Tag: college living

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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

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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. 

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Fashion

Look of the Day #128

LOTD

Hey hey friends!

Happy Thursday! Last week, I promised to share my Halloween costume from last week. I went to a school dance and dressed up with friends. It was a great time to celebrate Halloween. I wanted something easy and affordable and DIY for my costume. After looking up many Pinterest costumes, I found something that was easy and creative. 

I decided to go as a lady bug and my friend Danielle went as a bee!

I got all my supplies from Walmart for all under $25! I got the plain black and red shirts from Walmart for $4.00 each. I then got the wings and anteens for $8.00! What a steal! After I had all my supplies, we assembled it together. For my top, I got black circle stickers and stuck them on the red shirt. For the bee, we took the yellow duct tape and taped it on the shirt. This took us less than 10 minutes to assemble. I loved how simply and easy it was to throw it together. I wore black leggings and black high boots to finish off the outfit. Danielle wore black jeans and sneakers. Two very different ways to wear the outfit. 

The Lady Bug

This costume showed me that you don’t have to break the bank on a Halloween costume, you can use things you have at home or spend a minimal amount at the store, all that matters is having fun with friends!

I hope this inspires you to step out of your comfort zone with your costume choices. I hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween! I can’t believe that we are gearing up for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season soon!

Have a great weekend ahead!

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Fashion

Look of the Day #123

LOTD

Hi everyone! Happy Thursday! This has been a busy week but I am ready for the weekend. It’s my school’s homecoming weekend so I am very excited to see old friends, spend time with family and get in the school spirit for the weekend. It will be a fun time. Before I get to all the fun this weekend, I want to share an outfit that I wore last week and immediately fell in love with it and had to share!

This outfit is perfect for meetings and presentations and going to class and even good for a day at the office. 

This last semester has been a very busy one, between classes, work, meetings and applying for jobs, every day is different. I like to choose outfits that can be versatile for the day, no matter what I am doing. 

Ready for the day.

I got these dress pants from The Limited. I love that they are comfortable and wash well but also are a dress pant. I do have a lot of black in my wardrobe, so the navy blue breaks up my style. 

I opted for a simple white shirt for my top. I got this top from GAP, and I love the material and how it still looks new after several washes. White and black shirts are a must in my closet. 

The whole ensemble

I decided to add a pop of color to my outfit with this red blazer. I love this blazer because you can wear it in any season, its light for summer, warm for fall, festive for winter and Christmas and then bright for spring. It can also dress up a dress, dress pants or a skirt. I love to wear it when I need to change up what I have been wearing. 

I added suede shoe boots for this outfit to get into the fall spirit, plus it also adds height to my outfit. I got these shoe boots from Shoe Carnival and they have held up so well through the years. 

I decided to finish off my outfit with silver jewelry and red lipstick with neutral makeup to match the jacket. 

Up close of make up
Red nails for the win

Overall, this outfit was chic and effortless to pull off. It worked perfect for days when I had a lot going on and it worked for every function I had to attend. 

I hope you all kick off October this weekend by doing something fun. Happy Fall friends!

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Fashion

Look of the Day #122

LOTD

Hi everyone! Happy Thursday after a hectic week I am looking forward to catching up on the return of my favorite fall shows…hello TGIT!

 Well it’s officially fall, even if it doesn’t feel like it quite yet. I am looking forward to wearing some of my favorite fall colors and transitioning my wardrobe. I started to change over my clothes these past few weeks. The weather has been hard to plan for, some mornings its 45 degrees when I leave for class and then by the afternoon it is hot and humid. In order to battle this challenging weather, I have found the key is to wear long pants and a short sleeve top or shorts and a long sleeve top. 

Today’s look is an example of one of those outfits. On this particular day, I have a few meetings that I had to attend so I wanted to keep it professional while also comfortable. I also wanted to get into the fall mood by wearing darker colors. 

Off to class

I first opted for dark black leggings. What I love about these is that they feel like leggings but don’t look like them. I got these from Target and I’m on the hunt for a new pair. 

Full outfit

I matched the pants with my dark black slip on sneakers, also from Target. I wanted the comfort of a sneaker but not the look of a sneaker and these did the trick.

In order to dress up the outfit, I wore a silver blouse from Francesca’s Boutique with the outfit. I also accented the outfit with black and silver jewelry to add a pop to the outfit. 

Up close of make up and jewelry

Due to the darker shades in my outfit, I wore a darker lip shade, but kept my makeup light and loose. I didn’t want too dark of an outfit for September.  I also did a darker shade for my nails. I went with a deep red to get into the fall mood.

Up close of nails

I will probably wear an outfit similar to this in the winter when it gets colder, but until then I am going to adjust my clothing to the weather. 

Have a great weekend everyone and do something the speaks fall to you!

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Fabulous living

Fall Shows to Start Watching

Hey everyone!

Happy Tuesday! I don’t know about you, but this week is one of my favorite weeks of the entire year…what makes the last week of September so great?! Fall shows are starting back up again! As much as I love binge watching series, there is truly nothing better than following a series week to week, year to year. Call my old school, but I love watching a show and being on the edge of my seat until the next episode airs next week. 

I started getting invested with tv series and “my shows” when I was in middle school. I think the first show I remember watching weekly was LOST…what a throwback, but still such a good show. Since then I have watched shows on all the major networks, everything from dramas, to comedies, procedures, and limited series. I have a few shows that I have watched from the early seasons, but I also find new shows to get into every year. I am so excited for the lineup of shows for this year. Here are a few that I am most excited for and why…

  1. This is Us
This Is Us

I love This is Us, it’s one of those shows that is so relatable, from family issues, to relationship struggles, and the every day life. You have to watch from the beginning, so you don’t get confused with the time jumps. I am excited to see where they go this season, they added a lot of new cast members and not only have they been going back in time, but now they are going forward in time. It premieres TONIGHT at 9 pm on NBC.

A Million Little Things

I got into A Million Little Things right after the first episode aired. It follows the story of a group of friends coping with their “perfect” friend’s suicide and how his friends and family are handling it and moving on. However, there is a lot to uncover following the sudden death. The first season was so well done, I am looking forward to seeing what direction season 2 goes in and what other storylines it explores. It premieres this Thursday at 9 pm on ABC.

How to Get Away with Murder

Another Shondaland show that keeps you on the edge of your seat. After 6 years of getting away with murder, will Annalise Keating and her crew finally have to pay for their crimes?! When I first started this show when it premiered, I was immediately drawn in with the murder and mayhem. There has been a lot of secrets, covering up, and death through the years but I’m anxious to see how it will all end up. The FINAL season premieres this Thursday at 10 pm on ABC after A Million Little Things, all part of the TGIT lineup. 

Outlander

If you followed my blog this summer, you know I was obsessed with Outlander this summer. I am so happy they finally announced that season 5 will be back on Starz starting February 16 at 9 pm on Starz. Although, season 4 didn’t leave us on a huge cliffhanger, I can’t wait to see what has been going in the late 1700’s in America, plus who doesn’t love Claire and Jamie?! I can’t wait until February! Luckily, I have these shows to hold me over until it comes back on!

The Masked Singer

So far, we have a mix of some drama and some intense shows, we clearly need a bit of reality tv!! Enter, The Masked Singer. I watched some of last season and fell in love with it, it takes who’s under the mask to a whole new level. I love trying to guess who is performing based on the clues they give and their singing abilities. Can’t wait to see who is on the show. This premieres TOMORROW at 8 pm on Fox. 

There you have it, a brief recap of a few shows I am most looking forward for this upcoming season. DO you have any favorites that didn’t make the cut?! Let me know in the comments below! I am always open to new shows, even if my schedule doesn’t allow it…haha! I will make it work, that’s a promise!

Have a great week everyone and watch some tv!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #120

Hey friends! It’s Thursday, I hope your week was filled with productivity and some fun. 

Although, we are in the midst of September, it doesn’t feel like fall yet, it’s still warm in the 70’s with some cooler air. I’m soaking up as much warm weather before it’s boots and sweaters. But, who am I kidding, I will be excited to start changing my wardrobe for the new season. Today’s outfit is one that is perfect for the pre-fall days. I have started wearing darker colors to get into the fall mood. 

Transitioning summer into fall

I have worn this top for more business casual outfits for the office, but I love how you can dress it down with a pair of jean capris and sandals. I got this blue beaded top from Francesca’s Boutique. I love the material and the gold accents. 

I decided to match this top with blue jean capris from Old Navy, my go to denim. I am thinking about adding a pair of skinny jeans to the mix this fall. 

Even though it is the end of fall/ beginning of fall, I am still wearing these cute gem sandals when I wear jeans or sundresses. 

This fall, I’m still wearing more neutral makeup as I am back to school. I loved the way my skin felt in the summer by wearing minimal makeup and I want to try and continue to do that in the fall. I am mixing in more darker hues and deeper pinks and plum colors in my lip color or eye shadow. By slowing adding darker colors into my makeup and wardrobe, I am getting into the fall mode.

All natural with a touch of pink for end of summer

As much as I am enjoying this warm weather, I will be happy when it’s all fall, all the time! Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the changing weather!