Tag: college life

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Fabulous living

5 Years of Writing

5 years…every week for the past five years, I’ve sat down and opened my laptop and began to write. 

Some days, it was therapeutic to put into words what’s been on my mind, other days I got to talk about things I’m passionate about, like products, books, or movies.

 I’ve written about outfits I’ve put together and mixing and matching different pieces to keep things affordable.

I’ve written about how to keep your spaces clean whether it’s your dorm room, car, or daily planner.

I’ve written about trips I’ve taken, or bucket lists I’ve made and things I’ve accomplished. It’s amazing that just when I think so don’t have any more ideas, something new comes to mind. Over 350 posts and counting.

When I started my blog at the end of my freshmen year of college, I was looking for a creative outlet. I was homesick and I was searching for a hobby and decided why not write. My blog was a way to keep family members and friends in the loop about what I was doing and as a way to express myself.

A look at some of my first posts.

I looked forward to sharing different outfits and life hacks each week. As I grew up and matured, so did my blog. I changed the style and content as I made my way through college and graduated. If you have been following since the very beginning, you know there’s been changes with color schemes and the days I posted and even some of the topics. It’s been fun to look back and see how far I have come since May 2017.

Another throwback to one of my first outfits.

I learned balance with my blog as I started my first job. Every weekend I always looked forward to working on something creative and fun, especially as our world changed with the pandemic. Even with all the unknowns and at sometimes darkness, my blog was a bright spot for me and hopefully for others. 

From college to my first day of work

I’ve learned a lot about myself these past five years. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be vulnerable and share what’s on your mind, whether it’s about eating alone or transitioning from college to working. I’ve learned the importance of making time for yourself and finding joy every day, whether it’s through journaling or walks or cooking.

Enjoying the simple things in life like apple picking has been something I’ve leaned into more these past few years.

While I’ve learned a lot so far, I know I still have a ways to go. I’m excited to see what this next year brings. My hope is that it brings more life lessons, more memories, and most importantly, little moments that bring joy every day.

 To those who read my blog posts when I started writing them sitting in my college dorm room, thank you for sticking with me! And, to those who started following along as I now write them on weekend with my dog curled up on my lap back home, thank you for stopping by.

I hope my blog brings you a little bit of joy, like it does for me every day.

Here’s to a new year, a new chapter, and taking life one day at a time.

xoox

Elspeth

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Fabulous living

Thank You Saint Vincent College

Hello All!

My goodness, so much has happened since we last were together.  Since my last post, I finished all my finals and wrapped up all my work at school, I said goodbye to all my friends, I packed up my room, graduated college, moved out of college, and moved back home. What a whirlwind. 

Happy Graduation Day

I have been putting off this post because how does one put into words how much a place has meant to them and how much they have changed since going to college. I have completed changed since coming to college for the better. I am so much more happier and well-rounded and most importantly, confident in who I am. 

When I moved into college in August of 2016, I was scared of what to expect for what college would hold. Through every semester, I learned in and out of the classroom, I gained more leadership roles, I tried new things, got involved, but most importantly, I learned a tremendous about myself. 

I had professors in class who would become my bosses and greatest mentors. People who I was co-workers with have become some of my closest friends. Even individuals who I met on move in day have become my best friends. 

My bestie since day one, Danielle

College is a weird thing because, you meet people from all over the country from all different walks of life and one singular place ties you all together. You spend every day walking the halls and seeing the same familiar faces and then, all of a sudden, it’s graduation day and you all move on and go your separate ways. You may not see the people ever again but you are all still connected to that one place.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today, if it weren’t for my incredibly supportive family, loving friends, encouraging professors, and influential bosses and mentors. I have learned so much from the people who graduated before me and the people I had to leave behind. I’m so lucky and thankful for all the people who were a part of my college journey, whether it was from day one, two years ago, or even four months ago. I’m so glad I took every opportunity presented to me in college, whether it was for an honor society, job opportunity, or work study position. Every single experience has influenced me and helped shape me into the person I am today. 

I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my family

I couldn’t be more blessed with a school that allowed me to grow and flourish and find myself, however, it makes it so much harder to leave behind. Saint Vincent College has truly become home to me and I know I will be back. Thank you to the school that has given me so much. I will never forget my time at Saint Vincent College and all the incredible things it has given me. Once a Bearcat, Always a bearcat. 

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Fashion

Look of the Day #132

LOTD

Hi All! 

Since my last post, I have finished finals, finished work and have been packing and saying my goodbyes at school. It’s been a different week with no set schedule or routine, by I am taking it for what it is and enjoying all my moments at school. I can’t believe that I am days away from graduation… it is quite a surreal feeling. One thing that I have taken away from my time at college is to always dress for success and the appropriate ways to dress for an interview or work. 


Today, I’m showing an outfit that is perfect for a job interview. It is professional and appropriate. Before, I get into the details, here are a few tips for dressing for an interview

-Keep your makeup simple and soft, don’t overdo it. You are going to get a job, not a date out with friends. 

-The same goes for outfit choice, you want to choose an outfit that’s modest and appropriate.

-Always be prepared for any interview, bring your resume and reference with you as well as something to write with and a planner to be prepared.

-Do your research on the company you are interviewing at and don’t forget some questions too.

Now, onto the outfit. This is perfect for an interview or first day of work. 

Job interview…check!

I got this outfit from all different stores, but they all fit great together.

 First, these pants are from Talbots, I like the cut and style of the pant. They are a straight cut that go right to the ankle, which allows you to wear a small pump or heel. I opted for the same heels I wore for Thanksgiving. A simple black heel with a gold buckle. Kelly and Katie are my go-to for good quality shoes. It looks professional but it also adds length to your overall outfit. 

My black top, is a short sleeveless blouse from Francesca’s Boutique. I often wear it in the summer, but I opted for the outfit since it matches the pants and the blazer. 

This blazer is one that I wear often for formal occasions. I got it from Marshalls a few years back and I have worn it with dresses, jeans, and dress pants to fit any outing that I have. 

When I wore this outfit, I felt put together and professional-two big things to keep in mind for job interviews and work. 

Well, I am hours away from graduation day. I am planning on enjoying my last few days as a college student before it’s time for something new. I will see you back here on Tuesday for a very special post.

Until then, xoxo

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Fabulous living

Fall Semester Recap 2019-last one!!!

And we finished the race….

What a semester it has been. It has been a few months of many lasts but some firsts too. Last weekend working, last Founder’s day, last Halloween, last staff meeting, last time ever going to class and being a student. It’s a weird feeling knowing that I will never be a student again. Yet, it’s also exciting that I will be starting a new journey after college. 

 My semester has consisted of hours studying and writing papers, working long hours, making new friends and taking adventures to get brunch or shopping, applying for jobs and interviewing, maintaining traditions with friends and through school, going through all the lasts and saying goodbye to college. I knew this semester would go by fast but I never thought that I would blink and it would be over. Whenever someone asked me how this semester has been going, I have said the same thing, “it’s been busy”. That has been the honest truth, some weeks I had a full planner and pulling 16 hour days, other weekends were spent doing homework and work since my weeks were so busy. Although, this was my most challenging and busiest semester, I don’t regret a thing. I have loved everything that I have been involved in.  I’m truly going to miss my time in college. My college series will conclude next week with a thank you to the place that has impacted me the most.

Now, let’s recap what this semester has been like…

In August, I moved back to school one last time. I went through a few weeks of training for work before classes began.

Last time at training before the year started

 My classes schedule kept me very busy and it was by far my most challenging classes, but I learned a lot.

First day of senior year!

I spent Labor Day weekend by seeing the Jonas Brothers in concert which was so fun and a great way to start the year. 

Seeing the Jonas Brothers was incredible

September was filled with working most weekends and all the homework. It kept me busy and I was very productive. I spent weekends getting brunch or trying new places with friends. 

October brought homecoming, fall break home, and Halloween.

Homecoming with Danielle

It was so much fun to see friends old and new and celebrate fall. I finished my last weekend working which was a huge accomplishment. 

I kicked off fall break with a fall fest
Halloween with Danielle

November brought the end of the semester, Founder’s Day, Light Up Night, and Thanksgiving break, which was much needed. 

Last Founder’s Day
Light Up Night with Danielle

Following Thanksgiving brought the last week of classes.

Last time being in my room

This last week was filled with last nights of working, presenting portfolios, my last staff meeting, and my last time ever being in class. 

My sweet staff planned the best surprise for my last meeting

Now, I am just finishing finals week. I can’t believe how fast my time in college has gone. I have started saying many goodbyes, knowing that I may never see some people who made a huge impact on me ever again. College is a weird thing because for four or (three and a half) years you spend all your time with people who become family to you whether they are friends, professors, advisors, or mentors and then you have to leave and start all over and move on. I’m so lucky to have found a place that makes saying goodbye so hard. On Saturday, I will graduate and although, I am very excited, I will miss this place more than I can describe. The biggest things that I have taken away from this semester is: it’s never too late to make new friends, because they may become your closest ones, never give up, always push yourself even more and it will pay off, and God has a plan, once you surrender yourself to him that’s when things start to happen. 

I’ll see you on Thursday…xoxo

Categories
Fabulous living

Light Up Night 2019

Hey everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! It was so nice to be home, see family, enjoy lots of homecooked food and get a lot done while I was in town. I am back to school and ready to finish up my last week of classes and finals week before graduation. I can’t believe I am almost to the end.

Keeping up with my series of college posts, today, I am sharing a tradition that I have kept up with since I came to college, Light Up Night! It’s a night in the city when there are vendors, live performances, trees set up and fireworks to kick off the Christmas season. You can read my post from last year here. I headed down to the city with my friend Danielle and we enjoyed everything the city had to offer.

The city all ready for Christmas

We started off the night with burgers and shakes from Burgatory which were delicious, it was also so nice to be inside and warm before we hit the streets. After dinner on the North Shore, we headed over to Market Square to check out all the vendors. We made our way to PPG rink where we got some pictures and enjoy the tree with all the lights. Following the ice skating rink, we made our way over to the Point where we saw another tree and enjoyed seeing all the windows and building decorated. It’s so nice to see the whole city out and about for the holidays. There were families, couples, teenagers, and college students all out decked out for the holidays. 

The Christmas tree at the PPG ice rink

We then made our way back to the North Shore to enjoy the fireworks. It was a 20 minute show and was fantastic. There were so many different kinds of colors and fireworks. 

An incredible fireworks show

Although, it was chilly it was so fun. I have loved going down to the city for these events during my time in college, it’s so fun to see the whole community to come out and enjoy the Christmas spirit. This has been one of my favorite traditions to get into the holiday spirit while being away at school and considering we are already in the month of December there is no better way to get in the Christmas spirit.

And snagged a selfie with my favorite person

On Thursday, I will be sharing my Thanksgiving outfit, it was perfect for the occasion and you will be able to wear this outfit for the holiday season. See you on Thursday for a new look of the day.

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Fabulous living

My College Career in Four Journals

Hey everyone! Happy Tuesday. I hope you all had a great and restful weekend. With only a few weekends left in college, I am trying to soak up all the time I have left being with my friends, I have been taking advantage of going out to brunch with my buddies, having good conversations with friends, and always being down to do something. 

That brings me to my new series of blog posts. I started this blog when I was in my freshmen year of college and a lot has happened since I started it. The next several weeks, my posts will be dedicated to reflecting on my time in college, my favorite memories, what I learned, a final semester recap, and a thank you to a place that I have truly grown in so many ways. 

Four years of memories, moments, and happiness

Today’s post is something that I have talked about through the years, but I am ready to really talk about it more. Let’s talk about journaling! I can successfully say that I have journaled through my entire college career. Yes, every single day of college, is documented and written about. I can tell you what I was doing on November 29, 2016, or April 16, 2017, or January 25, 2018, and even on August 26, 2019. I can tell you how I was feeling, what I was struggling with, what sparked joy that day because I wrote it all down. Looking back, this was one of the best decisions I made while I was in college. Writing about my feelings, what I was going through, what things caused me stressed and what things made me happy was such a good way to unwind and reflect. It also put things in perspective for me. I never had a full day where I complained, I always found something positive or good about the day, whether it was getting a good grade on an exam or catching up with an old friend. Journaling every day made me realize how good life is, and all the things I have to be grateful for. Every year, I had a different theme for my journaling.

Freshmen year, my mom gifted me this journal when I moved into my first day of college. I journaled about every single thing that happened, what I ate for breakfast, how my classes went, what I did for fun and when I went to bed. I was so detailed with my journaling. It was a great way to unwind at the end of the day and reflect of everything I got done. This method really worked during a year of adjusting to a new place and new people. It was a form of comfort to me. 

Sophomore year-my year of YES

Sophomore year came and it was all about yes saying to everything. I started a new job, met new friends, tried new things and stepped out of my comfort zone. I had read Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes and I made my sophomore year my year of yes. I started every day with my Years of Yes journal. The journal was set up with a topic each month to say yes to things. There was 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 spent 5 minutes a day on this and it was such a positive way to start the day. I loved seeing all the things I tried and said yes to through the year. 

Junior Year JOY

Junior year brought JOY. I decided to journal about all the joy in my life. I found myself getting negative about the small things in life, whether it was a long day or friendship troubles. I decided to find joy in every day. I would write down three good things or three things that brought me joy. After doing this for a full year I got to change my mindset and see all the good things in my life. It also made the small annoying things in life seem nonexistent. I’m so glad I found the good in every day. 

Finding Grace in my Senior Year

For senior year, I wanted to try something new. I have always been very involved and balancing a lot of things in life, which I do very well at. For senior year, I decided to give myself the gift of grace. I was inspired by Emily Ley’s Grace Not Perfection and, journaled every day from prompts in the book, A Standard of Grace as well sharing the highlights of my day. It really made me focus on what was important in life. 

Four years later

Although, my college career is winding down, I will continue to journal, it has been a great stress reliever, and a beautiful way to reflect on my time in college and see the beauty and good in every day. Journaling has brought me so much joy and happiness and I am so glad I have four journals full of thoughts, memories, and happiness from my time in college. 

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #125

LOTD

Hey everyone! Happy Thursday! I can’t believe it is already Thursday. This has been a shorter week for me due to fall break. It was so nice to get home for a break and family time, but now it’s back to work. I had so many fun fall activities over break and I got to break out all the fall clothes, which brings me to today’s look of the day. 

I went to a fall fest over break and it was the perfect occasion to wear browns and burgundy. I started out my outfits with these maroon/burgundy pants from American Eagle. I love how they are pants but are made from soft material and are easy to stretch and move around in.

I love to pair these pants with a neutral top, I often go with a cream, black or white. Today, I went with a white. Due to chillier temps, I matched a brown leather jacket from Francesca’ Boutique with it and wore a gray infinity scarf also from Francesca’s Boutique as well. 

I kept the brown consistent through the outfit with brown boots that I got from T.J. Maxx a few years back. I love the shorter boot and how well it matches with the outfit. 

This ensemble would be great for a fall day with temperatures in the 50’s, not too chilly but not super warm either. I love to layer in this season, so this outfit works out even better. The colors give you all the fall vibes and it’s in style too. What’s your favorite part about fall fashion?!

Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!

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Fabulous living

21 Birthday Celebrations

Happy Tuesday!

I’m back to the grind after one of my best weekends, I’ve had in a long time! I headed to the Pittsburgh area to celebrate my 21stbirthday with many of my college friends.

I had the absolute time, it was such a good time that I didn’t take any pictures. Haha!

Heading to Pittsburgh to celebrate!

I headed out on early Saturday morning and got brunch with my friend Bailey before the festivities began. It was a cute breakfast cafe where we got the best breakfast tacos! YUM!

My friends and I spent the day hanging out by the pool, playing games, eating, and drinking and catching up. We all met and became friends through work, it’s amazing how one job can bring so many people together. It was so good just to relax and spend time together!

In the evening, we got dinner and went out for the night. It was so good to be with my friends and have a good time. The next morning, we got brunch and relaxed for the day before I headed back home. 

Lots of memories were created during the weekend, it was so good to see all my friends and be together since we don’t see each other all the time.  The weekend also showed me how important it is to stay in touch with friends and make an effort to see one another. 

Me and my girls!!

My amazing friend Bailey hosted and helped plan the whole weekend which was the best gift I could ask for. We have been talking and planning this weekend for over a month and I’m so glad she made it happen. I’m so blessed to have her in my life and call her one of my best friends. There will definitely more memories made between us this summer and in years to come. 

Huge shout out to this girl for planning a fantastic and memorable weekend!

Sorry for the shorter post, but sometimes it’s best to just be present in the moment and turn the phone off for a while, especially since my friends and I don’t get to see each other that often.

Moral of the story, pick up the phone and make plans with your friends whether they are near or far, you won’t regret it.

Have a beautiful week ahead!

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Fabulous living

TWO Years of Blogging

Two years…it’s amazing how much has changed since I started this blog after my freshmen year of college. Just to show how much I have changed, here’s my first ever post. I started this blog as a way to talk about transitioning and adjusting to college life along with fitness, organization and fashion and it has become so much more than that. I’ve become a better writer, more open, a stronger person and stepped out of my comfort zone with this blog.

 I’ve shared about the places I’ve travelled to, like Washington D.C., Chicago, andRome. 

  • Me in D.C.
  • Chilly in Chi-town!
  • ROMA

I’ve talked about ways to decorate your dorm room,organize your makeup, and prepare for college exams. 

  • Junior Year dorm room
  • Makeup Organization at it’s finest
  • Finals prep

I have shared over 100 different outfits, they have ranged from semi-formal looks, outfits for the office, clothes for thewinter, spring, summer, and fall.

  • Semi-formal
  • Professional
  • Winter
  • Fall
  • Summer
  • Spring

I have talked a lot about college living,summer internships, and the adjustments to living in college.

Getting in front of the camera too at my internship

Some of my favorite posts have been my semester recaps,summer recaps,and fun facts about me. 

  • Making memories with family
  • Many moments with friends
  • Trips Abroad
  • Time spent studying
  • Family trips
  • Trips to the city

That is just a look into my favorite posts that I’ve covered these past two years. I opened up about being homesick, getting used to college life, and home life, and back to college life. I have shared my friends, family, dogs, and favorite things with you- from tv shows, books, and ways to have fun.

This blog has been a great stress reliever, whenever I would be stressed or I wanted to share something new I learned, my blog was my go-to.

 I truly wouldn’t be here without you all! Thank you for your love, support and for reading my posts every day whether it is about fashion, fitness, or day to day life. I have had so many people and friends tell me they have read my blog, follow it, or make a suggestion for it. It means so much to me that you take the time out of your lives to read about my life. This next year of blogging will be different as I will be graduating college and entering a new phase in my life. There will also be some surprises in this next year, there will be new content, different types of posts, and so many fun things in the future so stay tuned!! But not to fear, the blog is not going anywhere. I’m going to taking it day by day as I start a new adventure and I hope you will come with me on this journey. 

Thank you for reading, the love, and support

Here’s to TWO years of ups and downs and taking it one day at a time. 

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #102

LOTD

Hello all! Happy Thursday, I am wrapping up finals week. This week has flown by, I have been able to catch up with friends, make memories and wrap up the semester. I will be moving back home this weekend where I will be for the summer. On Tuesday, I will be sharing my semester recap-one of my favorite posts, but until then I have a look of the day that is all about spring, pastel colors. I love to add color to my outfits any chance I get, and this outfit was the perfect opportunity to channel all the spring vibes. 

All Set for Spring

When I wore this outfit, I was running errands and wanted something comfortable but also chic. I got this mint green top from Francesca’s Boutique a few years back. I love how it is so versatile. I typically wear it dressed up with dress pants or a skirt, but it can be worn with jeans or leggings as well. This color is perfect for the spring and summer months, I also love that you can layer it if necessary. A long or short sweater would go perfectly with this combo. 

I opted for a pair of skinny black leggings with the bold, bright top. Gap is always my go-to for long-lasting durable leggings. 

My shoes are my favorite part of my outfit. I got these shoes on sale at DSW and immediately fell in love with them last year. I love how they are slides, but the pattern is so fun, bright, and colorful. These slide shoes are becoming so popular, I have seen them in so many stores. I have worn these shoes with dresses, skirts, dress pants, even rompers, but I loved how they looked with leggings and how the green in my top brought out my shoes. I will be getting a lot of use out of these this summer. 

How cute are these fun flats, they can go with so many outfits!

Lastly, I had to share my new favorite phone case/wristlet. I got it last year from MarleyLilly and not only do I love the monogram but I love that I can easily fit my phone and ID/credit card and be on the go, I don’t have to worry about taking a huge purse or not having pockets, this is the perfect size for the necessities. 

Who doesn’t get all the spring feels from this outfit?!

I am off to wrap up the last few days before its summer time. Have an enjoyable weekend! To all the moms out there-have a beautiful and restful Mother’s Day, thank you for all that you do, especially to my incredible mom! I’m so glad I will be home to celebrate Mother’s Day with her!

What can I say? I got it from my mom!