Kaitlin Janes – Thread Magazine

6 Reasons Everyone Should Consider Moving Away For College

Posted on November 9, 2016 by Kaitlin Janes

College…One of my favorite topics actually. I am now in my third year at Ohio University and could not love it more. It has turned into my second home and I am incredibly appreciative for all the experiences that I’ve had here. I consider college as a sort of limbo between childhood and the real world…you get the best of both worlds! (Insert Hannah Montana song). HOWEVER, I am very aware that college is not for everyone or more specifically that moving away for college is not for everyone. BUT I do feel that moving away from home has an abundant amount of benefits, which is why I believe everyone should as least consider moving away for college.

Meet new and exciting people

Whether it is from my classes, my jobs, or my sorority, I have met so many people with amazing and crazy stories. I’ve been exposed to a diverse group of students that I could have never met at home.

2) Join organizations that pertain to your major/interests

Ohio University, as well as most other colleges, offer a numerous amount of student organizations. You can join a group to volunteer at a dog shelter or join an organization that helps you progress in your major. The possibilities are endless!

3) Step outside your comfort zone

I’ve learned college offers new challenges everyday. Not only that, but it reveals a new definition of stress. You may be in a class that is not your cup of tea, have to speak in front of class, or maybe just have a million things to do. Although none of this sounds ideal, you will realize that you can get through the rough days and you’ll grow a new sense of independence.

4,) Higher Your Education

By saying this I don’t just mean that you’ll be taking classes towards your major. I mean that you will be able to take classes you enjoy and can get something out of. Most professors want you to learn, and I have had many professors go out of their way to help me succeed. You’ll also have the ability to take interesting classes that don’t pertain to your major, but are fun. I took an animal diversity class and have a whole new view on insects!

5) You have a huge amount of resources

The thing about resources on campus is that you have to take advantage of them. At Ohio University, there is a Career and Leadership Development Center where I’ve received two certificates. Not only does it look great on a resume, but it was just another way for me to connect and meet more people. Besides that, there are many places to go for help with advising, financial aid, networking, volunteering and more.

6) Networking

Unless you dream of being a broke college student living in your parent’s basement, this is something every college student should experience! Being away at school gives you the opportunity to talk to professors, advisors, etc. that will guide you in the right direction. I have also had coworkers or friends who have a relative in the field I would like to work in. There is an array of people to connect with on campus. You never know who knows whom!

All About Ivory Ella (GIVEAWAY!)

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Kaitlin Janes

Welcome back to Delightful Days!

fullsizerender-1 — How cute is this pumpkin elephant?!

Today, I want to talk about the amazing company, Ivory Ella. They’re known for their trendy tees and accessories. Not only do they have cute attire, but they also give back. Ten percent of all proceeds go to the Save the Elephants Fund and occasionally other charitable organizations. All of their tees display the elephant logo featuring different designs and are made from a super comfortable material.

Now for the fun part. I will be GIVING AWAY one Ivory Ella shirt! To enter the raffle for the giveaway, please follow the steps below. This giveaway will end Friday at midnight and the winner will be notified by Sunday!

1.) Head over to my blog, Delightful Days, and comment on this post with your name and email.

2.) Follow @ivoryella on Instagram

3.) Follow @delightfuldaysblog on Instagram

Have a Delightful Day,

Kaitlin

4 Ways to Wear a Turtleneck

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Kaitlin Janes

Ahh… there’s something about a good ol’ turtleneck in the colder months. This post is actually extremely ironic considering I used to disdain my mother for making me wear these (for what seemed like) everyday. However, I have recently become a huge fan and love how versatile a plain turtleneck can be. I feel like there may be a negative stereotype about turtlenecks, but I’m here to change that!

Photos by Anna Ventre

1.) The Basics

Turtleneck: JCPenney (Worthington)

Jeans: Express

Booties: Marshalls (Madden Girl)

One great way to wear a turtleneck is just on its own! I paired this turtleneck with high-waisted jeans, a studded black belt, and some heeled booties. The small details add just a little something to differentiate it from separate pieces to a “put together” outfit. I love how all the neutral colors work together and create a classic look.

2.) The Scarf

Scarf: Cejon

This is such a simple way to spice up this look a little more, as well as add some warmth, if you choose a bulkier scarf. I like how this scarf simply lays and matches perfectly with the neutral theme going on. If you own numerous scarves like myself, this is a great way to put them to good use!

3.) The Flannel

Flannel: Kohls (mens)

Black Jeans: Express

Flannels are an absolute staple in fall. I personally wear them with anything, including turtlenecks. They’re so easy to throw on, and can easily take a look from simple to edgy. Adding a flannel to this outfit makes it a little more casual and gives it a cozy vibe that the other outfits do not have.

4.) The Vest

Here, I added a denim vest to make the outfit a little more unique. For some reason, these pieces together give me a total 70’s feel, but that’s what I love about it! What can I say, I guess I am living vicariously through a decade I never got to experience. Overall this outfit is just fun and perfect for a fall outing.

Hope you guys like these outfits that I put together! Let me know in the comments of any ways that you like to wear turtlenecks!

Have a Delightful Day,

Kaitlin

Don’t forget to check out Anna Ventre’s incredible photography! Click here!

@annaventrephotography

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10 Ways to Enjoy Fall

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Kaitlin Janes

Hi everyone! If you haven’t realized it yet… fall is finally here! October is gracing us with pumpkin spice lattes to sip and cozy sweaters to snuggle up in (yes, I am that basic). This season is an exciting opportunity to participate in all the fun-filled activities that come along with fall. Because of this, I have compiled a list of ways to make the most of the season.

1.) Purchase some fall scented candles. I would suggest anything with pumpkin, apple, or cinnamon! These scents will create a warm aroma throughout your home.

2.) Decorate your home/room with autumnal decor. This will really get you feeling “in the season.”

3.) Spend an afternoon at your local pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Many of these places will offer other fun activities such as corn mazes and hay rides! In my opinion, you’re never too old for a good old fashioned hay ride. If you are from the Cleveland area, I would highly suggest Patterson Fruit Farms.

4.) Sit outside, while the weather stills allows it, and enjoy a hot cup of tea.

5.) Have a day relaxing and bake some autumnal treats. You could even invite some friends over and make a party out of it. Tip: Pumpkin cookies and pumpkin rolls are always a good start!

6.) Go on a walk or hike in a park. This time of year is so beautiful with the changing leaves. You won’t want to miss it!

7.) Make some homemade soup or stew. Ham and bean or chicken noodle are great options or you could always make your own creation! My mom makes a stew called “turkey surprise.” Even though the name sounds a little questionable, it’s actually really good!

8.) Snuggle up and watch some Halloween movies! Freeform’s Thirteen Nights of Halloween is an all-time favorite of mine.

9.) Go on a fun photo shoot with friends. Like I said before, fall is the most beautiful season. This is such a fun afternoon activity and you’re bound to get some Instagram-worthy pictures.

10.) Lastly, make some time for yourself this fall. Autumn is the season of change and things can get crazy hectic. So go out and get a good book that you’ve been wanting to read. Take some time to sit down, wrapped in a cozy blanket with a sweet drink and enjoy some chill time to yourself!

Thank you guys for reading! I hope are as excited for fall as I am. Enjoy the season!

Have a Delightful Day,

Kaitlin

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-All pictures captured from Pinterest-

My September Glam Bag Review

Posted on October 6, 2016 by Kaitlin Janes

Hi everyone!

Hope you’re all having a delightful day. Today I wanted to give you a review of my September Ipsy Glam Bag. For those of you who don’t know, Ipsy is a website where you can subscribe to a monthly service that delivers six beauty samples, including a makeup bag, to your door. Not to mention, it’s only $10.00!

I love the Ipsy bag because it allows me to try out different beauty products before I take the plunge and purchase a full size. Although the monthly service only delivers sample sizes, these samples will last you for months. Ipsy has introduced a bunch of new brands to my makeup vocabulary. If beauty is an interest of yours, I would definitely suggest trying a monthly service like Ipsy!

For my review of the products that I received in my Ipsy box this month, I will be scoring them out of 10, 1 being the worst and 10 being an incredibly awesome product.

1.) The Bag

So with this subscription you receive a new makeup bag along with the beauty products, which is actually pretty cool (I now have a billion of these). Each cosmetics bag has a different design that coordinates with that month’s theme. This month’s theme was Glamazon. It’s definitely a unique design, but unfortunately I don’t care for it all that much.

Score: 4/10

2.) Naked Cosmetics Aloe Cream

I had never heard of this brand until I received this product, so I was really excited to try it out! I wasn’t sure if it was a body cream or a face cream, so naturally I tried it out on both and it reacted well. After doing a little research, I found out that this product is meant for both face and body. It’s a pretty thick cream, but it doesn’t leave a sticky feeling afterwards. The majority of its base is aloe, which is incredibly beneficial to the skin by promoting skin cell regeneration.

Score: 7/10

3.) Amie Facial Exfoliating Polish

To begin, this brand’s products are made from 95 percent natural ingredients, which is always a plus! This is a face wash with tiny beads for exfoliation. I love exfoliating cleansers, but I can usually only use them a few times a week because they dry out my skin. However, this is the MOST moisturizing cleanser that I have ever used. I almost feel like I don’t even need to moisturize my skin afterwards. The only downside is that it’s a very gentle formula, so I worry about my face getting a deep clean.

Score: 8/10

4.) It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara

It Cosmetics is a new brand that has been gaining a lot of popularity as of recently. I haven’t tried any products from them except a foundation brush, so I was excited for this mascara! After using it for three weeks now, I can honestly say that I really like it. I wouldn’t say it is absolutely amazing, but it’s something that I would try again. It reminds me a little bit of the Better Than Sex mascara by Too Faced. It lifts the lashes and gives them a plump, voluminous look. I actually enjoy the smaller size of the product because the applicator makes it easy to apply.

Score: 8/10

5) Bellapierre Cosmetics Loose Powder Blush

I have received this brand from Ipsy before and every time that I try a new product it is mediocre. I saw that this was a loose powdered blush and was a little skeptical on how well it would actually work. Unfortunately, I was right to be skeptical because this product is pretty disappointing. Blush is something that needs a little precision, and having it as a loose powder makes the application process extremely difficult. The color is a nude pink with shimmer, but like I said, it is hard to apply and never turns out looking flawless.

Score: 2/10

6) Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Brush

I had heard of Coastal Scents before receiving this bag, but I wasn’t sure what they were all about. After visiting their site, I found that they are an inexpensive brand and are known for their brushes. I received this eyeshadow brush in my glam bag and was happy to try it out. It has super soft bristles and collects the pigments well. I wasn’t positive on how to use it at first, but I realized it works well with loose eyeshadows. This is one of those products that I don’t necessarily “need” but it doesn’t hurt having it.

Score: 6/10

Thank you guys for stopping by! I hope this encourages you to try out your own Ipsy Glam Bag subscription.

Have a Delightful Day,

Kaitlin

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My Top 5 Foundation Choices

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Kaitlin Janes

Hi everyone!

I’m back this week to talk about makeup… honestly the seventh wonder of the world if you ask me. Specifically, I’d like to talk about foundation. This is the one makeup staple that I could not live without.

I’m someone who likes to try all different types of foundation instead of just sticking with one, which is great for showing you my top picks!

Warning…most of these products have a pretty steep price tag, but makeup is one of my favorite things to indulge on. In my opinion, the quality of these products is worth the price you pay. I also threw two drug tore brands into the mix that I really enjoy using as well!

Factors that I take into consideration when purchasing foundation are …

Coverage (light, medium, full)
Price ($$$)
Finish (matte, dewy, natural)

Keep reading to see my top foundation choices….

1.) Too Faced Born This Way Foundation ($39)

I’m not sure how else to say that I really LOVE this foundation. It’s medium to full coverage with a natural finish. I purchased this for the first time about a year ago and after my first use I realized how much healthier my skin looked. This foundation covers all unevenness and redness, while also making my complexion appear brighter. Born This Way comes in a cute frosted bottle with a pump, which makes the application process basically foolproof. Although it is a great foundation, it’s a little heavy for me in the warmer months, so I usually opt out for a lighter foundation during this time of year.

2.) Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Water Foundation ($39)

This is another awesome and amazing foundation (As you can tell makeup excites me). This product is also medium coverage but the difference between this foundation and Too Faced’s Born This Way is that this one is water based. 20 percent of this foundation is water, which creates a super hydrating formula. The finish of this foundation is dewy, which I love in the summer or on days when I want to glow. This is much more of a buildable product than the Born This Way foundation. Tarte’s light formula will allow you to transition from light to full coverage easily.

3.) Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup ($40)

This foundation was actually one of the first purchases of high-end makeup that I ever made. This is another really light formula, however this product has a matte finish. This is perfect for me on good skin days, but unfortunately I usually need full coverage on a daily basis. However, if you have naturally brilliant skin then this foundation is for you! It looks natural and gives the skin a healthy finish.

4.) Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation ($6.29)

As I said before, I usually go for high-end makeup because it’s something I’m used to indulging in. However, there are a couple drug store foundations that I really like! This Rimmel foundation has an unbeatable price of $6.29 at Target! It is definitely full coverage and I would say that it has a natural to dewy finish. Let me tell you…this stuff lasts ALL DAY. It says 25-hour wear on the bottle and it definitely lives up to that! The only downside to this product is that the formula is a little too sticky for me. It tends to get stuck in my makeup brush, which isn’t fun.

5. ) Maybelline Fit Me Foundation ($4.99)

Look at that price, guys! I always love a deal and this price tag makes me extremelyhappy. This foundation is similar to the Rimmel foundation in regards to consistency and finish, but I believe this foundation is a bit lighter and doesn’t last quite as long. It is a matte finish, so if you suffer from dry skin this product may not be for you. However, it does the job and you really cannot beat the price.

That’s a wrap! I’m super appreciative that you have all stopped by. I hope this gave you some insight into your next foundation purchase.

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Have a Delightful Day,

Kaitlin

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There Are Far Better Things Ahead

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Kaitlin Janes

Hello everybody! I’m back with another post. I’m sure most of you have heard of a bucket list or have even made one for yourself. If you haven’t, a bucket list is essentially just a list a person makes of all the things that they hope to do in their lifetime.

I’m excited to share mine with you today!

I originally heard of a bucket list from the movie The Bucket List(2007), which is by the way a GREAT movie. I loved the idea, and since then I have been continuously adding to my list of “maybe one days.” My ideas range from easy to accomplish, to most likely never going to happen…but hey I’m gonna try! Having this is just an easy way to keep my goals in mind. It’s also a nice little reminder on a rough day that there are far better things ahead.

I hope this inspires you to get started on your own bucket list!

1.) Walk down a red carpet

2.) Travel to all 50 states

3.) Go to The Ellen Show

4.) Meet one of the Kardashians (no judging)

5.) Go to at least 2 of the 7 wonders of the world

6.) ~~Do a back handspring~~ CHECK!

7.) Be an extra in a movie or television show

8.) Go to New York Fashion Week

9.) Live in another country

10.) Meet the beauty vlogger, Zoella

11.) Have a spa weekend at a lodge

12.) Go skiing/snowboarding

13.) Learn to play piano

14.) ~~Have a blog~~ CHECK!

15.) Go hiking in California

16.) Be front row at a concert

17.) Fly first class

18.) Fly in a private plane

19.) Be a part of a large volunteer project

20.) Own a farm

21.) Be vegetarian for a week

22.) Go to an awards show

23.) Ride a horse on a beach

24.) Go zip-lining in the rainforest

25.) Own a star in the sky

Thanks for reading! See ya soon!

Have a Delightful Day,

Kaitlin

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Featured Image Provided by: Pinterest

A Relaxing Night for One

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Kaitlin Janes

Some nights, all I want to do is stay in and get that much-needed chill time that we all dream about. We all deserve a night devoted to ourselves to relax and relieve the continuously built-up stress in our lives. I love these nights so much that I decided to dedicate an entire blog post to them!

Keep reading to see how you can have your relaxing night for one.

1.) Aromatherapy

pBBW1-17852220v275 — Photo Credit: Bath & Body Works

I mentioned this candle in my last post, Back to School Essentials, but I have to reiterate once again just how obsessed I am with this stress relieving candle from Bath & Body Works. When I use this, the fragrance literally spreads throughout the entire house. Light this at the beginning of the evening and you’ll surely be in a state of relaxation for the rest of the night.

Shop: Stress Relief Candle from Bath & Body Works ($22.50)

2.) Mask It

35689611_010_b — Photo Credit: Anthropologie

Let me tell you…a good face mask can make all the difference. I especially prefer this Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask. The texture is so smooth in comparison to any other face mask that I’ve tried, and it works wonders. My face feels so refreshed and breakouts subside due to this gentle formula. I would suggest applying this right before you get into the bath (hint to the next step) or before you binge-watch your favorite Netflix show.

Shop: Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask from Anthropologie ($18.00)

3.) Rub a Dub Dub

Next on the list for a relaxing night is, of course, a bath. I know this little orange sphere doesn’t look like much, but it can do wonders in the tub! This bath bomb is the Yoga Bomb from Lush Cosmetics. If you haven’t tried Lush before, I would highly suggest it. All of their products use natural ingredients and are 100% vegetarian. This little one will have you saying namaste.

Shop: Yoga Bomb from Lush Cosmetics ($8.95)

4.) Nailed it

FREE-Essie-Nail-Polish — Photo Credit: Pinterest

Although painting my own nails doesn’t seem to go as smoothly as expected, I have come to realize that it’s still a very calming task. I love picking out a color that is perfect for the season or occasion, and I always feel more put together when my nails are done. Essie Nail Polish is a favorite of mine because of how long it lasts and because of their wide variety of colors to choose from.

Shop: Essie Nail Polish (prices vary)

5.) A Good Read

fireflly lane

The final requirement for a relaxing evening for one is a good book. I know that Netflix is tempting, but I am telling you that there is nothing better than finishing the night by reading a chapter or two in your favorite novel. My all-time favorite book, featured above, is Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. I won’t give too much away, but in a nutshell it is a heartfelt story of two best friends that grow up together learning life lessons and going through a few bumps in the road. That being said, the next time that you’re making your way to the bookstore, (or Amazon), I would give this one a look! No matter what you decide, choose a book that will make you feel at ease while reading.

Shop: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Thank you all for stopping by! I hope this encourages you to take a night for yourself and have a relaxing night for one. See you soon!

Have a Delightful Day,

Kaitlin

For more, check out my blog, Delightful-Days!

Back to School Essentials

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Kaitlin Janes

Hellooooo everybody!

It’s that time of the year again… back to school. For some people, mostly college students, this is one of the greatest things you’ll hear all year. It means reuniting with friends, making new memories and getting back into the swing of things. This also means back to school shopping.

Besides the clothing and school supplies that we flood our collections with before school begins, there are just a few other items that will surely make this year one for the books.

Trendy Technology

Shop: MacBook Air Laptop Case from Amazon ($14.99)

Shop: iPhone Case from Urban Outfitters ($24)

Laptops and phones are the items that you find yourself staring at most often, so why not make that view a little more enjoyable? I purchased both cases featured above and they were seriously great buys to spruce up my favorite tech pieces. This is such a fun way to make your items a little more unique and recognizable, if and when you accidentally misplace them.

2. Keeping Things Together

Shop: Planner from Anthropologie

Let me start off by saying that I LOVE this planner. Unlike other planners that I’ve purchased in the past, this one doesn’t have rings that bind the pages together. I’ve found that planners that do have rings tend to get caught on every little thing and eventually end up getting ruined. My favorite part about this planner is that it contains pages full of stickers that say things like, “Need Coffee” and “Girls Night,” not to mention stickers for all of the funny National holidays, like National Cookie Day. Overall, I give this planner a 10/10 for practicality and aesthetic.

3.) Pack Your Bags

Shop: Herschel Supply Co. Backpack in Baby Pink from Urban Outfitters ($45)

Shop: JanSport Backpack in Tan from Kohls ($45.99)

Shop: Faux Leather Backpack from Amazon ($24.98)

These are just a few backpacks that I found on the Internet that I think are cute and efficient for anyone on-the-go. I currently carry my JanSport backpack around with me everywhere, and it has definitely stood the test of time in regards to style and durability.

There are four things that I think everyone should keep in mind when purchasing a new backpack. You should look for the following.

1.) A pocket for a water bottle

2.) Straps with memory foam or some cushion

3.) Lots of pockets for your laptop, lip balm and planner

4.) It must fit your personal style.

Of course the above criteria will change with everyone’s preferences, but these are just a couple ideas to keep in mind!

4.) Smooth as a Baby’s Bottom.

Chapsticks are an absolute must in my backpack during the school year. I hate having dry lips, especially during the colder months. Burt’s Bee’s and Eos are definitely two of my favorite brands because they provide the most moisture. You can find either of these options at stores like CVS or Walgreens.

5.) An Encouraging Note

So this specific notebook is one that I most recently purchased and absolutely love. I have a soft spot for cute notebooks with some kind of encouraging quote or saying on them. There are so many notebooks out there that you can find at virtually any store around you for a reasonable price. The best places that I’ve found notebooks such as this one are Marshalls, TJ Maxx or Target.

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Thank you guys so much for stopping by my blog!

I hope this guide helps you find items to put in your backpack for a successful school year. Feel free to comment below with any ideas or opinions that you have about Delightful-Days! Stay tuned for next week’s post!

For more lifestyle advice, styling and DIY ideas, head over to my blog, Delightful-Days!

Have a Delightful Day,

Kaitlin