200 Posts..... Thank You!

    Today I want to take the time to thank those of you who have stuck by my side for the past year. Today is the day I celebrate 200 posts, and I can't believe it, I really can't believe I've made it this far.
     This time last year I wasn't really taking blogging seriously. I didn't really start getting serious till mid-September, when all of a sudden I became inspired to work harder. Over the past four months I've been really happy where my blog is going, and I hope to keep growing.
 

    Moving forward, I want to keep growing my blog. I want to keep putting out quality content, and I want to grow my number of readers, and just keep moving forward and expanding.
    So I just want to say one last time THANK YOU! Thank you for your positive comments, thank you for sticking by my blog when I was lazy and put out crappy content, and thank you for just reading this post.
                                                                  Stay Creative,
                                                                                   Lori Ann
Update: In case you were wondering this used to be my 200th post, but I deleted some of my older posts so it's no longer officially my 200th post.

Wanting to Make a Change

     I've recently been thinking a lot about my blog, and I mean A LOT. I've mentioned before about planning on spicing things up and doing a major revamp after the first of the year, or around the end of January.
     If you've been reading my blog for a while, then in you saw my major blog design update in October. The reason I've been making all of these changes is because I've been thinking about my long-term goals for my blog. I hope one day to be able to make money off of it, once I turn 18, and I'm eligible for Google Ad-Sense.
    But till then I just want to focus on improving not only my blog, but my writing skills.

   The reason for this blog post is because in the past few weeks I've been at war with myself over a big decision, and so I wanted to get your opinion on it.

    I've been thinking of changing the name of my blog, and maybe the URL too. I'm not too concerned about the URL, but my blog name has been bugging me here recently and I really wanna change it.
    When I made this blog I was 14 or 15, and to be honest, at the time I didn't think I would actually keep this blog running this long. But it's grown into my baby, and I don't know what I would do without it now, I love blogging, and I couldn't imagine going back to my life before I started blogging.
   
    It may just be me because I'm a perfectionist, and I judge myself way too harshly, but to me my blog name seems a bit juvenile. What do you think? I really need your opinion because I have no idea what to do.
                                                                 Stay Creative,
                                                                                 Lori Ann

My Top 5 Apps

  I recently decided that I wanted to start tryinh yo post more often, so I decided this week I would do another post. I was originally planning on posting this on Tuesday, but I've been having problems with my internet this week, so I had to delay it.
     After I finally got my internet working I decided today's post would be a list of my top 5Apps that I use....
1.) iBooks
- I've had my iPhone since February and I only recently discovered my iBooks app, and I've become obsessed. I love to read, and so I've probably downloaded about 30 free books, and I don't know whereto start. But on the bright side it gives me lots of books I can review.

2.) Pinterest
- I joined Pinterest last September and since then I've had my moments with it. Sometimes I'm completely obsessed, and other times I just don't even care for it. But for probably the last week, I've been going crazy pinning.

3.) Tetris
 -Okay who doesn't love Tetris? We all played it as kids, and now we can play it on our phones, computers, tablets, etc.

4.) Web MD Allergy
- I just absolutely love Web MD, it makes life so much easier. Recently they launched another app for allergies, and I love it. Basically it consists of telling you pollen levels, it gives you tips for treating your allergies, and it also has a allergy tracker so you can track your triggers.

5.) Twitter
- Twitter is definitely the app I use the most, I love being able to keep up with friends, entertainment, and the news.

  So that's all for today, I hope you liked my little post, I'll have my usual post up tomorrow. 

Stay Creative my Lovelies, I'll post again very soon.

                                         XOXO,
                                              Lori Ann
      Also contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

My Online High School Experience

      Today's post is about something I've never really talked about on here, but I decided today was the day to go for it and bring the subject up.  My big secret is that I don't go to public school, private school, or even a normal tradition high school, I attend  high school online, and I love every minute of it.

     In all my tuition was $777.00, that's for my entire four years of high school, it includes all of my books, free tutoring, and when i finish my program I will get a class ring. I go to high school through Ashworth College, my school is called James Madison High School. I started JMHS in August 2011, and because it was the beginning of the school year they has a discount for tuition.     

     Before I get any further I would like to point out that you can enroll in JMHS at any time of the year, I just included when I enrolled so you would know when to look out for the discount they have every year, at the start of a traditional school year.
       I enrolled in the College Prep program, and it is 24 courses divided into two parts, I'm hoping to graduate next year. If I do graduate next year then I will have graduated a year before my class in my hometown.
     The great thing about Ashworth College and JMHS is that they are flexible with tuition, I couldn't pay in full, so I made $40.00 a month payments and it was paid off in January.
     Some may question the quality of my education, but I don't mind answering their questions because I know how much my life has improved since I enrolled in this program. Ashworth College and JMHS are both Nationally and Regionally Accredited.
     If I hadn't decided to enroll in JMHS I would be attending one of the lowest scoring high schools in Kentucky, I will give them credit for raising their testing scores over the past few years, but by no means would I have gotten a quality education.  At the high school I was supposed to attend you can't take AP classes until your Junior year.
      By choosing JMHS I've taken my education into my own hands, it's all me, I'm the teacher, I go at my own pace, and I'm proud of that. I wouldn't recommend JMHS to everybody though because you do everything yourself, if you need to contact a teacher you can, but so far I haven't had to. I read through my lessons, study my notes, take quizzes, write essays, and take exams. Quizzes are computer graded but essays and some exams are teacher graded.
    I love that everything is online, I don't have to wait for textbooks to arrive, and I can start a new class as soon as I finish the one I was working on.  It really truly is amazing what you can do through this school. I've grown so much, and learned so much from this experience.
      I know I'm missing out on normal high school experiences, but I don't care. I'm just happy that when I graduate I can attend an actual ceremony they hold every year and I can walk across a stage to accept my diploma, that's all I want, and it will happen.
           If someone were to ask me if I would recommend Ashworth College or JMHS I would say yes immediately, because I know that it can change lives. It may not be right for everyone, you have to be focused and determined because there are no deadlines, and you don't have to finish a course by a certain date you could take 6 weeks, 6 months, or even a year to finish the class.

     Overall I love this school and I would never change my decision, if you want more info or have questions, either leave a comment below, or email me, I'd be happy to answer.
                    So that's all for today, I'll have my usual post up Friday.
                                               Stay Creative,
                                                                  Lori Ann
      

I'm 16 but I act 23 TAG

       So I found this TAG the other day, I thought it was interesting. I thought I would give it a go and here's the end result....

[] You know how to make a pot of coffee

[x] You keep track of dates using a calendar

[x] You own a credit/debit card

[] You know how to change the oil in a car

[x] You've done your own laundry

[x] You can cook for yourself

[x] You think politics is interesting

TOTAL SO FAR: 5

[] You show up for school late a lot

[x] You always carry a pen/pencil in your bag/purse/pocket

[x] You've never gotten a detention

[] You have forgotten your own birthday

[x] You like to take walks by yourself

[x] You know what credibility means, without looking it up

[x] You drink caffeine at least once a week

TOTAL SO FAR: 9

[x] You know how to do the dishes

[x] You can count to 10 in another language 

[x] When you say you're going to do something you do it

[x] You can mow the lawn

[x] You study even when you don't have to

[x] You have hand washed a car before

TOTAL SO FAR: 15

[x] You can spell experience, without looking it up

[] The people at Starbucks know you by name 

[] Your favorite kind of food is take out

[x] You can go to the store without getting something you don't need

[] You understand political jokes the first time they are said

[x] You can type pretty quickly

TOTAL SO FAR: 18

[x] Your only friends are from your place of employment (school counts).

[] You have been to a Tupperware party

[x] You have realized that practically no one will take you seriously unless you are over the age of 25 and have a job.

[x] You have more bills than you can pay.

[] You have been to the beach

[x] You use the internet every day

[] You have traveled overseas for more than 5 times.

[] You make your bed in the morning

[x] You realized people of the opposite sex might just make better friends

TOTAL: 23

Okay so there's mine, now I TAG all of you, so get to moving, and when you post you'res leave a comment below with the link. I look forward to seeing how old you act. So that's all for today, I'll have my usual post up Friday.  Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.

                                                                                                 XOXO,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Also contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:  @LoriAnnBoyd

17 Random Questions Tag

   Today I was reading Bluebells & Owls and decided to do her Tag of 17 Random Questions. She always tags everyone so I will do the same to you. I do believe this is my first tag so let's get started.

1.) How did you get your Blogger username?
- I'm not really sure, it kinda just came to me. I had a name I wanted to call my blog but it was already taken, so I spent some time thinking and Lori's Creative Expressions just popped into my head so I went with it.

2.) If you could change your name to anything, what would it be and why?
- If I could change my name it would Stephanie Nicole. I would choose this name because it's what my mom wanted to call me, but my dad named me while she was in recovery from a c-section.  But I don't think I ever would change my name because I'm just so used to Lori, it's simple.

3.) If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice, what would it be and why?
- I guess I would tell myself to not be so afraid of screwing up and to just be myself. I spent a lot of my younger years trying to fit in with other people, and it just wasn't me. Because of that I lost myself and I'm just now starting to really discover who I am.

4.) How old were you when you first learned to blow a bubblegum bubble?
- I'm not really sure I guess I'll go with age 6.

5.) What did you want to be when you were little?
- I always wanted to be a singer.

6.) What do you order at Starbucks?
- I don't know,  I've never been to Starbucks.

7.) What's the hardest you ever laughed?
- I guess that would be the time I laughed so hard I squirted chocolate milk out of my nose, I've also done that with Dr. Pepper before. My family loves to make jokes or do something stupid when I take a drink and it really hurts.

8.) If you could play any musical instrument, which would it be and why? 
- I've always wanted to learn to play guitar, it's actually on my bucket list of things I want to do before I die. I've also recently got interested in piano/keyboards, I love the sound and would love to learn to play someday. But that will have to wait till I move and have room for one.

9.) What's your favorite thing to do when your upset?
- I put on my headphones and blast music. It usually starts with angry music then I'll listen to depressing music. I also like to read, it helps me relax and de-stress. And of course everyone eats chocolate, it makes everything better.

10.) What's your favorite movie?
- I love Drop Dead Fred, Bubble Boy, and Titanic.

11.) What's one food you cannot live without?
- Chocolate. Pickles. Pizza. Pasta. But mainly chocolate.

12.) What's your favorite dessert?
- Every year before Christmas me and my mom make homemade desserts. Homemade Reese Bars, peanut butter balls. And my uncle introduced me to a new dessert last year, I'll make it sometime and share it with you.

13.) Favorite Pizza Topping?
-Pepperoni.

14.) Would you rather have the superpower to read minds, or the superpower to be invisible?
- I would love to read minds because I would know what everyone was thinking and I would know their deepest darkest secrets.

15.) What did you do for your last birthday?
- My Birthday was in March and I slept the entire day and ate chocolate cake.

16.) If you had one personal "selfish" wish, what would it be and why?
- I would want to be a singer in a band so I could travel the world, and share my songs with other people.

17.) If you were a Pokemon what would you be called? What would you look like?
- I don't know I don't even remember how to play Pokemon, I was really into it when I was about 8, but since then I've changed a lot and don't remember anything about it.

    That's it for today, I hope you enjoyed this post. Please leave a link to your blog below and be sure to tag everyone you know.


                                                                                Stay Creative,
                                                                                               Lori Ann
     

Weight Loss Monday's: Week 9

    Okay so this week is the week I make a come back with good news. Last week I got a lot of good news, and this week I get to act on that.
     So I've been cleared by the cardiologist to exercise, so I'm easing back into it, I'm going to aim for 20 minutes on my stationary bike 2-3 times a week, just so I don't get sore, or get hurt. And I'm going to get back to my strength training now that my arm is better after my bad experience with a shot.
     My diet is also going to change, no more snacking. No more soda, and I'm cutting even further down on chocolate. I also  found the culprit to my weight gain. Bread.
     I had been eating toast every morning for breakfast and sometimes during the day for a snack. One day while sick with a stomach bug I ate 8 pieces of toast. So I've picked up some whole grain waffles, and I'm going to alternate between the two.
     I'm still hunting for a job, and I know once I get that it will help get the weight off because I'll be moving even more.
       Now For the biggest news of the week, is that my brother is moving out. FINALLY. I'm so freaking excited. This is really going to help a lot. I stay stressed because of him, but I'm not going to get into specifics, but lets just say with him gone my life is going to be so good.
     I noticed a pattern with my eating and exercising. When he's here I eat more because I'm stressed and because he makes cruel comments towards me. I also don't get to use my stationary bike because it's very squeaky and he bitches (sorry) about it.
    So he won't be gone till the first of the month but that's okay I can deal with another week and a half.
   Overall this past week has been full of good news after good news. And I know that by this time next month I'm going to be losing weight, less stressed, and much healthier.
   So for this week unfortunately no weight loss, but that's okay because I'm bloated, but I'm sure you can guess why, all ladies deal with it. But it actually inspires me to get busy because my jeans were already starting to get tight, and now they really are tight.
   Well that's all for this week, my happiness with last week is not only benefiting me, but also you. I will be posting everyday this week except Thursday, so I'm really excited. Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Also contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

Good Deals #2

   So I decided today would be a Good Deals post because the last one I did was in December. I know I love to find good deals as I'm sure every one else does, so let's get started.

Sole Society 'Sabine' Oxford Booties-  $59.95  (Link)

 - These booties are available in sizes 5-11 and are in the color Platinum, and they are also available in tan. They are menswear inspired, and I love them. I'm thinking of buying them, they have my size which is always a nice thing, but I'm not to keen on the idea of buying shoes online.

Tory Burch 'Wray Mix' iPhone 4 & 4S Case- $50.00  (Link)

- I love the design of this case, I've been think about buying it for the past month, but I think I'm going to hold off. Mainly because I just got a iPhone case and so I don't really need one.

Eighty Sixty Belted Shirtdress $49.97   (Link)
- Yes another Shirt dress, but once again th price is way too good to not let you know. This dress retails for $129.00  and is currently on sale for $49.97, it is available in 3 different colors all of which are beautiful.
Sandra Ingrish Split Neck Shirtdress- $48.24   (Link)
- Here lately I've been loving the look of shirt dresses. I think they are just something that is easy to dress up or dress down. I picked this shirt dress to show you because it is currently on sale for $48.24, it is normally $72.00.

Ebay Charity Boutique   (Link)
- Okay so this one isn't really a bargain but I wanted to include it. Demi Lovato has recently opened a charity boutique on Ebay, all of the profits go to Free the People charity. I wanted to include this because I feel like this is an amazing charity, and also because the clothes are so cute.
   Currently available in the store are mainly dresses. One of the dresses is from her Skyscraper music video and the current bid is $5,100.00. She also has dresses from other music videos, clothes from being on tour, and from the X-Factor.
   On the current clothes available right now there is only 3 days left to bid. But on Twitter there was a picture saying there was more to come.

       Okay so that's all for this week,  I know everything is from Nordstrom, but I feel like everything included is a great price and I would be stupid to not tell you about it. So let me know what you think below and tell me if you buy any of the items listed above. Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Also contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

Words: Week 9

 It's Friday, and you know what that means it's time for 5 Words. And luckily for both you and me there's no long introduction this week. Here you go....

Substrate-
1.) A substance or layer that underlies something, or on which some process occurs, in particular.
2.) The surface or material on or from which and organism lives, grows, or obtains its nourishment.
Arete- A sharp narrow ridge found in rugged mountains.
Grandee- 
1.) A Spanish or Portuguese nobleman of high rank.
2.)A person of high rank or  eminence.
Erroneous- Wrong; incorrect.
Blight- A plant disease, esp. one cause by fungi such as mildews, rusts, and smuts.


    Well that's all for this week, Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Also contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

5 Words: Week 8

     You already know what's in store for today, you get your 5 words and and update. I also told you that I would let you know what happened at my doctors appointment.
   Basically all that happened was my doctor put me on a low dose of medication for high blood pressure. I'm going to try to get an appointment with a heart doctor because I don't feel comfortable taking it, due to the fact that I have Orthostatic Hypotension.
   But until then I will take it. The best news she gave me was that what I thought was chest pains, was actually indigestion.
      So now you know what's going on with that, let's get to this week's 5 words....

Ardent- Enthusiastic or passionate.
Sipe- (Of liquid) to drip, ooze, or soak through.
Quell-
    1.)  Put an end to ( a rebellion or other disorder), typically by the use of force.
    2.) Subdue or silence (someone).
Cognizant- Having knowledge or being aware of.
Cogent-  (Of an argument or case) Clear, logical, and convincing.


 Well that's all for this week, Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Also contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

Should I change?

     Today I started thinking about changing over to WordPress, after all it's all anyone in the blogging community can talk about. I started weighing my options, and to be honest I'm not really sure what I want to do.
     But first I want to apologize for not bogging much this week. Like I said in Monday's blog, I'm sick, and not getting any better, I've been sleeping pretty much all day everyday, and I've actually gotten worse.
     Anyway I think the biggest thing keeping me from switching is that I've used Blogger for so long, I know I've only had this blog since September, but I had another blog that I had blogged on for a while, before starting this one. I guess it's like a sentimental thing, you get used to something and don't want to let it go.
      Other than that, I really don't like the way WordPress is set up. I like how with Blogger on the side you have archives, every WordPress blog I've read never has that. So I don't know if it's not available in the setup, or if people just choose not to use them.
      For now I think I'm gonna stay with Blogger, but who knows a few years from now I may decide to make the switch. Let me know what you think I should do. I don't really know much about WordPress and what is has to offer so maybe you could try to persuade me into switching now rather than later.
   But personally I feel like right now I'm at a place where I feel good about my writing. Especially here recently I've seen a huge increase in traffic to my blog, so I don't know what I'm doing but whatever it is must be pretty good. Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

P.S. I had originally planned on posting my two reviews this week but since I've been sick that has screwed up my schedule, and so my two nail polish reviews will be posted next week. I actually might put one up in place of my Weight Loss Monday's since I've been sick I haven't really done anything to write about, especially the last 24 hours have been rough. So I see no point in wasting your time with a pointless post that informs you of nothing.

13 Quotes I like to Live by...

    There are certain quotes I like to live by, I have a lot, but today I decided to share some of my favorites.

• Just think of the pain a smile can hide, you don't even know what is really behind it!
• I think it's very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person. - Oscar Wilde 
• Whether you're a size 4 or 24, if you have a vagina you are a real woman.
• FEARLESS is getting back up and fighting for what you want over and over again... Even though every time you've tried before you've lost. -Taylor Swift
• The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.
• I like my booty and thighs. I have curves. Get over it. -Demi Lovato
• I don't think there's going to be a day when I don't think about food or my body, but I'm living with it, and I wish I could tell young girls to find their safe place and stay with it. -Demi Lovato
• Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live it's whole life believing that it's stupid. -Albert Einstein
• Beware of the half truth.You may have gotten hold of the wrong half. 
• "Look at yourself from a child's perspective. It's about taking things at face value without preconceived notions. It keeps you grounded in reality rather than stuck in your head and thoughts."
• Inhale the good shit, Exhale the bad shit. Shit is shit you choose what to do with it, let it go, or cling to it. ( The first half is from Pinterest, but the second half I added).
• "Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable we have to alter it every six months." - Oscar Wilde
• Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools speak because they have to say something. -Plato

          My favorite quote is the last one on the list which is by Plato. I just discovered it yesterday, but I feel so connected to it, because it speaks the truth about my life. I choose not to talk unless I have something to say, and those around me speak just to hear themselves.
        Anyway  that's all for today. I thought that would be interesting to share. Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Also contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

Weight Loss Monday's: Week 3

     Okay so today's post is actually going to be a big disappointment  for both me and for those of you who actually care.  I don't know if I have gained or lost any weight, but then again I haven't weighed myself in a week.
     Why? Well because I started a new medication for my cholesterol and I didn't want to change anything that way I would know whether or not I was reacting to the medication good or bad.
       So far everything is good, I'm not to happy about being on another medication, I had finally got to where I was down to only taking 4 medicines, but of course I have horrible luck. I had a little scare a few nights ago and thought I was having an allergic reaction but apparently it was a false alarm.
      BUT I have made one major accomplishment, I've managed to almost cut out chocolate. I know it's only been two days, but still I've ate barely any chocolate, which might not seem major but it is. I normally eat chocolate after every meal and in between meals, even during the night if I get up I will pop a piece of Dove chocolate into my mouth.
     I've also tried exercising, nothing major, because like I said I didn't want to chance things. But I did lift some light weights and did some squats. I'm hoping to get my gym membership back next month, I would do it now, but I know the gyms are filled up with people trying to fulfill their New Years Resolutions. So I'll wait till next month, the gym I go to is so small, but you get what you pay for, so I don't mind.

Week's Weight Lost This Week: 0 pounds
Total Weight Loss Since April 2012: 62 pounds

As you can tell this week has been disappointing, but I'm hoping next week will be better.

   So that's all for today I hope this inspire's you to stick to your diet, even though the only inspiring thing about this week is my chocolate situation. Let me know your thoughts in the comment's section. Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

Welcome January, and My Mistake

   So this month I have a lot planned, and I mean a lot. But first I want to say Happy New Year, I know I already said that in my New Year's Resolutions post but I wanted to say it again.
    Of course I have my three weekly series for you to look forward to; Weight Loss Mondays, 5 Words, and Good Deals. Actually Good Deals isn't a weekly series, it's just something I post whenever I find something I want to share with you, but I do try to post weekly.
     I also have some very exciting posts for you, some related to blogging and I know of at least one review. Do you wanna know what it is??? I don't know if I want to tell you or not.
    Hmm, I guess I will. My new review will be a nail polish review, black glitter and actually I think I'll do it in two parts because I use two different products.
    Before I go I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has supported me and has been a loyal reader to my blog, and I also wanted to let you in on a mistake on my part.  had been trying to figure out why I had no followers on my blog, and then I realized I didn't have a follow button on the main page. So that has been corrected and you can now follow me either through your blogger dashboard or by E-mail.
     So that's all for today, let me know your thoughts in the comment's section. Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Also contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

My 13 New Years Resolutions

    Happy New Year!!!! So it's officially 2013, which means it's time to once again make a list of things I want to accomplish and break most of them by the end of the year. Today's post will be short and sweet I won't waste your time with long explanations, you'll end up with an explanation on most of them eventually. So let's get started.....

1. Lose 25-45 pounds.
2. Take the SAT and ACT at least once.
3. Get a job.
4. Open a savings account and save at a minimum half of each paycheck.
5. Finish 25 classes.
6. Start touring and visiting colleges.
7. Narrow down my list of potential colleges.
8. Read more, specifically from my list of books to read before going to college.
9. Start reading my E-mails and not just putting them in folders to read later. (Note: I have 4 E-mail addresses, and your e-mails are never put in folders, they always have been and will be read and replied to ASAP).
10. Blog at least 120 times in 2013.
11. Be more positive and less sarcastic to those around me.
12. Learn how to deal with stress and not allow annoying people to get to me so easily
13. Accomplish the things that mean the most to me this year and stop putting other people before my own needs and wants.

I decided to do 13 resolutions because it's 2013.

I'm sure you noticed that a lot of these are centered around my education and college. I'm actually planning a blog post soon where I talk about that, I'm just trying to decide exactly what I want to say in it. 

So that's all for today, i hope your New Year is off to a lovely start, stay safe, and be sure to bundle up if it's cold where you live. Stay Creative my lovelies, I'll post again very very soon.
                                                                                                 xoxo,
                                                                                                     Lori Ann
      Also contact me:  
                                  E-mail:      loriboyd15@gmail.com
                                   Twitter:   @LoriAnnBoyd

I also wanted to share with you a quote I found today.

       "Make new mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't Freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

     Whatever it is you're scared of doing, do it. Make your mistakes, next year and forever."

-Neil Gailman


P.S. I decided to move my weekly series 5 Words to Friday's, because I feel like it's more convenient because it means Weight Loss series on Monday's, 5 Words on Friday's, and then I can post during the week without being restricted. I hope you don't mind, I just didn't realize how inconvenient it was till I got ready to do this post and realized two of my series ran 2 days in a row.

P.P.S. I just realized this blog post  isn't exactly short and sweet like I thought it would be. Oh well, Happy New Year!!!! I hope you have a great year in 2013.

Hair Care Tips and Advice

     Hello there, so a few weeks ago we talked about Skin Care, and this week we're gonna talk about Hair Care. Hair is the only thing that we Women hate, and despise, but also love, that wont ruin our body's. We love it on our heads and hate it everywhere else.

    The biggest misconception women have about their hair is that they can make it grow longer, faster. You can't, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we just can't. Just like it's in our genes on how tall we're gonna be, it's also in our genes on how fast our hair grows. We can't change it, not yet anyway.

     Our hair isn't living, it's dead. The only part that could even be considered living is what's directly attached to our scalp. But once it leaves the scalp it's dead. 

Today I want to give a little advice on Hair Care, share some of my secrets to getting long hair, tell you what products I use, and also a major don't in my book.

1. Don't Get It Cut every 6-8 Weeks- This is the number one thing I've never understood. But in a way I sort of do, hair stylists know that we want our hair to grow fast, so they say to come every 6-8 weeks to get more business. Get It? They only say that cause they know you'll listen, and it means more money for them.

The reasoning behind this theory of mine. Our hair only grows 1/4 an inch a month, your basically going every month and a half. Most hair stylists nowadays don't now the difference between a trim, and an inch. Therefore, it's going to take you much longer for you to actually grow your hair out. I have hair nearly to my bum, and I use to only go every 6 months, this year I've went every 3-6 months.

2. Use Very Little Heat- Or if you do use heat, use a heat spray. I use either Got 2 B Guardian Angel Flat Iron Balm or the Aussie Heat Spray (Not sure of the name). They're both affordable, and work great, the Got 2 B smells amazing, and leaves your hair really shiny. I have naturally really straight hair, so I usually only use a straightener when i'm having a bad hair day, or want it to be even straighter. I also occasionally use a hair dryer, but not very often, maybe 1-2x a month.

3.Diet/Exercise- While you can't make your hair grow faster, you can make it grow healthier. Diet and exercise are very important in your hairs health. Your diet insures you get the right nutrients for strong healthy hair, and exercise helps your scalp/skin rid itself of toxins.

4.Don't Stress- This ties into number 3, when your stressed you don't eat and exercise right. And when you don't get proper diet nutrients, or exercise, your hormones get out of wack. By controlling your stress, you can help control you hormones.

Some say scalp massages help, whether or not they do I have no idea

5.Time- It takes time, just like it took time for you to grow, it takes your hair time too. It's taken me 3 years, and my hair has just now got close to my bum. You have to give your body a chance to produce the hormones, especially if your stressed or your diet/exercise is poor.

So there you go, my 5 tips and my advice for growing your hair stronger. Let me know what you think, and if there's anything you want me to write about, I'm open to ideas. Well that's all for today, have a productive week and a safe weekend.

 xoxo,

 Lori