Author: elspeththeblogger

My name is Elspeth. I'm young professional living life one day at a time. I have a passion for fashion, a love for living a clean and healthy life and I can organize anything.

Categories
Fabulous living

Spring Semester Recap

What a semester it has been!!!  Not gonna lie, in January, the semester started out as a rocky one. But, I was determined not to let a few bad days change the outlook of my whole semester. Thank goodness, that I didn’t because this semester turned out to be my best semesters yet!!!

Throughout the course of this semester, I truly felt that I came into my own. I found my tribe of friends to lean and gain support and that made all the difference. Without a strong support system both at home and at school, it is very hard to navigate yourself through life.

During the semester, I took on more roles, and wore many hats in these short months. I took on 18 credits, added another work study to the mix, and took on a leadership role in my other job I have at school. Although my job has its stressful and unpredictable moments, I had truly had the best staff and coworkers. We all got along great and were able to have fun as a one big family. When work got tiring or stressful they made the job 100 times better.  I am so lucky to have made so many long lasting friends because of this job. Whether it was staff meetings, Sheetz runs or late night adventures we all had the best time together.

Obviously, taking on all these new things felt like a lot and could be a bit overwhelming at some points. Like for example, starting my day at 6:00 am and working through 1:00, yes, I had a few of those days but they were filled with fun memories braided through the stressful moments.

One motto that I used towards the end of the semester was “Live Mas” or “Living my Best Life”, a lot of my close friends were either graduating or moving to different building so during my last few weeks of school, I made sure I went out and did things with my friends to savor our last few days together, whether it was Dairy Queen trips, late night drives, or playing card games while working the late shift, I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. I’m so glad I found so many wonderful people because of this job and school.

Here we are at one of our first events of the year.

Lastly, something that made this semester so great was working on myself and being my true authentic self. I learned and worked on this a lot with the help of my friend Olivia. We met a year and a half ago because our boss suggested we meet since we are so similar. Every chance we get we thank our boss for introducing us, we immediately hit it off and have been close every since. Not only can we talk about the easy day to day topics, but we often talk about the challenging stuff too. Olivia, is one of the hardest working, caring, driven, and “mom like” people I have ever met. She has been a wonderful mentor but an even better friend to me this past year. She has taught me a lot but the most important thing I have learned is to be my authentic self. Olivia, thank you for making this year the best one yet.

Here is a second picture of her, as we were moving out. I love this quote– a constant reminder of girl power

This has been such a good semester for me both in and out of the classroom. I have excelled in my studies, formed long lasting friendships, made countless memories but most importantly, I lived my best life as my authentic self. Here’s to hopping I grow even more as a person next semester.

LIVE MAS THIS SUMMER!!!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the day #52

LOTD

Hello All!

It’s officially the start of summer (or work season for me)! This will be a busy summer for me as I will be doing an internship and working part time. I’m super excited to learn new things and be exposed to new experiences!  Due to these jobs, I will be working in a professional setting and I will be wearing a lot of business casual outfits this summer. The next few looks I will be sharing will be geared towards a business style.

It’s all about looking professional today on the blog.

Today, is my first professional attire look, I got these navy blue, dress pants from The Limited. I love how they can go with any bold blouse, sweater set, or cardigan.  The length on them works great if you want to pair either a ballet flat, small pump or stiletto with them. The quality is also long lasting, I have had them for a few years and have worn them on numerous occasions.

Along with the blue dress pants, I am wearing a bold pink and navy-blue top alongside the pants. I wanted to break up the solid pattern with my pants. I got this silky long sleeve top from Francesca’s Boutique. Previously, I have worn this top with cotton skirts, leggings, and even jeans, it is so versatile. I personally like to wear this top with business looks, but it never hurts to mix it with other outfits.

Lastly, I wanted to rave about these navy-blue pumps I am rocking on my feet. I got them from DSW, several years ago. I don’t wear them too often since I typically wear black or brown shoes, but I love how these neutral shoes really break up my outfit.

That’s a peak into my closet today on the more formal side of things. If there is ever a look you want to see styled. Let me know in the comments below! I am always open to new ideas and styles. Have the best weekend!!

Categories
Fabulous living

One Year Reflection

1 year, 365 days, 52 weeks, and 104 blog posts later
what a year it has been.

This has been a year of joy, happiness, learning, love, and new experiences.

The idea to start a blog came to me over a year ago. After a long first year of college, I wanted to do something for myself through the summer. That came in the form of the birth of Elspeth’s Day by Day. I spent the first few weeks of my summer vacation researching how to start a blog and reading lots of blogs. I decided to give it a try for the summer AND I LOVED IT. I loved the idea of not only practicing my writing by blogging every week, but I loved the idea of sharing things that I have learned through life. Whether it was fashion, organizing, fitness or even the difficult things in life like battling homesickness or being independent. It is a great feeling to be open with your struggles and have others say they my post helped them through something. It is a very humbling experience. I have loved it all. This blog has been a great creative outlet for me especially during the school year, whenever I needed a break from the stressers of college, this was the perfect channel.

A huge thank you to all of you for reading and sharing and commenting on my blog. I appreciate your support so much. Whether you have been an avid reader since Day 1 or you are reading this for the first time today, thank you for your time and attention. It means so much to me. I never thought I would make it a year, but I did it and it has been a joy the whole time. I can’t wait to see what the new year holds, new ideas, new posts and new content. Season 2 is coming soon!!!

Thank you again for all the love and support this year! If there is anything you want to see on here during this next year of blogging, please let me know in the comments below!

XOXO

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #51

LOTD

Hi All!

I’m super excited for today’s post
.wanna guess why?! First, I’m hours away from being done with my sophomore year of college. Only one final today and although, I am working till Saturday it will good just to hang out with friends for a few days before summer starts. Second, it FINALLY feels like Spring. Yes, this whole week has been in the 70’s and 80’s. I am so happy, to be finally wearing shorts and short sleeve shirts. This winter has been too long! Spring is here and have never been happier!

Springing into Spring

Now, onto this springy outfit. I wanted to wear an outfit that could work both in the chilly morning but warm afternoon. I got these shorts from Old Navy. I love Old Navy’s shorts. There are not only comfortable, but they are a good length. Not too long and not too short. I got these pair in black and tan, so I can wear them with a variety of tops. I got my black and white Ÿ length shirt from Old Navy as well. I have worn it with jeans or leggings in the past, but I love wearing it with a pair of shorts. I am always cold and try to wear a sweater with most outfits, this long sleeve shirt does the trick for solving that issue.

Lastly, my shoes are my go-to converse for spring. They are not only cute but also comfortable. And matched my outfit great for my black and white combo.

I am so happy spring finally sprung, its time for good vibes only once I am done with this last final. I cant wait to start dressing more springy now that it is finally acting like spring. To all the moms out there have a wonderful and hopefully relaxing day with your kiddos!

See you next week for a VERY special post.

Categories
Fabulous living

Love the Season You are In

Hi Everyone!!

These past few weeks have been super busy and have flown by. Right now, I am in the midst of finals week and finishing up work before it’s officially summer. And by summer I mean, I finish my one job on Saturday and start my summer job and internship on Monday. Yes, I am busy. But, I am loving these last few weeks of school, classes are finishing up and I’m saying some hard goodbyes to a lot of my friends who are graduating. Needless to say, it’s a bittersweet time.

I did want to take a moment to reflect on enjoying where I am in life. I was recalling a passage from Emily Ley’s book, Grace Not Perfection…she spoke about the importance of loving the season you are in through life. I think that is so important. Whether you are a senior in high school, a college student getting ready to take on a career for the first time, or a mom balancing three different spring sport schedules, enjoy the season you are in.

There are often so many times when I find myself remembering past memories or getting excited about the future that I forget to live in the present moment and enjoy where I am in life. I also find myself sometimes wishing away stressful moments or long days only to find that I will miss the days of the past. It’s funny sometimes the days that I dread or I get overwhelmed about, I end up making the most memories. The same goes for moms juggling different spring sports and graduations, yes it is stressful but at one point, there will be no more carpooling or graduation parties and the house will be quiet once again. Same goes for college students, finals may be taking over your life but don’t let that stop you from creating memories with your true friends. You are only in college once.

What is the point of me saying all this?! Enjoy where you are in life. Yes, it may not be perfect, it may be messy, exhausting, and overwhelming but it’s life and it only happens once. Embrace the disorder and chaos and live for the moment. Instead of taking selfies of the exciting moments, be present for them instead.

Life is all what you make of it. Make your life memorable.

Sorry for a shorter post, but these past few weeks have been busy. Looking forward to writing more this summer.  Until then…

xoxo

Ending this post with my favorite Office quote that I remind myself of daily. Live for today.
Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #50

LOTD

Happy Thursday or as I like to call it…Friday EVE!

I’m super excited about sharing this outfit with you today mostly because it’s a perfect weekend outfit.  This is my last official weekend on campus before the end of the semester. How I will be spending it??? Preparing for finals and hanging out with friends!

It’s friday eve!!

This outfit is perfect for some fun weekend vibes. First, I love this shirt. It most definitely screams weekend!! I got it from Francesca’s a few years ago so they may not sell it but I love how simple it is and you can’t beat the cute FRI-YAY!

I have worn this shirt previously with shorts in the summer or jeans in the fall. I can’t wait to wear it more in the summer. Although, it is May, it has been still pretty chilly out…c’mon! I am beyond ready for spring!! I wore these fun Aztec print pants from Francesca’s as well. Rather than wearing jeans or leggings I wanted to bring in a new pattern to my outfit.

Of course, no outfit of mine would be complete without a sweater…yes even in May I am always cold especially in air conditioned buildings. I got mine from Tilly’s and I love the big sweater feel it gives but I am on the hunt for some cute cardigans for summer. I also wore my converse to top the outfit off.

Although, I love my whole outfit put together, the shirt is my favorite. What is your weekend necessity? Here’s to hoping the weather gets warm and stays warm!!!

Have a beautiful weekend!!

 

 

Categories
Fabulous living

Slowing Down and Self Care

Happy Tuesday. How was your weekend? Restful and relaxing, I hope.

We are down to the final countdown for summer and I can’t wait. Between classes and work, I am ready for a break. That brings me to today’s topic. Taking care of yourself, even if it means saying no. Kinda ironic, last week, I shared the importance of saying yes and stepping out of your comfort zone, but today, it’s the opposite. I often find myself  getting run down and tired this time of year, that’s why self-care is important now more than ever. Between finals, projects, and summer activities upon us, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out. The same goes for parents, school is winding down, which means trying to figure out summer plans for children along with summer schedules.

This past year, I got very busy, between classes, work, and maintaining friendships, I was running myself into the ground. I realized I had to take care of myself so I could be the best version of myself.  I have carved times in my schedule to set aside for myself. For example, every Sunday, I try to take a break from homework and spend time either reading or watching a movie or whatever I wanted, unscheduled. I always like to leave from 2:00-4:00 open for myself, it doesn’t always happen but I try my best to make it work. These two hours gives me time to recharge myself for the week ahead. If you don’t have two hours to block out for yourself, don’t worry. Maybe block out 15 minutes of your day everyday. Or give yourself a half hour in the morning or before bed to unwind without distractions. However long, be sure you are taking care of yourself.  Also, you can’t be helpful to others if you aren’t taking care of yourself.

I found myself committing to many things during the week and weekend that I was left no time for myself. I will admit, I am a Yes women. I am also the queen of over committing. Don’t believe me? Last week I booked myself from 10:00 am  to 8:00 pm solid. It wasn’t the best idea, but I made it through the day successfully. It’s all about having balance in your lives. I had made plans to hang out with friends around 9:30, but by the time it rolled around, I was exhausted. I wanted to spend time with friends, but I knew I had to recharge. I am so glad I did, I slept like a log that night. Our bodies know us better than we think. Sometimes, even if we don’t like it, it benefits us to say no.

A few ways I unwind are:

  • Watching movies or catching up on my favorite series
  • Reading
  • Facetiming my bestie from back home
  • Taking a walk
  • Doing my nails

We all need to take care of ourselves even if it means saying no. We may not like to say no, but it will benefit us in the long run. With the changing of seasons, make sure you put yourself first sometimes. It may help you more than you realize.

Have a great week.

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #49

LOTD

Happy Thursday! It’s crazy to think we are in the last week of April. Like every Thursday, I am sharing what’s in my closet and what I’m wearing. The weather is slowing warming up, but I am more than ready for Spring and Summer. Right now, the weather by me is in the 50’s so it’s still a bit brisk. With weather like this, I like to still dress in lighter layers in case it gets warmer or cooler.

Happy Spring (is it safe to say that?!)

My favorite part of my outfit is this shirt. I got it from Simply Southern. If you haven’t heard about their company, go check them out. They have the cutest clothing for summer. Not only is the quote on the sleeve cute, but the back is my favorite. Even though it was still cool out, I brought spring vibes out with this shirt.

Love the back

I decided to layer this top with this light blue vest from Francesca’s Boutique. I have worn it in the fall with flannels, but I love how it can go with any outfit. It also kept me warm against the cool breeze.

I am wearing my favorite jeggings from Target. They not only kept me comfortable but warm. As much as I love to wear leggings, I am looking forward to putting them away for Spring and Summer.  I am in desperate need of sun and some rays.

Finally, to top off my outfit, I wore my favorite simple converse. I love my converse, I wear them all the time in the spring weather it’s with shorts, leggings, or even a t-shirt dress. They are a staple in my wardrobe come spring.

That’s what I am wearing today, here’s to hoping the weather stays nice and warm. Have a wonderful weekend loves!

Wish Upon A Star

xoxo

 

Categories
Fabulous living

Year of YES

Two years ago, I read a book that made me rethink a lot of things in my life. I have been a fan of Shonda Rhimes for years, I am a huge of the tv shows she has created, so it was no surprise that when she came out with a book, I had to get my hands on a copy of it. I read Year of Yes through the course of one month. I have recommended this book to many, it’s all about saying yes to things in your life. Things that may scare you, intimidate you, or excite you, say yes to them. Rhimes chronicles saying yes to everything in one year and how by the end of the year she changed immensely. She also shared how even after the year was over she continued to say yes to things. It is truly an inspiring book.

The book

After I had finished reading it, I was inspired to start my own ‘year of yes” but I didn’t know how. So, with many things in our lives, I put it off. It wasn’t until last year, Rhimes came out with a “Years of Yes” journal, so everyone who read her book, could chronicle their own year of yes. I got the journal and decided to start my year of yes. You can start your year whenever you want, whether its January 1, or June 30. I started my Year of Yes, when I started my sophomore year of college. I had said my first big yes, YES to a new job. Starting anything new can be scary but a new job, with new people, and new responsibilities made me incredibly anxious.  I said yes and didn’t look back. This school year has flown by. I can’t believe I only have three weeks left?!

The Journal

I certainly have seen a change in myself this year so far, but my year isn’t over yet. I have said yes to new friends, new experiences, new adventures and new opportunities. I have stepped out of my comfort zone and have grown into a much better version of myself. I can successfully say I am happier now then I was last August. Stay tuned to more posts about my Year of Yes as the semester winds down, but for now this is just a tease.

Motivating quotes throughout the book

I start every day with my Years of Yes journal. The journal is set up with a topic each month to say yes to things. There is a goals section where you can map out where you want to see yourself by the end of the month. Each day is split up into three sections where you can write about the things you said yes to. Inspirational quotes by Rhimes are spread throughout the book to give you motivation if you need it. I spend 5 minutes a day on this, so it doesn’t take up much time. Whether you are an avid journaler or have never done it, give it a try.

Each month has a different topic and there is space for you to write down what things you want to say yes to or what things you want to change in that month
Each day is broken into three sections,
-The Yeses I handled today.
-What I gained by saying yes.
-What were the dark and twisty parts of saying yes.
They serve as a guide for your journaling.

It may sound cliché, but this book and journal have changed my life. Give this book a chance and start your own Year of Yes. It will change you in more ways than you thought.

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #48

LOTD

Hello! Hello!

Such a beautiful spring day. This is my view on my way to campus every day

Last week finally felt like spring. The sun was shining, the windows were open, people were studying outside; it made me so ready for spring!! I took advantage of this burst of warm weather by dressing very springy. My friends and I made a quick stop to Dunkin Donuts before class hence the frozen drink and backpack, this is a college student in her natural habitat.

Finally acting like spring!

Starting with my top, I go this last year from Francesca’s Boutique. I have worn it previously with this outfit. This was the perfect occasion to wear this sleeveless top. I also like the material and fit and how it can be worn with many outfits.

My jeggings are from Target. When it comes to spring and the weather changes from morning to evening, I try to wear a short sleeve top and long pants or vice versa.

These are my favorite spring boots. I love the peep toe and the thick heel. They are perfect for transitional seasons. I got these from T. J. Maxx, I can’t wait to wear them more often this season. Also, I am a heel fan, and these are super comfortable as well. I typically find wedges or thick heels much more comfortable than thin heels.

My sunglasses are from American Eagle. I love their fun and unique style. They were on sale so that makes me love them even more!!

This outfit definitely got me in the mood for summer. I am ready to break out the pastels, shorts, and bathing suits.

What are you most looking forward to when it comes to summer? Vacations, picnics, beach days, tanning? I’m looking forward to all of it.

See you all next week. One week closer to the long awaited summer.