostfox]

Mantra: I reject all negative thoughts and I fill my mind with positive thinking.