Living life one day at a time through patience, peace, and JOY!
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.
Happy New Year!!! I hope you all had a safe New Years and rung it in in style. The new year is a time to start fresh. We all get a clean slate and can better ourselves in the upcoming year. The new year is also a time for everyone’s favorite word…. resolution. We either love them, hate them, or make them and forget about them in a week. This year, I am going to try my best to come up with realistic resolutions and try to stick to them. I plan to write them out and put them where I can see them every day to remind me of them. By seeing them, I will feel motivated to accomplish them. My three resolutions for 2018 are…
Snack less. I love to snack, and I have a big sweet tooth, this year I’m going to choose healthier foods instead of my sweet and salty choices. I often get something to eat when I think I’m hungry when I’m not. We all can indulge from time to time but its important to choose healthier options and snack less between meals. This is going to be a tough resolution, but I hope to see changes this year.
Read more. I love to read, but I also love my tv shows. I read a lot over the summer and over break, reading relaxes me and I like to step away from technology to escape for a bit (yes, I still read real books and I don’t plan on switching anytime soon.) This year, I am planning on carving time into my schedule to read, I’m thinking about incorporating it into my nighttime routine, but I would love your input and thoughts. Comment below!!
Be more flexible. I love my schedules, my plans, and my organization. But, I’ve learned I need to be more flexible and not always stick to a schedule. I want to have more spontaneous adventures and outings in my life this year. This will be the hardest resolution for 2018, but I can’t wait to see how different I am from the beginning to the end of this year.
I limited myself to three resolutions because I want to be realistic and not over commit myself to things I can’t follow through on. What are your resolutions? What changes do you want to see in your lives this year? I know it can be scary, but we can all support each other together on this journey. I’ll be keeping you all updated on my resolutions this year and I hope you will do the same with me. Here’s to change in 2018!
It’s the last post of 2017! Where has the year gone!! Thank you to everyone who followed my journey and supported my first year as a blogger! I truly appreciate all the kind comments and you, the readers! Get ready for 2018, I have even more ideas and collaborations in the upcoming months. I hope you join me next week with the new year.
Today, I’m wrapping up 2017, with one last look and by far one of my favorites!!
I wore this outfit for Christmas. But, i have many more ideas of where I can wear this outfit.
I got this lace black dress from Charming Charlie. I’ve gotten accessories from there but never clothes! I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the dress and the cost! I got it on sale right before the holidays. Win win! I know this dress will be something I have somehting in my collection for a while. A girl should always have a little black dress.
Since I wore a black dress, I wanted to add a pop of color. I wore cherry red nail polish from Chrome Girl Nails.It was a great sparkly red. I got this pair of red heels to go with this black dress from DSW. I was looking for something fun to go with this black dress and these shoes did the trick. My last pop of red came in the form of red lip stick!
I dressed the outfit up with a pair of pearl earrings and a pearl necklace and ring.
I got a monogrammed cute clutch for Christmas from a friend and it tied my whole outfit together.
Overall, i was very happy with how my outfit turned out. I know i will be able to wear this dress again and again!
Have a safe and joyous New Years! See you in 2018!!!
Happy day after Christmas. Have you recovered from all the sugar? Is wrapping paper still all over your home? Grab a cup of coco and settle in for the top things of 2017.
2017, is coming to an end. Where has this year gone? Today, I’m wrapping out the year with my top 5 things of 2017. These include my favorite books, tv series, movies, and fashion trends. Let’s take a walk down memory lane, shall we…
Favorite Book: “Grace Not Perfection” I read this book this past fall and it really made me appreciate the simple things. I found it very relatable and it was easy to read. It gave me tips to stay organized and embrace simplicity. Emily Ley, the author, has a new book out called “The Simplified Life”, I am already planning to read it next year. “Grace Not Perfection”, is a terrific book to kick off 2018 with, I highly recommend it.
Must read especially going into a new year.
Favorite TV Show: 2017, brought a lot of new shows. My personal favorite was SEAL Team. It’s a military drama about life both in the warzone and coming home. Each episode takes the team on different missions, but once they get home, the struggles are still the same. Plus, can we talk about what a good looking cast that is?! It returns January 3, 2018 on CBS. Wednesdays at 9:00.
It returns Wednesday, January 3, 2018
-Favorite Movie: “Beauty and the Beast”, I love the remaking of classic Disney movies. From the music, to the actors, and the set design, I loved every aspect. Seeing this movie brought back many childhood memories, although I will always be biased to Cinderella. This was a great family movie that could be enjoyed by all.
Loved reliving my childhood through this movie
Favorite Album/ Music: 2017, had a lot of good music. My personal favorites were Ed Sheeran’s Divide, I listened to his album nonstop especially when it came to writing endless papers for school. I loved Jessie James Decker’s second album, Southern Girl City Lights. I loved the message behind every song. And lastly, to end the year, Taylor Swift made her return with Reputation. The album got me going early mornings in the gym.
Started 2017 with this albumLoved the meaning behind all the songs.
Ended 2017 in a bang with Ms. Swift
Favorite Accessory: This year I couldn’t get enough monogramming done. Whether it was a baseball cap, scarf or purse. I love the personalization of getting something monogrammed. I love my local monogramming boutique but Marley Lilly and Etsy are great go-tos.
ClutchHat
Scarf
Well there you have it. My top favorite things of 2017. What were your favorites? What are you excited for in 2018? I’ll be sharing one last fashion trend on Thursday. See you then.
Winter is underway back home for me. This outfit is perfect for some last minute shopping or if you are planning ahead this would work great for heading to class. All these pieces work well alone but when you put them all together, you get something special. I wore this outfit a few days ago and I got lots of compliments. No better feeling than feeling good in clothes you love. This outfit is warm and comfortable but looks chic. All things we look for in clothes.
We have all seen the boots I am wearing before (with skirts, dresses, jeans, and leggings) but today I changed it up and wore a pair of fuzzy boot socks with them to bring out the winter white.I got these socks from American Eagle.
These are my favorite faux leather leggings. They have a fun Aztec pattern on them. I love faux leggings because they dress up an outfit rather than just wearing black leggings.
My blue chambray shirt is from Old Navy. I love the faded light blue especially in the winter months. In the warmer months, if you pair it with a pair of white shorts, you get a great look too.
My winter white infinity scarf is from Target, believe it or not. It keeps me warm in the colder months and is a great statement piece. Plus, I adore how it matches my winter white boot socks.
A pair of silver hoops, top of my outfit. I hope this gives you some ideas of how to dress fashionably but still stay warm.
Next week, I have two posts planned for the new year!! We are going out of 2017 in style! Until then, I hope you and your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas!!
Another semester has come and gone. Last week I wrapped on my third semester, by far it has been the busiest and most challenging one. In the past few short months, I took 19 credits worth of courses, started a new job, joined a Honor’s Society, and made many new friends. I grew as a person, and a changed in more ways than I thought. Back in August, someone told me, by the time Christmas rolled around I would be a different person than I was back in August, and boy they weren’t wrong. The top five things that had the biggest impact or that I learned this semester are:
– Heavy course load- I took more credits and classes this semester. It was a challenge to accomplish everything, but I did it. I found new places to study and made new friends in my classes. I learned so much and the courses I took helped point me in the right direction for what I want to do as a career. I also made the decision based on credits I brought in from high school to graduate early. I will be graduating college in December 2019, a semester early. Two years from Saturday I will be a college graduate, which is both exciting and nerve racking.
This is just a small peek into how I stay organized and on top of everything related to school.I wouldn’t have survived my classes if it weren’t for these girls. Love them to pieces.–
– My new job. I took on a new job this semester and it has most definitely impacted me. I have more responsibilities and I had to step out of my comfort zone several times this semester. To be honest, this job has caused me stress, like any job does, but I have grown a lot this semester. I am more assertive and confident (well, that’s something I’m still working on). But, a lot of good has come from this job. I have met a lot of good people that I work with on a daily basis. People that started out as strangers are now some of my closest friends. Although, I am using this Christmas Break to catch up on some much need rest and relaxation, I’ll be excited to start back again in January.
My new job has brought me both smiles and stress, like any job.So blessed I met mt friend Liv through my job. She has been the best mentor and friend. I was told I would meet some of my best friends through this job and I’m so glad i met Liv.
– Try new things. I applied and got accepted into my college’s Honor’s Program. After a lot of persuading from both friends and professors, I decided to apply, and I got in. As a member of the Honor’s Program, I will be taking more rigorous courses, and I will be attending activities as a group. One activity I went to was an Opera performance of “The Marriage of Figaro”, it was very well done and I was happy I made the decision to attend. I am excited to see what other things we do as a group.
A night out for the Opera.
– Letting Loose. Between school and my job, I worked a lot this semester, so when I had a weekend free, I took advantage of it with friends and family. I had movie nights with friends, went on trips to the city, danced the night away at semi formals, and headed home for a few weekends to spend time with family. I learned this semester there always must be a balance between work and fun. Thankfully, I had great friends who made sure I had fun even when I wasn’t always up for it. Even my friends from high school were always there if I needed a laugh or a pick me up. Whether it was a night out or a chick flick night in, my friends and I knew how to have a good time.
My bestie Danielle and I before a Halloween DanceA night out with Shay at semi formal. I have no idea where I would be without this girl. She truly is a forever friend.A night out in the city to celebrate Christmas!!
– Self Care. With a busy semester, I learned how to take care of myself. Whether it was calling it an early night, working out at the gym, reading a new book, rewatching my favorite guilty pleasure on Netflix (hello, did someone say, Gossip Girl?!?!) , or even doing my nails. I learned that I am not helpful to anyone if I don’t take care of myself first. I am still learning to take care of myself. I will always try to say yes, but I need to learn to say no more. I over commit, and I try to please everyone. Towards the end of this semester, I learned to slow down more. That is something I plan to work on more for the spring semester.
Smiling is the easiest way to spread happiness. At the end of the day, all we can do is keep smiling.
Some days it felt like this semester dragged on, and other days, I can hardly believe it is already December! Overall, I had a successful semester. I learned a lot and I gained a lot. I can’t wait to see what next semester has in store for me. Until then….xoxo
Today’s look of the day is all about layering. I love to layer my outfits especially in the fall and winter. Layering gives you the option to be comfortable in warm or cool temperatures. I’m an enthusiastic fan of Old Navy. Their clothes are inexpensive and pretty good quality, they will last you a few seasons. I get all my jeans from there. They have assorted styles and sizes for each individual body type. Lastly, you can’t beat their sales. Whenever I am home from school, I always take a peak in Old Navy. This post is not sponsored by Old Navy, I’m just sharing my love for it and encouraging you guys to check it out. Now moving on to my outfit.
These are my favorite go-to high black boots. I’ve worn them in the past with leggings, dresses and skirts but now you can see them with jeans. They are super comfortable and great for fall and winter.
These jeans are from Old Navy, I’m wearing the regular, straight cut jean. I also have a pair of boot cut, I tend to wear those with a wedge or heel.
Let’s talk about this sweater. How cute is it? I love the red hearts and navy. It goes perfect with the blue jeans as well. Also, it may be a few months away but this sweater would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. Since my sweater was light weight I paired it with my navy vest from Francesca’s Boutique. Now, if it has already started to snow by you, a navy coat would complement the sweater and jeans as well.
I wore simple gold jewelry and wore a coral-red for a pop of color on my lips.
This outfit would be perfect for heading to class or going out on a lunch date with a girlfriend. What’s your go-to store that you get your favorite pieces from? Let me know in the comments below. xoxo
With Christmas just a few weeks away, I’m answering a few holiday themed questions thanks to the The Blended Blog. Feel free to answer the questions too. Let’s see how much we have in common.
Real or Fake Tree?
Real! Always real. Some of my favorite memories as a kid is picking out and cutting down our Christmas tree. It’s one of my favorite Christmas traditions!
Favorite Christmas Cookie?
Sugar Cookies. I love the baking and decorating and fun that goes into baking cookies. We make our own cookie dough and icing, which takes time but it’s part of the fun. No better snack than cookies and milk.
Home on Christmas Morning or Travel?
Always home. On Christmas day we spend the whole day at home in our pajamas. My family and I are constantly on the go so it’s nice to take some time to just be home and with family.
Clear or Colored Lights?
Our tree is always covered in colored lights. We have an array of ornaments from our childhood to present day. I love seeing all the colored lights illuminate our family room.
Send Christmas Cards?
Yes!! We are big Christmas card people. We love to both give and receive them. I am currently working on putting together this year’s card. I love having a creative outlet and Christmas cards are the perfect excuse to do something festive during the holidays. Also, living in such a technological world, it’s always nice to get actual mail.
Favorite Christmas Present Received?
When I was five years old, I got my doll house. Later, I found out how much time my dad spent building and working on it. To this day it was my favorite Christmas gifts.
Favorite Christmas Gift Given?
My friends and I love anything monogrammed and this year I got them monogrammed pop sockets! They all loved them and it was something super personalized. I love gifts with meanings.
Stockings or No Stockings?
Stocking of course! And you better believe they were hung by the chimney with care!
Christmas PJ’s?
Oh yes! Every year my brothers and I get all decked out with our Christmas PJ’s and wear them all Christmas day.
Favorite Christmas Carol?
Not really a Christmas Carol but I love the song, “Do They Know it’s Christmas”, such a good song with a good message. Also I love all the renditions that have come out through the years!
Favorite Holiday Tradition?
Going around looking at Christmas lights as a family and reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” on Christmas Eve. Although we may have gotten older, the traditions always stay the same.
Early Shopper or Last Minute?
Typically, I’m a last minute but this year I got a lot of it done early thanks to Amazon!!! Being away at college, I don’t have a lot of time to do shopping so shopping online has been so helpful this year.
Favorite Christmas Movie or Show?
I’ve always loved the cartoon, “A Year Without a Santa Claus”, such a classic feel good movie. I am also a huge fan of “The Santa Clause” series. The one liners never get old.
Favorite Holiday Beverage?
Peppermint Hot Chocolate. My two favorite flavors mixed together! Nothing better than chocolate and mint.
-Cookies and Milk for Santa?
Of course! Would it be Christmas without it?!
Well, there you have it. My favorite things about Christmas. What do we have in common? What are you favorite holiday traditions? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Tuesday! xoxo
A very winter-y outfit for Chrsitmas shopping or date night or even a class!
This winter outfit is perfect for heading to class, shopping for Christmas, or a date night. This comfortable outfit is a great way to kick off the first snowfall. Let’s get down to the details of the outfit.
This are my favorite black boots, they are warm and fashionable. Leather boots are so versatile, you can wear them with jeans, leggings, a skirt or dress. That is one of the many reasons I love these boots.
These cheetah print leggings are from Old Navy. I love the dark colors it comes in and how they can be pair with any outfit to dress it up. They are both comfortable and a pop of print instead of wearing standard black leggings.
I’m wearing a simple black shirt under this poncho. I get my solid black and white shirts from GAP and Old Navy. They are excellent quality and last a while.
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. Plus, not gonna lie, when I wear this poncho, I feel like I’m Olivia Pope and I can “handle” anything that gets in my way.
I’ve worn this hat before in the fall but here is another way you can wear the hat in the winter. I have bought all these things separately but put them together to form this chic outfit for a day of Christmas shopping.
I hope this inspires you to put pieces together you may not put together in the past. What is one accessory that completes all your outfits? Happy Thursday! xoxo
It’s the most wonderful time of the year….or worst if you are a college student like myself. Finals week is upon us. Time to grab those note cards, pull out the highlighters, and make those study guides. Whether you are studying for finals, or if you aren’t a college student, making your Christmas lists, here are some tips to stay organized this time of year.
Studying for Finals:
-Prepare in advance. – Look to see when your finals are scheduled and plan out of when you want to study for them.
Here’s my day planner. I write down every assignment, meeting, and final down so I don’t forget anything.
– Prepare on your own. – Read through both your notes and textbooks and make your own study guide so you aren’t going back and forth between book and notebook.
-Seek help. – Although we don’t always like to admit it, we sometimes need help. Go to a tutor if you need help in a subject. See your professor with questions you may have while studying. Organize study groups to make sure you are covering all the information.
-Take Care of Yourself. – Finals and the end of the semester are stressful. But don’t forget to take care of yourself. You won’t do well on a test if you are half a sleep or if you are sick from not eating healthy. It may be tempting but try not to skip meals and allow yourself for enough sleep or take a nap if you need to.
Preparing for Christmas:
I am always on my laptop, these post it icons make it easy for me to remember what things I have going on from finals, homework assignments, and extra things I need to get done. Like my Christmas gifts. I like to have it all in one place
-Make a List (and Check it twice). – Make a list for everyone you want to buy gifts for. Think relatives, coworkers, friends, any gift exchanges. You don’t want to leave anyone out on your list.
-Plan out your Gifts. – Do some research and plan what gifts you want to purchase and for whom. This saves time walking around a store waiting for the perfect gift to find you.
-Buy then Wrap. – Get all your purchasing done then wrap your goodies. Put on a Christmas movie and wrap while you relax. It’s easier to wrap everything at one point rather then wrapping things separating at different times.
-Enjoy the Christmas Season. – The holidays can be stressful but It’s important to remember what really matters; family, friends, Jesus. Take time for the family traditions and make memories.
I hope these tips help with preparing for your finals or your Christmas shopping. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, be sure to spend it well with friends and family.
It’s the last day of November which means Christmas is closer than ever!! Are you all decorated for Christmas? Is all your shopping done? I am decordated for Christmas and have some shopping done, but I’m no way ready yet for Christmas, let me get through finals first then bring on the Christmas season!
Today, I am sharing one of my new favorite dresses. I wore it for the first time last Thursday for Thanksgiving and it was a hit. I love how versatile this dress can be. It is made from a silky fabric that you can wear in Spring, Summer, and Fall. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. This dress would be perfect for a holiday party, family dinner, night out with the girls, or date night! Now let’s get down to the details.
I purchased this light lavender dress from Francesca’s Boutique! Whether, you are a long time supporter of my blog you are stopping by for the first time, Francesca’s is my favorite store go to store for unique pieces of clothing and this dress did not disappoint. The color was unique and soft, I loved the fabric it was made out of, and the details on the top and the sleeves are my favorite.
Because of the open and detailed neck, I opted out of a necklace. But I did dress up my fingers and ears with my favorite new accessories I got from American Eagle. I’ve worn them before with jeans, but this outfit shows how you can use them to dress up an outfit.
I dressed up my fingers with these rings!
I got this brown shoe boots from Bass Shoes. Once again, I love the unique character they have to them. Because it was a bit chilly on Thanksgiving, I wore a brown leather jacket which matched my shoes.
I loved the ensemble I pulled together for this outfit. What would you pair with this dress for accessories?
