A couple of months ago I talked about how I discovered some of
my all time favorite beauty products were not cruelty-free
(you can read that post here if you missed it)

So for the past couple of months I have been switching
all of my products so that I am only using cruelty free brands

Winter has officially arrived my friends!

Have y'all ever read a book that you loved so much, you
didn't want to start reading a new one because there's no way
it could be as good as the one you just finished?

Its the holiday we have all been waiting for - BLACK FRIDAY

hahaha, just kidding...well kinda

As a shopaholic I count it as a major holiday

In fact I like to make it through Thanksgiving
and Black Friday before I set my sights on Christmas

If you do it right I swear black Friday can
take as much preparation as your Thanksgiving dinner

In GWYF the incredible Rachel Hollis names 20 lies that 

we women tend to (consciously or subconsciously) tell ourselves 

The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

I know, I know - having a favorite Nicholas Sparks book is totally cliche.
But this book is unlike any of his other books, in my opinion. Yes, it is
sappy and romantic but the overall plot is breathtaking. It truly made me
cry big tears. I don't know how it has not been made into a movie. If you're
looking for a light-hearted, happy read then this book is perfect!

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

If you haven't read this series yet then you must live under a rock - and
no, watching the movies does not count. These books are written with such
intricate detail, its really amazing. Even if fantasy settings aren't your thing
the way these books are written make it all seem so real. The characters are
so well developed its hard not to become invested in their lives. I've re-read
this series a few times and I get lost in the stories every time.

The Shack by William Paul Young

This book is a true game changer. It is a book that follows a
grieving father who, since losing his youngest child, is struggling with his
relationship with God. Young manages to portray God and his teachings
in the most relatable way I have ever known! Plus (and I don't say this lightly)
the movie is just as good as the book. I haven't read this book in a while, but the
movie is one of my favorite movies of all time. After experiencing the tragedy of
losing a loved one and questioning my relationship with God it took on a whole
new meaning. If you have experienced this as well I would definitely recommend
reading this book and watching this movie, it hits on some seriously
raw emotions, but it really is an amazing story.

love always, kayla jordan ❣

This is the first no makeup, non-edited picture I
have taken/posted in....wow I don't even know how long

It has been one month since I said my farewells

and took my last walk as a pageant queen

So lets talk about podcasts

Used to, when I would hear the word I thought of a modern version 

of the political radio shows my father used to listen to in the car - no fun

While there are many podcasts like that there are also some seriously

entertaining and inspiring podcasts that I truly enjoy listening to

I discovered this because one of my favorite women in the

whole world, Sadie Robertson, came out with one a little over a month ago

So I wanted to talk about podcasts because they are my new "thing" I 

enjoy when I need some me time

Happy Friday!
I have read so many good books lately and I am so excited to share my favorites
All of them are linked at the end of this post

So I am definitely no fashionista...

I don't follow the new trends that come with each season

But fall is my favorite season, 

especially when it comes to the clothes

and it is in full swing here in Germany!

So I wanted to post a few of my favorite new

 fall pieces from my favorite boutique

Self-love is a huge trend right now 

In fact it has even become a movement about 

putting your happiness and well-being first

like many things, how you take this is up for interpretation

and you can go about this in several different ways

my journey to being more self-loving has been about bettering

myself as a person, both physically and mentally

here are some of the steps i have implemented in my life for the bettering of myself

I got to Germany at the perfect time, right at the beginning of Festival Season!

The first weekend I was here we went to Pig Fest but I was so overwhelmed with 

the excitement of being in a new country I hardly took any pictures. (plus it was all
about hot dogs or "bratwurst"...yuck) - still fun though

But this past weekend there was a WINE FESTIVAL
and in my opinion there could be no better festival
I have been so excited about this!