3 Things I Learned When I Moved To a New City

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As most of you don't know (sine I haven't blogged in a year and a half) I moved to Cincinnati this past May.  Yes, I packed up all of my things and moved to a place I had only ever visited once before to start my full-time career after graduate school.  I've moved around before, for a job and for school, but never like this.  This was the first time that I truly started over, knowing no one, not having any real connection to a friend group, and planning to stay there for a considerable amount of time.

So - now that I've been settled in my new city for nearly 8 months - I think it's time to share the 3 things I learned moving to a new city... alone.

1.  Everyone is going to be concerned with how you're "adjusting"
This took some adjusting getting used to.  I know that every "how are you liking Cincinnati?" "how are you adjusting here?" and "are you making friends?" question that I got from my new coworkers, old coworkers, friends from home, family members, and random Instagram friend I haven't seen in person in 7 years meant well... or at least I like to think that.  However, this was one of the most overwhelming parts of finding myself in a completely new city with no social network.  The truth is, I was adjusting great.  I had moved around so much in the past 3 years that another transition felt comfortable...but by the 10th time I got asked this question, I was starting to wonder if I shouldn't be okay, or comfortable.  Which I know now is completely silly - but gosh, this wore me down.

2. Making friends takes a lot of effort
Gone are the days of kindergarten when you could just walk up to a stranger and decide that you're friends now.  Granted, those were also the days when people ate glue... so I'm pretty thankful those days are gone... but you get my point.  In my last transition making friends was so ridiculously easy because I was thrown into a cohort of other graduate students and coworkers that lived within minutes of each other - but this time - I had to navigate that process all. on. my. own.  I'll admit, especially as an ambivert, I don't often make plans or reach out to others outside of the work day - I'm pretty damn independent.  However, that means that you don't make a lot of meaningful connections...aka friends.  I've made a few, but more like work friends, not a lot of hangout-after-work-and-on-the-weekends-friends.  I'm working on it. But it's so...so...hard.

3. You will find the things that make it feel like home
Despite everyone asking you if you're adjusting and realizing you were better at making friends 20 years ago than you are after 2 college degrees later...you will find those things about your new home that make it feel like it really is yours.  This did not take long for me.  I quickly discovered that the quaint little farmers market is a short walk from my apartment, and made visiting that a part of my weekly routine.  I sought out the best restaurants (within my budget), the free festivals, and the quiet parks where I could sit down and read a good book.  Making time for these things made me start to feel a deep connection to Cincinnati and my new neighborhood.

Are any of you planning on moving to a new place?  What are you most worried about?

If you've moved somewhere new too - what did you learn?  I'd love to know - I'll be replying to your comments.

xx
Traci J

Moving to Texas & A Trip To The Farmers Market | Life Lately

Hello loves,

How are you? How's it going? How've you been?

I've been great, thanks for asking.

So I did a thing... and I moved to Texas for the summer. Are we really surprised that I did something drastic that involved traveling and work (I'm here for a job, fyi)? No. No, we are not.

So yeah. I moved to a city just south of Oklahoma for the next few months - and am super excited for a great and adventurous summer.

Since this was my first weekend in a new place, I felt the need to go exploring.  One of my roommates (I have 2) and I ventured out to the farmers market, and found some great things and talked to some great people!

We found a ton of great produce at the market. I grabbed some blackberries, strawberries, and herbs to make some infused water (and maybe some cocktails).

The worst thing about the market was that we could only buy so much that we would be able to eat before it goes bad! Lucky for us, the market happens every week!

Not only was there a great selection of produce, but there was also meat, cheese, and even wine!

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We also met this great woman who was selling homemade soap, and even solid shampoo like they sell at LUSH! Her products smelled super good. Here is a link to her etsy shop!

I hope you enjoyed this little update on my Life Lately.  Let me know in the comments what you're up to this summer or what your favorite items are to buy at the Farmers Market.

With love,

Traci J xx

Bows for Justine's Top Post of 2015

Hello loves,

2015 has been quite the year! Gosh, I don't even know where to begin... Let's take a look at some of the best moments of 2K15.

Here are the top 5 posts from this year:

5. Summer Hair Refresh

The one where I give my hair a makeover.

4. Peace, Love, and Hippie Tom

The one wherer I visit an antique farm.

3. Find Your Perfect Fit

The one wherer I talk about bras.

2. 5 Guys you Date in your Mid Twenties

The one where I tell it like it is.

1. Coffee My Way

The one where I talk about my one, true love.

There you have it - BFJ in 2015 in a nutshell.

Have a happy new year everyone.

xx,

Traci J

Planning my NYE Outfit

Hello loves,

I'm currently planning what to wear for NYE tomorrow - and thought I'd show you what I'm thinking! 

Romper... Bethany Mota

Tights... H&M

Bralette (Similar)... Aerie

Shoes... Steve Madden

What are you wearing for NYE? Let me know in the comments.

XOXO,

Traci J 

Holiday Apartment Tour | Blogmas Day 20

Hello loves,

Today I'm bringing you another video!  This time it's a look at all of the Christmassy bits and bobs around my apartment.  I hope you enjoy it.

With love,

Traci J

What's in my Advent Calendar? #2 | Blogmas Day 19

Well friends,

It's been about 2 weeks since I last updated you on what bits I've gotten in my advent calendar - so let's change that! I will say that I have NOT been disappointed.

Cucumber Thyme Treatment Oil...Wen*

Ylang-Ylang Body Wash... Molton Brown

Amazing Grace Shower Gel... Philosophy

Moroccan Oil... Josie Maran

*I am currently not using the Wen product due to the recent lawsuit that's surfaced

Face Finishing Moisturizer... Perricone MD

ExfoliKate... Kate Sommerville

Smoothing Marine Cream... Clark's Botanicals

Tightening Neck Cream... StriVectin

Embellish with Attitude... Calista Tools

Beauty Blender (sorry I didn't clean it)

Lash Food Primer... JB Cosmetics

Nail Polish in Monumental... Formula X

Do you have any of the products that I've gotten in my advent calendar? Are you interested in a review?  Let me know in the comments!

Happy blogmas,

Traci J 

Blogging is like going to the Gym | Blogmas Day 17

Hey friends,

So I failed again. I'm sat here drinking wine and just thinking about the past week. Ugh.  I have not been able to keep up with my blogmas - but I'm trying. I've found that blogging is quite like going to the gym. You make time for it as long as you are consistent - but if you miss one time - it's easy to miss other times.

That's where I'm at with this.

What are your tricks to stick to your blogging schedule?

xoxo,

Traci J

Cozy Christmas Gift Guide | Blogmas Day 10

Hello loves,

I know I missed Day 9 (YIKES) but I'm trying! 

Wild Fig & Cassis Candle...Jo Malone

Snow Angel Bath Melt...Lush

Butterbear Bath Bomb...Lush

Knee Socks...Bethany Mota for Aeropostale

Coffee Mug...Starbucks

One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is to have a warm and cozy night in. Pamper your friends and family with this warm wild fig and cassis candle from Jo Malone, Snow Angel Bath Melt and Butterbear Bath Bomb from Lush, warm holiday knee socks by Bethany Mota, or this super cute coffee mug from Starbucks! These gifts are sure to warm the heart of even the hard-to-please friend this winter.

What are your go to cozy gifts? Let me know in the comments!

With love,

Traci J

*post contains affiliate links

S'mores Hot Chocolate | Blogmas Day 8

Hello loves,

Tonight I made this delicious s'mores hot chocolate that has been my favorite since Ingrid Nilsen shared the recipe in her DIY December in 2013.

Watch her video here:

What's your favorite way to drink hot chocolate?

XOXO,

Traci J

A Busy Day + My Favorite Vlogmas| Blogmas Day 7

Hello loves,

Today was a busy day, and the post I had planned didn't work out. Today was one of those days where I just didn't feel very festive because of everything I truly need to get done. Do you ever have those days during the Christmas season? Coming at you with more content tomorrow - but for now here is a link to my favorite Vlogmas vlogger, Zoella.

Who are your favorite Youtubers that are participating in Vlogmas?

XOXO,

Traci J

Nerdy Christmas Gift Guide | Blogmas Day 6

Hello loves,

Happy day 6 of Blogmas (and St. Nick's day if that's something you celebrate)! 

Today I'm giving you all another gift guide - but this time for the slightly more nerdy person in your life (this is all me - for sure).  

Doctor Who Pint Glass...Hot Topic

Hanson Ornament...hanson.net

Portable Sega Genesis...Urban Outfitters

Star Wars Beanie...Hot Topic

Ho Ho Ho Sweater...Bethany Mota for Aeropostale

Hope you found something for the special nerd in your life - or maybe for yourself.

XOXO,

Traci J

Edgy Christmas Gift Guide | Blogmas Day 5

Hello loves and happy Saturday!

If there's one thing you know about it me - it's probably that I like to pretend to be edgy... but I'm really about as edgy as a circle... Merp. Geometry jokes... that's how edgy I am.

However - I wanted to make a gift guide for that edgy (or not so edgy) person in your life.

"Oops... Did I buy wine again instead of milk?" Wine Glass...Francesca's

Bah Humbug Jumper...BooHoo

Festive AF Jumper...BooHoo

Studded Travel Mug...Starbucks

Statement Necklace...Forever21

Will you be purchasing any of these for someone this Christmas (or maybe yourself)? Let me know!

XOXO,

Traci J

What's in my Advent Calendar? #1 | Blogmas Day 4

Hello loves,

Every Friday during Blogmas - I am going to show you what I got that week in my QVC 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar.

Day 1...Lash Domination Mascara by Bare Minerals

Day 2...Black Velvet Eyeliner Pencil by Mally

Day 3...Undereye Concealer by IT Cosmetics

Day 4...Hello Lashes Mascara by IT Cosmetics

Stay tuned tomorrow and I will update this post with links and my thoughts - for now I just needed to make sure it went up!

XOXO,

Traci J

Top Ten Christmas Songs of 2015 | Blogmas Day 3

Hello loves,

I am so excited to share with you my top ten Christmas songs for 2015!  Music is a super big part of my life and I love getting to share that with you. Can you believe this is my third year doing my top ten Christmas songs?! Wow - I'll link to those at the end.

Here are this year's top picks - some may be repeated from previous years - there's some Christmas songs that I can't get enough of.

1. Winter Wonderland/Don't Worry Be Happy...Pentatonix & Tori Kelly

2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...Sam Smith 

3. Oh Santa!...Mariah Carey

4. Thankful...Josh Groban

5. This Christmas...Christina Aguilera 

6. The Nutcracker Suite (Baz Kuts Breaks Remix)...Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

7. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town...The Jackson 5

8.Auld Lang Syne - The New Year's Anthem...Mariah Carey

9. Hark! The Harold Angels Sing...Carrie Underwood

10. Everybody Knows the Claus...Hanson

Follow this playlist and more on Spotify!

2014 Top Christmas Songs | 2013 Top Christmas Songs

What are your favorite Christmas songs? Let me know in the comments.

XOXO,

Traci J 

Christmassy Outfit | Blogmas Day 2

Hello loves,

For the second day of Blogmas - I'm bringing you a cute Christmassy outfit!

I visited home (Wisconsin) for Thanksgiving and was greeted with snow. I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures in this cozy outfit. I've been loving this gray cardigan from Target - it's perfect for snuggling in on a cold day.

Cardigan...Target (similar)

Top...TJMAXX

Leggings...Boohoo

Boots...Target

Socks... Bethany Mota for Aeropostale

What are your winter wardrobe essentials - let me know in the comments - and check out yesterday's post here!

With love,

Traci J 

Black Friday Haul 2K15 + Announcement | Blogmas Day 1

Hello loves,

Long time no blog! Goodness. I swore I would never take a break from blogging again after last time - but alas, grad school, a new job, and moving across the country have gotten the best of me.

Ugh. But here I am - back in action - and ready to go through my favorite time of year with you - the holidays!

I went Black Friday shopping with my mom - like I do every year - and figured it would be a great way to kick off the holiday season with a Black Friday Haul!

**Note** my red lipstick smeared half way through the video - I didn't notice. And the camera isn't in focus - can you tell I haven't made a video in a while... Yikes!

Now on to the announcement. To celebrate my return back to the blogging world - I will be participating in Blogmas - blogging everyday in December until Christmas! Woohoo.

Leave comments below with what you'd like to see for the next 25 days.

Glad to be back - thanks for sticking with me.

With love,

Traci J 

5 Quotes To Keep You Going

Hey loves,

Today I just wanted to share with you 5 of my favorite quotes that I always come back to when I need some perspective, motivation, or inspiration.

Enjoy - I'll be back soon with some fashion/beauty posts. XX

5."I want to be able to talk about changing the world through your actions and being a generation that is aware and a force to be reckoned with - and at the same time be dancing." - Taylor Hanson

4."To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

3. "The world only exists in your eyes. You can make it as big or as small as you want. " F. Scott Fitzgerald

2. “…because nerds like us are allowed to be unironically enthusiastic about stuff… Nerds are allowed to love stuff, like jump-up-and-down-in-the-chair-can’t-control-yourself love it. Hank, when people call people nerds, mostly what they’re saying is ‘you like stuff.’ Which is just not a good insult at all. Like, ‘you are too enthusiastic about the miracle of human consciousness’.” - John Green

1. "Don't lose yourself in your fear." - Hanson

Do you have a favorite quote? Leave it in a comment below!

With love,

Traci J

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