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.

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Fun Ways to Organize

Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks

It’s out with the old and in with the new. Spring is upon us which means Spring Cleaning is right around the corner. Throughout the year, I have been reading Emily Ley’s Simplified Life. It discusses straightforward ways to simplify our homes, families, and lives. Whether you love to organize like myself or don’t even know where to begin when it comes to organizing, this book is for you. When it comes to spring cleaning, you have the power to do as much or as little as you please. For example, I do it little by little when my schedule allows, some others like to get it all done in one day, choose a method that works best for you. Work at your own pace. Here are three easy tricks I have found when it comes to Spring Cleaning and organizing.

  • Clothes
I saw this on pinterest and I couldn’t resist…such great advice.

We all love our clothes and sometimes have a hard time getting rid of things. Since I am in college, it doesn’t hurt to have two closets, one at school and one at home=double the closet space. Haha! Our style should reflect out personality so when we have things in our closest that we don’t like or wear, it’s a waste of space. I make my decision to get rid or donate clothes based on: if I have worn it in the last year, if I feel good in it, and how its quality is. If I have a shirt that is stretched out and stained, then it’s in the trash. If I have dress that I haven’t worn in two years, then its donated. If I half 10 t shirts from high school, I try and weed out which ones I really need and want to keep. I keep this criteria in mind so I can make decisions fast and efficiently.

  • Work Space
Love this motto for organizers and non organizers

Whether it’s a desk in our bedrooms, home office, or work office, our work space is crucial. At school I only have the essentials in/ on my desk. That includes my blotter calendar, writing utensils, post it notes and important papers. I work my best in a clean and organized space so having a clean desk is crucial for me. We all love to see the cute and matching accessories you can get for your desk from Staples or Target but don’t let decorations take away from your desk. Remember, a desk is your place to work, not just another shelf.

  • Clutter
A tidy room is a goal we all can work towards

We all have things in our homes that we don’t have a home for. Or we got something that we don’t need now but we will need in the future. Does that sound familiar? I always like to hold onto things that don’t have a purpose at the moment (or ever). For example, I got mailed a care package a few months ago, yet I still have the box… now I don’t have plans to use it, but I will need it…right?! Wrong! Why hold onto something that has no purpose in your life?! If you don’t use it, toss it.

These tips have helped me make my life more organized and simplistic. Give them a try, if they work, great. If not, try something new. Have a great rest of your week.

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #42

Happy March!

Spring Vibes here on out!

Although, it may not be acting like Spring yet, I’m going to start transitioning my clothes from winter to spring. This is always the hardest part of the year, its cold in the mornings but warm in the afternoon. Its always so hard to plan ahead.  This outfit I have planned for today is perfect for chillier temperatures by giving off Spring vibes.

I love to layer my clothes and this outfit is no exception. Changing it up, I am going to start from the top and work my way down. I am a fan of GAP and their shirts. I am a sucker for long sleeves and stripes, so when I saw this on sale, I had to get it. This preppy pink is my favorite shade of pink and I love how it contrast against the gray.

I wore this thin blue vest from Francesca’s Boutique, this has been a staple in my wardrobe this year. I have mixed and matched it with so many outfits. The vest is versatile, so you can dress it up or down. For example, I dressed it down with jeggings today. The blue vest matches my blue jeggings excellent. I got these jeggings from Target. I try to stick with jeans but sometimes you have those long days where jeggings are necessary.

I wore my favorite shoe boots to top off the outfit. I wore simple gold jewelry to dress up my outfit. I typically wear a pair of gold studs and my birthstone necklace unless I have something else picked out. My go-to hair style is a simple high pony tail. It’s up and out of my face which is how I work best.

That’s a look into my closet for today. What are you most looking forward to for Spring?

Categories
Fabulous living

A Day in the Life (2/28/18)

Hello All!

I hope your Tuesday is off to a great start. I’m on Spring break this week, so I’m taking full advantage of resting, relaxing and being home.

Last semester I shared a look into my life as a college student, with a new semester and schedule, I’m sharing an updated look at a day in the life. Last Wednesday, I documented my day and here’s a sneak peak into a “typical day”

I start my day at 6:15, bright and early.
I head to the gym around 6:50. This was the sky as I walked to the gym. It’s always so quiet and peaceful in the early morning.
This is my playlist at the gym. This best of the 80’s playlist has been on repeat for early mornings at the gym. Thank you Amazon Music.
After I got back from the gym I ate some trail mix and milk for breakfast.
After I ate, I did some journaling and did a daily Lenten reflection. I always try to set aside some time every day for prayer and reflection.
I did some work and reviewing for a few midterms I had this week before class.
I am currently binge watching Parks and Rec in my free time,so While I was getting ready< i got a quick episode in.
Outfit for this Spring-ish weather.
Heading to class at 10:00, nothing but blue skies this last day of February.
My first class was Digital Media, a video production and editing class.
At 11:30, I headed to Music Appreciation, where I had a midterm.
I grabbed a quick lunch with my friend Shay, and I forgot to snap a picture. After lunch, I headed back to my dorm to get some work done before my afternoon classes.
Taking notes and working ahead for a few classes in between classes.
I headed to Advertising Strategies at 3:00 for class, we worked on updating resumes in class.
After class ended at 4:15, I headed to the library to get some reading and notes done before dinner.
Dinner with my bestie, Shay! It was mac and cheese night which is a favorite. Fun Fact: we saw each other in the gym at 7 am, in class, at lunch, and dinner. This is why she is my unofficial roommate.
After dinner, It was homework time. Editing papers, reading, and preparing for class tomorrow.
After showering and getting ready for tomorrow. I chose to unwind by watching Seal Team at the end of the day.
Heading to bed, or so I thought…turns out 30 minutes later, the fire alarm went off since someone burnt something. After spending 30 minutes outside it was time to head back in and back to bed. So much for a typical day!

And there you have it, that’s a day in the life. No day is ever normal as you can tell by the things that can thrown at me throughout the day. I hope you enjoyed a peak into the day in the life of a college student. See you on Thursday!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #41

LOTD

Happy March!!!

February has flown by and I really hope Spring is around the corner. I am hoping this is the last winter outfit I get to share with you all. This outfit would be perfect for any Spring Break traveling or for running errands on the weekend.

Staying cozy and comfortable.

I have shared this statement piece poncho before with a more dressed up look, but today’s outfit is all about being casual and comfortable. I got this poncho from the Scandal Style the Limited Collection. It is from the show Scandal, one of my favorite shows. Olivia Pope wore a look alike sweater like this in the series. It is both comfortable and chic, two things you want in the things you wear. The sweater is a big statement piece that changes my whole outfit.

I am wearing a simple pair of black leggings and a long sleeve black shirt under the poncho. They are both from GAP. I like to wear simple and neutral colors when I am wearing a bold, statement piece like this sweater.

These boots have been a lifesaver for me this year. They are from Sperry. They keep my feet warm and dry from rain, snow, and everything else in between. They are one of my smartest purchases. I got mine from DSW.

Favorite boots

I’m wishing, hoping, and praying that this is my last winter fashion post. I am beyond ready for floral, pastels, and not more winter coats. Who else is with me!?!? Happy Thursday friends! See you on the flip side!

Categories
Fabulous living

10 Fun Facts about ME!

Welcome! Welcome!

For those who have followed my blogs for months or whether this is your first time stopping by, I’m going to share some fun facts about myself.

– I am sophomore in college. I am majoring in Communication with a minor in Creative Writing. I plan to graduate in 3 and a half years

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-Following graduation my “dream job” is to work in broadcast journalism. I’ve grown up watching the news from local, to national, and entertainment. I hope to follow in the footsteps of some of my favorite journalists.

Fun friday night working on a project for one of my favorite classes. Could this be the start of a career?

-I am a morning person. I like to get up early and I feel most productive in the early hours. On the other hand, I get very tired by night so I’m not a party animal. This is one of the harder aspects of my job since I work late hours.

6:15 the alarm goes off and it’s time to start the day. Rise and shine

-I am fortunate to live in a place where I get to experience all four seasons. Spring is my favorite season, I love the smell of grass, fresh cut flowers, and it doesn’t hurt that my birthday is in Spring either.

One of my favorite pastimes is watching the sunset

-I love to read. As a young girl I was always happiest with a book. As I have grown older, I love to read autobiographies and memoirs. Some of my favorite books I’ve read are: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, Going off Script by Giuliana Rancic, and Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush. As an avid book lover, I prefer the hard or soft cover rather than reading them online.

-I love movies. Romantic comedies are my favorite genre. I always love a good ending but some of my favorite ends are the ones that are most unexpected.

-Besides watching movies, I am also a lover of tv. I’m a die hard TGIT fan-thank you Shonda Rhimes, This is Us has been my latest obsession, and SEAL TEAM is my freshmen favorite series

Thursdays 8:00-11:00 (ABC)
Tuesdays at 9:00 (NBC)
Wednesdays at 9:00 (CBS)

-One of my favorite things to do when I’m home is to shop, whether am looking for something in particular or I’m just window shopping. I love to shop. You can most likely catch me at Marshalls, Home Goods or Francesca’s.

-I am an avid dog lover. I have three dogs at home and I am constantly counting down when I can see them when I’m at school. My youngest dog, who I still think of as a puppy is one of my greatest joys.

My two older dogs. They are brother and sister
I still picture him as a 6 pound pup but he has certainly grown

-Lastly, I couldn’t go through this crazy experience we call life, if it wasn’t for the support of my family. My family and I are very close, we share lots of laughs, and smiles whenever we are together. They truly are my biggest supporters.

FAM BAM

And that’s a wrap! 10 (fun) facts about myself. I hope you learned something new about me or it was a bit of a refresher for you. What’s one fun fact about yourself? Let me know in the comments below!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #40

LOTD

Hello and Happy Thursday!

February has been flying by! It’s crazy that next week is March! Where has the month gone?!

Last week, I shared a professional outfit, today I have an outfit that would be perfect for date night or a night out with the girls. I wore this ensemble last weekend out to dinner and I got lots of compliments. I mixed a few pieces to pull this outfit together. Both my top and bottom are from Francesca’s Boutique.

Look of the day (and night)

Let’s start from the bottom. I am wearing my favorite shoe boots for a night on the town. They are comfortable, sleek, not too high, and they keep my feet warm with the snow.  Once again, I got these shoes from DSW.

I am wearing my favorite skinny jeans. These black and ripped at the knee jeans are from Francesca’s Boutique. I have worn them previously in the fall with a short sleeve top, but since I was going out, I decided to dress these jeans up. I got this Michael Kors belt from Marshalls on sale. You never know what you will find at Marshalls. They always have great deals.

I am obsessed with this deep red, lace top. I also got it from Francesca’s Boutique. It has open shoulder sleeves which are very much in style this season. This top is very versatile. It cane be worn with a pair of blue jeans, a black skirt or how I am wearing them tonight, with a pair of black jeans. I have many more outfits planned in the future with this top in mind. It was a bit chilly out, so I wore a short black jacket to top the outfit off.

Curly hair for the win

Since I was going out at night, I wore darker makeup. I also had worn simple accessories to make sure it didn’t take away from my statement piece, my top. I always feel better about myself and life when I am feel comfortable and confident in my clothes. Your clothes can truly change your mood. That’s a peak into my closet. Have a great weekend. See you on Tuesday!

Categories
Fashion

Favorite Beauty Products

Hi friends! Happy Tuesday!

Today, I’m sharing something every girl loves and uses; beauty products!! Whether we are loyal to one brand or we use a bunch of assorted brands. We all have our favorites! Some beauty products, I stick to one brand and only use their products, other times, I use a variety of brands. Today, I’m sharing my top beauty products, what I use them for and where you can get them.

-Face

I have very sensitive skin and I use a lot of various products to wash, moisturize and keep my skin clear. However, whenever I am in the mood to pamper myself, this is my go-to face mask. I have tried a few different brands, but this one works best with my skin. This is the Miss Spa: Charcoal clarifying mask. There is one sheet mask per package, you put it on for 15-20 minutes and then remove it. Your face will feel refreshed, smoother, and most definitely clearer. I got this from Target and they carry other masks as well, but the charcoal is my favorite. All masks are between $5.00-$10.00. This is a great pick me up for your face.

My favorite mask to unwind after a long day

-Lips

I won this lip scrub and balm as a giveaway from The Chic Mamas. Go check out her blog for all things fashion to mommy and me! I was looking for something that both exfoliated my lips and made them smoother and this answered my prayers. This is the Sara Happ Exfoliate Scrub and One Luxe Balm. I put on the lip scrub after I get out of the shower and once it is moisturized in, I put on the one luxe balm. They both come in different scents, I have the Sparkling Peach lip scrub and Lip Slip Balm. Now they are a bit more expensive, but they last a long time. I use them every day and have had them since Christmas and you can’t even tell I’ve used it. I highly recommend the pair set.

The Best Lip Scrub and Balm. I use it daily!

-Nails

I love taking care of my nails. My favorite brand is Chrome Girl Nails, I have talked about why I love the brand before, you can find it here! They are 8 Free which means there are no harsh chemicals. They carry nail strengthen products like the base and top coat, the nail lacquers themselves, and nail polish removers in delicious scents. Although, Valentine’s Day may be over, you can still wear red, pink, and white for the rest of the month. This trio is perfect for a date night or a day at the office and it’s on sale! The nail polish is a bit expensive but it’s long lasting and there are always sales. Once you wear Chrome Girl, people will be turning heads at your nails.

Wearing a bright green to jump start to spring mode.

-Eyes

We have all heard that eyes are the opening to the soul, but what about eye makeup? I always try to accent my eyes especially since I wear glasses. I recently purchased Kylie Jenner’s Kylie Cosmetics, Kyshadow,  Burgundy Pallet and fell in love with it. The colors are neutral, so you can wear it out for a night or just running errands. The colors are highly pigmented, so what you see is what you are gonna get. The price wasn’t too crazy and a lot of the time, Kylie Cosmetics offers free shipping which makes it even easier to purchase things online. Now, I get a majority of my makeup from Target or Ulta Beauty, but every once in a while, I like to treat myself and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I use the Kyshadow Pallet. It was definitely a good purchase.

LOVE the packaging
The Burgundy Pallet
  • Skin (Concealer)

I don’t know about you, but concealer is my best friend, 99% of the time. It took me a while to find the right concealer that worked for my skin, but I found my match with Neutrogena’s Concealer stick.  I have it in Fair due to my light skin type. I put it on and then smooth it out with a makeup sponge. It goes on smooth and stays on the whole day, I rarely have to reapply. I get mine from Target but they also sell them at Ulta Beauty and Giant Eagle. It runs pretty low on price so I’m not breaking the bank to buy it.

The best concealer!!!

There you have it. My favorite beauty products. Now, those are just my favorite and I use a variety of products.*** This post was not sponsored by any of the brands I shared, I am just sharing my true feelings about these products. What are some products you can’t live without?!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #39

LOTD

It’s Thursday!! We are halfway through February! This month is going by too fast. This was a very busy week, but I got a lot of fun things planned for the weekend.

Today, I have a different out for you look of the day. Last week I had a lot of meetings which meant a lot of dressing up. Here’s an example of a business casual look I wore for an interview. I had a lot of these pieces already in my wardrobe it was just a matter of putting them all together. I wanted to look professional for my interview, but it also was the last thing of the day following a full day of classes with not enough time to change. I wore this outfit to all classes and then to an interview and dinner. I was comfortable the entire day and felt good about what I was wearing.

A more formal look for today.

I wore my simple black shoe boots from DSW. I chose these since they were comfortable, professional, and simple. I wore a pair of black tights to go with my simple, black cotton dress.

I got this dress from Old Navy a few years ago just to have as an extra dress and I’m surprised how much I’ve worn it. I have worn it to Mass, Work Interviews, Class Presentations, even Funerals. I have gotten a lot of wear out of this dress and it was one of the smartest purchases I’ve made.

In order to break up the all lack of color, I wore a winter white sweater from the Scandal Style from The Limited Collection. I also paired a long necklace and pearl earrings to top off the look.

I am always looking for new ways to pull outfits together. When it comes to solid colors, you can mix and match them. There’s no better feeling than pulling a new outfit together with things you already have. I hope this draws some inspiration for the next time you wear a little black dress out.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Categories
Fabulous living

To All the Single Ladies

To All the Single Ladies out there…this one is for YOU!

Happy Galentines Day! Whether you watched Parks and Rec or not, I’m sure you have heard about Galentines Day. The day before Valentines Day where women every where celebrate each other. We celebrate friendship, accomplishments and even for a few of us being single! Whether you are in a relationship or not, here are a few ideas to do with the girls in your life.

Currently rewatching Parks and Rec…so be prepared for lots of references!
  • A dinner out. No better way to celebrate your friends then getting dressed up for a night on the town. Moms, leave the kids, homework, and calendars at home and have a fun night out with your girlfriends.

    Who doesn’t like a night out with the girls!?
  • Girls Night In. We all remember the sleepovers we shared with out BFF’s in elementary school. Why not do it again? Order in your favorite take out, pop some popcorn, and put in a chick flick and hang out for the night. A few of my favorite movies to watch with the girls are: Legally Blonde, 13 Going on 30, Mamma Mia, The Proposal, P.S. I Love You, The Lake House, Sex and the City, and Pride and Prejudice. There is something for everyone when it comes to chick flicks.

    We all need a night in to relax and having friends makes it all the better!
  • Shopping and Sweets. With Spring right around the corner, stores are already stocking their shelves with new pieces for Spring. Get a jump on your spring wardrobe and then pick up a coffee with your favorite person. It always helps when you are shopping to have a second opinion
  • .

    Anyone’s dream not look like this!?

Those are just a few ideas of how to spend Galentines Day or Valentines Day with girlfriends. And for all you single ladies out there, I’m with you. Our time will come, but for now enjoy keeping all the chocolate for yourself. Now, what are my plans for the big V-Day?! Classes, homework, Mass, and no chocolate since it is the beginning of Lent. Oh well, I’ll be celebrating the day before.

As Carrie Bradshaw once said…

Happy Galentines Day and (almost) Valentines Day.

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #38

LOTD

Happy TGIT! Another week in the books. Today, I have another layered look for you! We have been going through a heat wave and I’m taking advantage of it by layering my outfits. Now you may see some similarities between this week’s outfit and last week’s outfit, but this one is more professional. Let’s get started.

I’m loving this heat wave and I’m taking full advantage of it!

I’m wearing my simple black shoe boots. Not only are these shoes comfortable but they are simple and don’t draw a lot of attention to your shoes. This is helpful when you are working in a more professional setting. They can be worn with dresses, skirts, and jeans.

Speaking of jeans, I’m wearing my favorite boot cut jeans from Old Navy. I love how they fit comfortable and fashionable. I have had them for a few years and they have held up very well. I would rather pay more for jeans and have them for a while rather than pay less and have to get new jeans every year.

I layered my top for my outfit, I am wearing a pinstripe button down from GAP, I have worn it previously with white capris or white shorts in the summer, but it can also be layered for a fall or winter look. I wore a deep yellow sweater from Forever 21 over my button down. I love how the blue and white match with the mustard sweater. I finished my top off with a blue vest from Francesca’s Boutique.

A close up of my accessories and the layering of my top.

When it comes to accessories, I wore this deep purple, yet simple necklace to tie my outfit together.

I love to dress preppy and this outfit is a perfect example of a college prep look. This outfit is perfect for fall and winter. I love to layer especially when its cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon. Here’s to hoping we get more warm weather sooner than later. What are your favorite things to layer with your outfits? See you next week. Have a great weekend!