I MOVED | Weekly Vlog #1

Hello loves,

Here is my first ever weekly vlog! Now I know my vlogging camera isn't the best quality - but it's better than NOT weekly vlogging (at least I think so).

So - I moved to Virginia this week - that's a thing! Check out my experience of packing up and moving out of Wisconsin - and arriving at my new apartment in Virginia!

What did you think? Would you like more vlogs like these? Let me know!

With love,

Traci J

Find Your Perfect Fit | Victoria's Secret Bra Review

Hello loves,

Today I am talking about three bras from Victoria's Secret that I got with Shopathome.com, recently.  As someone who doesn't really enjoy trying bras on in store or getting a bra fitting (I don't know why - I just don't like it) I am always hesitant before purchasing a bra. There needs to be more bra reviews out there.  There also needs to be more fit guides like the Victoria's Secret Find Your Perfect Fit - Angel Bra Guide. This online questionnaire helps analyze the way your current bras fit and determine whether you are wearing the right size, what adjustments you can make to help your bras fit better, and ultimately guide you to the bras that will work for you - all without having to go into the store. I.LIKE.THAT.

Click here to try it yourself.

Plus - if you purchase a Body By Victoria Bra in the recommended size - you get awesome perks like free shipping AND free returns. (7/23-7/29)

The Angel Bra Guide told me that I was a 32 A... shocker. But it was nice to know that I'm wearing the right size.  It then pointed me to several bras that would work for me.  The first one is the Body by Victoria Perfect Shape Bra.

Details

• Push-up lift
• Full coverage
• Underwire
• Adjustable straps - can snap into a crossback
• Back closure
• Nylon/Spandex fabric

Pros

• Comfort of a t-shirt bra with the look of a push up
• New and improved lace that is both girly and lays flat under your clothes
• Secure straps and closure that doesn't dig into the skin or slip around
• 4 closure settings for a customizable fit

Cons

• It isn't a comfortable nap bra - I fell asleep one Saturday afternoon and I just wasn't having it - however I'm not sure any bra is a comfortable nap bra

The second bra is the Dream Angel Demi Bra in Ruby Wine Dot Lace.

Details

• Subtle lift
• Underwire
• Adjustable straps - can snap into a crossback
• Back closure
• Stretchy lace sides
• Nylon/Spandex fabric

Pros

• Cute feminine lace design - and great colors
• 4 closure settings for a customizable fit

Cons

• I haven't napped in this one - so I can't confirm nor deny it's status as a nap bra

Now - for my favorite bra out of the three, the NEW Lounge Bralette in Black Lace. This picture is from the VS website because I didn't snap a picture before packing it up for my move to Virginia (now it's in a box that is impossible to get at).

Details

• Unlined/Wireless Cups
• Fully adjustable Straps 
• Pullover Style
• Allover lace
• Nylon/Spandex

Pros

• This one IS a nap bra - I took two very comfortable naps in this thing
• Cute under tops that have an open back or low neckline
• Lace lays completely flat under clothes
• Perfect for a night out or a day lounging at home

Cons

• Extra Small fits well once it's on but is a struggle to pullover - I feel like I'm going to tear the lace every time I put it on - I would purchase a small next time (luckily there is free shipping and free returns... so I can exchange it hassle free)

Here are some great offers to take advantage of! Let me know if you have any questions - happy shopping!

7/23-7/29	Free Shipping + Free Returns on Bra
7/27-8/2 (starts at 7pm on 8.2)	Getaway Bag
7/28-8/2	BBV Sweeps with BBV Purchase
8/3-8/6	Free panty with bra purchase
8/11-8/17	$15 gift card with 2 VSL bra purchase
8/11-8/17	$25 gift card with 3 VSL bra purchase
8/12-8/17	$25 seamless bra and panty bundle
8/15-8/17	FS $50

Do you have a favorite Victoria's Secret bra? Let me know in the comments! Be sure to try out the Find Your Perfect Fit Guide and check out Shop at Home to get cash back - just by shopping online.

With love,

Traci J 

I Like To Move It | Bows for Justine's 100th Post

Hello loves,

This is my 100th post here on Bows For Justine. WOW.

Who knew I had 100th posts worth of stuff to say? Psh. That's a joke - I'm so opinionated it isn't funny.   All jokes aside, I wanted to use this opportunity to introduce some changes that are coming to the BFJ community.

1. New Weekly Post Day
That's right - say goodbye to the Thursday post day. I'm moving my posts to Saturdays.  I feel like all of you are the working or school type - and have more time to catch up on blogs during the weekend. So I'm making it easier for you to be here - Saturdays. For the people.

2. New Regular Video Day
My main YouTube videos are moving from Mondays to Fridays. Again - y'all have jobs and lives and time commitments. Who has free time on a Monday?! Not me. Fridays. For the people.

3. New Weekly Vlogs
Weekly Vlogs are coming for you over on my YouTube channel. Yes, the same channel as my main videos - I'm not feeling ready for my own Vlog channel yet. Weekly vlogs aren't moving - because they are new - but they will be appearing on Sundays.  Again, the weekend. Sundays. For the people.

So that's it! I'm moving things around, changing things up. What do you think?  And hey... thanks for sticking around. It means a lot to have such a fun and supportive little corner of the internet.

With love (and here's to 100 more),

Traci J

Nightly Skincare Routine | Video

Hello loves,

This week's video is a collab with Vicky's.  We put together a day of skincare routines. Vicky will be showing your her daytime routine, and I'm coming in to show you what I do to take care of my skin before bed!

I really hope you enjoy it.

xx,

Traci J

Mini Drugstore Haul

Hello loves,

Today I am bringing you a mini drugstore hall. I've had a little bit of writer's block (bloggers block?) this week - and didn't want to come in with heavy hitting post like last week - so I figured this mini haul would be perfect!

I went to pick up my Simple Make Up Wipes - and they were SOLD OUT. I was so mad. I've gone two cycles without them now - and it's driving me crazy. So I looked around the aisle and picked up these wipes from Garnier. Hoping they do the trick.  I also needed some contact solution - and Bio True is my forever favorite.

I also had a coupon for John Frieda. I decided to pick up more of the Color Correcting Treatment and then a Deep Conditioning treatment. I figured these would keep my ombre looking radiant for the rest of summer. Jergens just came out with a Wet Skin in Shower Moisturizer.  I couldn't resist picking it up to test it out!

My skin has been particularly oily lately - so I wanted to pick up some Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - tried and true by many bloggers - and then I replaced my worn out powder brush with the Real Techniques Powder Brush.

I hope you enjoyed my mini haul - let me know what products you've picked up recently! I'll see you next week with another post!

xx,

Traci J

50 Random Facts About Me | Video

I'm back with another Monday video!

Just look at that gorgeous thumbnail ;) just kidding! I figured I'd let this video show who I really am - since it is the 50 Random Facts About Me - tag after all. 

Head on over to my YouTube Channel and subscribe. Each video is getting a little better - and your support means the world to me.

With love,

Traci J 

5 Guys You Date In Your Mid-Twenties

Dating in my mid-twenties has not at all been what I thought it would be. To be completely honest, I wouldn't even call it "dating."

To be even more honest, I didn't think I would be dating in my mid-twenties.

I had a life plan. I knew that I would be engaged at 24, married at 25, with two kids at 27. You know what? Life plans suck. Life is fluid. 

You shouldn't plan it. You should have goals, dreams, ambitions - but not a plan.  Hasn't anyone told you, "things never go as planned." No? Me neither. That's why I'm writing this.

Dating in your late teens/ early twenties is about finding someone you like to be around.  Finding that person that you can share your trials and tribulations with. For me, it was finding that guy that would watch endless episodes of Doctor Who, play Super Mario Brothers, and drink wine with me on a Friday night. It really was about learning how to be in a relationship - how to feel comfortable, safe, and let my guard down.

But for me, and for a lot of you that are reading this (I'm assuming), that Doctor Who loving, video game playing, wine drinking relationship ended. For one reason or another - that relationship wasn't meant to be. And now, here you are - no longer in college - no longer a 21 year old - but 24, 25, 26... A mid-twenties girl.

As mid-twenties girls  women, we are career-focused, driven, and independent.  The men boys that scorned us propelled us into this # G I R L B O S S mentality that has lead us to travel, learn, and discover ourselves in ways that we never imagined. But you know what they didn't do (besides put a ring on it)? They didn't point us in the direction of who or how to love in our mid-twenties.

The 5 most common types of guys I've found include:

1. The Ghost
That on again off again guy who you think you might be in a relationship with...but you're never really sure.  You text for three weeks straight... and then he drops off the face of the Earth. And of course you don't text him for fear of coming off clingy. So you wait... And he eventually shows up and you think this time will be different... But nope. Still Casper.

2. The Already Spoken For
That's right. We all at some point find the man we think is our soulmate. He likes the same type of music as you, he flirts with you at work, he is genuinely interested in you... And then he invites you out...for drinks...with him and his girlfriend. "You can bring your boyfriend! Oh, you don't have one. That's cool."

3. The Party Boy
He just wants to go out and have a good time. Never anything serious. Still drinks too much on the weekends. He's fun, but never going to live up to the picture you have in your head.

4. The Overly Attached
Opposite of the Party Boy and the Ghost, the Overly Attached just won't take a hint. You go out for one or two nice dates - and suddenly... It's like you're engaged to be married. He wants to know who you're with, what you're doing, and why you opened his snap 5 minutes ago but still haven't snapped him back. RUN. RUN FAR AND FAST.

5. That One Ex
I don't even know if I have to explain this one. He's just somehow...always...there.

So what do we as smart, strong, millennial, #GIRLBOSS women do? Hell if I know. As far as I can tell, we just have to keep fumbling along and holding our men to high standards (while simultaneously kicking all the boys to the curb) and know that there is always a T.Swift song we can relate to.

What are your tips for dating in your mid-twenties? Does this list match your experience? Leave a comment below.

With love,

Traci J

*photos courtesy of deathtothestockphoto.com

June Favorites | Video

Hello loves,

Here I am with a Monday video! June Favorites! Omigod. Can you believe that June is over and it is already JULY 96h?! I'm dying. Gah. Let me know what you think in the comments. xx

With love,

Traci J 

My Aha Moment | Life Lately

Hello loves,

I just wanted to throw together a quick Life Lately post to share with you a cool thing I did!  A few days ago I was invited to head up to Madison, WI because I was invited to film my very own Aha Moment with Mutual of Omaha.

Now, I'm not going to reveal what my Aha Moment was or what I truly went up there to talk about that - beacuse... spoilers. But it was a gorgeous day, I talked to some really nice people... and I encourage you to check out the other Aha Moments over at their website!

I'll keep all of you posted on when my video goes live!

With love,

Traci J

The Acne Chronicles | Pt.1

Hello loves,

Welcome to Pt. 1 of my new series - The Acne Chronicles. After being inspired by The Sunday Girl's adult acne series - I decided to step out of my comfort zone and do my own.

My Skin Then
I've always struggled with acne. But I never thought much of it.  In high school I had what I thought was a "normal" amount of acne - and played it off as something that happens during your teen years. My most problematic areas were my chin and my forehead. I would get angry read blemishes on my chin - and tons of little bumps on my forehead (and the occasional blemish under my very cool 2000's side bangs).  For a brief period of time I fell for the Proactiv commercials - but it never worked for me.  I'm not entirely sure if this is because my skin just didn't respond well - or I wasn't consistent enough. Either way - there was no improvement.

When I reached my sophomore year of college - I had finally had enough.  I realized that at 19 I felt like my skin should be clearing up - and it just wasn't.  I sought out a dermatologist and was put on some antibiotics and the topical - Epiduo. It kind of worked. But again, I didn't follow through - and eventually couldn't even be bothered to make appointments with my dermatologist... I thought once again - that since I was getting older - it would take care of itself.


My Skin Now
Here we are - 2015 and I'm 24 years old - and I thought my skin was improving - I still had the occasional blemish - and the bumps on my forehead (not to mention spots on my back and around my collar bone) but it just seemed better.  I learned in March that my skin was not better, it was just different.  I started noticing spots of stubbron cystic acne around my jawline (accompanied by the blemishes on my chin and bumps on my forehead) that would just not go away.  My skin wouldn't respond to salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, cleansers, masks, spot treatments - nothing truly cleared up my skin.

Then - one day - I found a lump in the front of my neck under the skin. I was on the road for work - and totally freaked out.  When you find a lump somewhere on your body that isn't supposed to be there - your mind automatically goes to the worst.  I immediately assumed something was life threatening.  So I went to the urgent care in Indiana and the doctor said he thought it was just a sebaceous cyst - that may need to be surgically removed when I returned home. Great. Surgery on my neck - that sounds pleasant.  So I made an appointment for June with a new dermatologist near my home.

By the time I visited with the dermatologist - the cyst had dissipated - and several other popped up. She told me that I have moderate to severe acne that can be cleared up with medication - it is just a matter of what kind and how much. Oh - and no surgery necessary.



My Plan 
My dermatologist put me on antibiotics (doxycycline hyclate) for a month to jumpstart the process and fight off bacteria.  After the month is up - I won't be going back on the antibiotics to combat resilience. After I cleanse in the morning, I use clindamycin lotion to target inflamed pores, and at night (after cleansing) I alternate between using a tretinoin cream - to target plugged pores - and the clindamycin lotion.  Once the first month is up - at night I'll be using the tretinoin cream followed immediately by the clindamycin.

To fight the acne on my body, I am cleaning 2-3 times a week with benzoyl peroxide, and then also with a sulfur soap (which I have yet to order).

If she does not see the progress that she thinks I should make when I come back from grad school in November, we may look into a possible hormone imbalance - and combating the acne with an oral contraceptive as well - but we'll save that for pt.2 or pt.3.

Have any of you struggled with acne as an adult? What worked and didn't work for you? I would really love to know!

With love,

Traci J