Depending on when you read this I am either in the middle of taking my last final or have already finished it. Yay!! I have to stay for work until tomorrow and then it is home for Christmas break, I can hardly wait.
A little background about today’s look of the day. I wasn’t planning on sharing this outfit, but when I put it on I couldn’t resist sharing it. I apologize for the mirror selfie but this outfit screamed Christmas and with the holiday quickly approaching I think this would be the perfect opportunity to share this look.
Festive for the Holidays
This outfit is fairly simple. I am wearing my suede wedges from Shoe Carnival for this look.
These are my favorite dark wash, boot cut jeans from Old Navy. The boot cut looks works great with a low wedge.
This is my favorite long sleeve white t-shirt from Old Navy, I like how it is a simple V-neck so you can mix and match it with outfits. This may seem like a simple outfit of blue jeans and a white t-shirt but this scarf completely changes the outfit.
This is a blanket scarf but I tied it up so it can be worn over my top. The plaid is perfect for the holidays, and I always love a good monogram especially when its right out front. I topped off my outfit with a bright lip. I got this scarf as a gift a few years back and I always love to bring it out during the holidays.
I hope this look gets you into the Christmas spirit, we are getting closer and closer to the holidays. Good luck with all your last minute preparations for Christmas.
Hello All! Happy Tuesday. I hope your week has been going well. I am in the middle of finals week. I’m looking forward to finishing up these next few days and then enjoying some much deserved time off.
Today’s post is all about my review of 2018, now, you may think it’s a little early for this, but next week I have my semester recap, since I still have some things planned before I head out for the semester, then the next Tuesday is Christmas and the following Tuesday is New Years. I’ll be taking both of those days off to spend with family. Therefore, today will be a recap of 2018 and next Tuesday will be my semester recap. Makes sense? Let’s get to it!
2018, was such a good year for me. It included, job shadowing, an incredible internship, lots of new classes and hours of school work, taking on new roles and jobs, making new friends, saying goodbye to close friends, lots of family time, traveling, and countless memories
January started out with me job shadowing at a local news station where I had the best day, it led me to an incredible internship in the summer. My spring semester was filled with lots of learning, challenging classes, a new job, and many memories with friends, from dinners out, girls days, and late night adventures.
One of the late night adventures from last year, heading to the S.P., a hidden gem one of my friends found, it’s become an inside joke and loved place by our group of friends.
My two close friends Olivia and Bailey, we have had so many good times through this year.
From fall fests…
To light up night
and even walking to class, I wouldn’t be able to make it through college without them
My summer was filled with my summer internship, working at my part time job, spending time with family, seeing friends from high school, going to concerts, and accomplishing my to do list, which included some relaxing too. You can see my summer recap here.
Lots of family time. Family over Everything
Fourth of July spent with my favorites
…Are you Ready for It?. Taylor Swift was a hit this summer
The Piano Guys
Getting in front of the camera too
This fall semester was filled with A LOT of work, starting another new job, maintaining my old job, movie nights, building friendships, dinners out with friends, late night adventures, and not enough sleep. Haha! It was a very busy but successful semester. I’m excited to see what next semester has in store.
This is how I spent most of this semester, work, work, work
Tv Show- This new ABC show, A Million Little Things tells the story of a group of friends moving on when one of their friends commits suicide. It kind of has the same feel of This is Us. To see all the other shows I watch you can see that post here.
Album- Okay, I’m a little bias but these soundtracks were on repeat for weeks after I saw the movies. Now that Christmas is around the corner, I have a Christmas playlist on repeat.
Such a good soundtrack
such a good soundtrack
I also did a lot of reading this summer, I’m looking forward to reading a lot more over Christmas, if you have any suggestions, please feel free to let me know! My book reviews from this summer can be found here.
I loved reading this summer and I can’t wait to do more soon
Whew, I accomplished so much in 2018, it truly was an incredible year for me, 2019 will be an exciting year, I’ll be turning 21 and graduating college. I can’t believe how fast time is going. See you next week for my Fall semester recap. To any college kids out there, good luck with finals, we are almost there!
Happy Tuesday! It is finally December, bring on the shopping, gift giving, cookie baking, and decorations. I am so ready for Christmas but first I have to make it through finals. The next few weeks will be busy with classes, papers, meetings, and wrapping up the semester. Stay tuned for my semester recap and best of 2018 in the next coming weeks.
For today I’m sharing my tips for when it comes to buying gifts, staying organized and being on budget. Here are my three tips for making it through the holiday season as stress free as can be.
Make a list (and check it twice 😉 )
Whenever I start my holiday shopping I always make a list of who I need to buy for, whether it is family, friends, gift exchanges etc. if I don’t write it don’t I wont remember it. I always keep a running list in the notes section of my phone so I always have it with me. I write down who I need to buy for and what I am buying/bought, the status of it and where I bought it, I do this to keep track of everything. Since I am still in school for most of December this helps me keep track of everything no matter where I am at. With that being said, I always set a budget for myself and try as hard as I can to stay on budget.
Just to preface, this is a FAKE Christmas gift list. None of these gifts are real, I just made this up to show you how I set up my gift list-who to by for, what I am buying, where it’s from, and the status of it.
Shop when it works best for you
I always love going in the stores to browse and get all my gifts but with school being super busy I have done a majority of my shopping online. Amazon has been my best friend this Christmas season. I have really utilized the Shopping list in Amazon. I have been able to put things that I like or am interested in in my list throughout the whole year and have it in one spot. For example, I was on Amazon in October and saw something that was a perfect gift for someone, I put it in my shopping list and ended up buying it a few weeks ago. The shopping list is private so only you can see it and no one else can see what you are buying. Since I have done so much online shopping something else that has helped me is sending gifts that I am buying to school or home. For gifts that I am buying for my friends I send it to school. For gifts for family, I ship them to my home. This way I’m not bringing things back and forth and all the gifts are in the right place.
Once again, another fake look at my shopping list, this is actually my list of things I want. Haha. But it shows the things you can add and when you added them. Super helpful!
Take Advantage of Sales
I am a sale lover and I have utilized sales so much this year. I did a lot of my buying depending on what sales were going on. I always try to keep my eyes open for discount codes, flash sales, and cyber Monday sales in order to stay on budget and keep my costs low.
I did a lot of shopping with sales from Cyber Monday. I always love a good sale
Whew, that was a lot. Overall, my tips are: Make a list, set a budget, take advantage of sales, and stay organized. What are your favorite tips or tricks to staying organized for shopping for the holidays? I would love any insight you have! Have a great week and wish me luck on a last week of classes before finals!
I hope you all had enjoyable Thanksgiving’s at home with your families. I know for me it was so nice to be home for a few days, relax, see family and enjoy the holidays. I always love Thanksgiving, from the food, to the family, and the relaxing day.
I also had some fun getting a start on the holiday baking. I had a few events that I had to bake for at school for Christmas and I was happy to make some for family too. I made some double chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter kiss cookies.
My favorite recipe for everyone’s favorite cookies
Peanut butter kiss cookies
The finished product
Now, that Thanksgiving is over, I can finally get into the Christmas season. I know December is going to fly by, so today I’m sharing the things I hope to accomplish this month.
Finals
All college students can agree that once we make it through finals, we can truly enjoy the holidays. My finals week doesn’t look too bad, it will mostly be papers, portfolios and a test thrown in the mix. Hopefully it shouldn’t be too painful. Thanksgiving break definitely gave me the rest I needed to get through the next few weeks.
It may look empty now, but this finals week will fill up fast
Christmas Shopping
I have to give myself a pat on the back. I have been killing it at the Christmas gift game this year. I have done a lot of shopping online with the help of Amazon. It has been so easy to browse when I am free and add things to my shopping list (for others) or wish list (for myself) when I see something that interests me. Next week I’ll be doing a more extensive post all about Christmas gift system, but for now I hope to get all my shopping and wrapping done early on, so I can enjoy the Christmas season.
A look into my Amazon wish list, you know you are an adult when your list consists mostly of books…no shame!
Enjoy the Christmas Season
This is something I want to work on both at home and at school. I really want to enjoy the Christmas season and not rush it, I’m hoping to get in some gift giving nights with my friends at school, I have gifts for all my friends, and I am involved in some gift exchanges too. I want to also take it slow after the semester is over, that means watching Christmas movies (the classic and the Hallmark ones), making Christmas cookies (YUM), and listening to Christmas music (not going to lie, I have already started to listen to Christmas music. Haha)!
I already got some Christmas spirit in with Light Up Night a few weeks ago
My Go-To Christmas Playlist
I really want to be more present this Christmas season, that means trying to take it slower, be more intentional and fit as much Christmas stuff in as possible. What are some of your Christmas or December goals? Enjoy the last few days of November and bring on the Christmas jolly and joy!
Today, I’m sharing about my trip to Pittsburgh Light Up Night last weekend. I went with my good friends Bailey and Olivia and a few other friends from school. Bailey and I met last year through mutual friends and work and the first time we hung out was at Light Up Night. Last semester we spent a lot of time together through work and this semester we practically spend every Tuesdays and Thursdays together since we have a lot of the same classes and schedules. I’m so glad we have gotten so close the past year. She has been the absolute best person to have in my life this past year.
We decided to get into the holiday spirit by going to Light Up Night together to not only celebrate Christmas but also out friend-aversy.
Here’s a look into our fun night together in Pittsburgh!
We started our night with burgers and shakes at Burgatory on the North Shore It was so good, Friday was definitely our cheat day and we took full advantage of it.
I got the Cookie Monster shake. So delicious
This burger was heavenly
After we ate we took the T (Pittsburgh’s subway system over to Market Square, we looked at all the little shops and stopped to see all the decorations.
So many Christmas decorations all over the city
Once we finished in Market Square we headed over to the PPG skating rink where the tree was and we stopped to get some pictures.
The tree all lit up around the skating rink
Our whole group
This was Bailey, Olivia and I last year
And this is us a year later…Love these ladies
Liv and I
Happy Friendaversay Bailey!!
There were concerts going on all around the city so we stopped to listen to some live music and got some drinks to keep us warm. We made our way back to the North Shore via the T and we watched the fireworks.
Beautiful fireworks
It was a 15 minute show and the fireworks were gorgeous over the water with the city in the background. That concluded our night in the city, we headed back to school with Christmas joy filled in our hearts.
I love the city at night
I love going to Light Up Night, I’ve gone for the past three years and it is my favorite way to kick off the holiday season. The city is gorgeous with all the decorations. I can’t wait to start decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving.
If this doesn’t get you into the mood for Christmas then I don’t know what does
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I’m going to be taking Thursday off to spend some time with family and enjoy the holidays. I’ll be back here next Tuesday! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Another week is coming to an end. I don’t know about you but I am so ready for Thanksgiving. It can’t come soon enough. I am ready for some time home to relax, see family, and most importantly, eat some delicious food. It’s crazy to think it’s only a week away. When I think of Thanksgiving, besides food I always think of family and traveling to see family.
I have a double dose of fashion for you today. So, I’m not even kidding when I tell this story. One of my closest friends, Bailey and I showed up to class in the same outfit and didn’t realize it until our professor told us. It wasn’t until he said we both looked like prison guards that we realized we were wearing the same outfit. Don’t believe me? Here’s the picture for proof.
Crazy right?!
I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to break down both of our outfits.
I’ll start with mine first, everything is pretty affordable and classic. I got this black and white striped top from Old Navy, I love stripes and black and white are such neutral colors that can go with any outfit.
I decided to match this striped top with a pair of black leather leggings from Target, I like that they are more durable than regular black leggings, not to mention warmer too!
The weather has been colder and colder, so I wore this long black sweater from Tillys.
I topped my outfit off from my go-to boots for fall, these new ones I got from DSW. Not only are they cute, but also affordable and comfortable. This is a simple outfit but it’s perfect for colder months.
Now, moving onto Bailey’s outfit. She got her dark jeans from American Eagle, another place that I always have luck finding jeans, especially one sale after the season is over.
Her black and white sweater is from Old Navy as well as her puffer vest. What can I say, good friends shop at the same stores!
Lastly, she got these cute high boots from Nordstrom’s. Not only are the stylish but also comfortable.
Whew…there you have it, two look of the days for the price of one. This weekend is going to be a fun one, Bailey and I are heading to the city to get into the holiday spirit with Light Up Night which well be fun and then Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Stay tuned for a post on Tuesday all about our Light Up Night adventure.
Wow, November is flying by…I can’t believe we are almost halfway through the month. I hope you have been able to enjoy these days of fall before the holiday rush is in full swing. I’m enjoying the changing of leaves and crisper weather that November brings before the snow settles in.
I know Thanksgiving is still a several days away, but I wanted to share with you what I am thankful for today. Next week I have a fun post for you all so that brings me to the things I’m thankful for.
Let’s begin!!
My Family
I wouldn’t be anywhere without my family. They constantly support me in all I do, I know I can count on them for advice, laughs, love, and support. Some of my favorite memories are made at home with my parents, brothers, and dogs. Family over everything.
Family over Everything
Sibling goals or Squad goals?!
My Friends
I am so lucky I have great friends both at home and at school. Next semester and next year will be a huge adjustment for me as so many of my friends are graduating. I never thought I would have to make new friends during my last few semesters of college. Haha! I’m so thankful to have good friends that support me, take me as I am, and are genuine.
My best friends from Home
Gonna miss this girl when she graduates in a few weeks!
I seriously don’t know where I would be without this girl. We may have met through work but she has become one of my closest friends, and yes, I have no idea what Im going to do once she graduates.
Thankfully, I wills till have these girls by my side once all my friends graduate next May
My Faith
I wouldn’t be here or be able to do half the things if it weren’t for my faith. I make time every day for my faith and it is so important that I make it a priority for me. I can truly do all things through God.
Good Health
I couldn’t be more thankful for good health not only for me but also my family and friends. In a world with so much sickness and suffering I am happy I am healthy and I can do everything I want.
Good Education
The older I get, the more appreciative I am of getting a good education. Although, college can be stressful and challenging I am so lucky to be able to go to such a good school that is a perfect fit for me. I have truly come into my own at school. I am so thankful for all the opportunities that have been presented to me while in school. I only have two more semesters left and I am going to make the most out of them.
Can this campus get any more beautiful???
Good Job
I am so thankful that I have a good job at school. Although, it is stressful, I have learned so much not only about others but also myself. I have become more confident in this role and I have made some of my best friends through this job. It has been one of the best things that has happened to me at college.
Staff Photos round 2
This Blog
I am also super thankful for all of you who read my blog every week. I love sharing parts of my life with you and I am so thankful you are all on this journey with me. This has been such a creative outlet for me through college and I love being able to have this community with all of you.
Always working on my blog
That’s just a few of the top things I am thankful for, there are so many more. While you are eating delicious food and catching up with family over Thanksgiving dinner be sure to keep in mind what you are thankful for. Have the best week!
I can’t believe we are almost to the end of October. Last weekend was super busy, I worked a lot so I am looking forward to a slower week ahead and a fun weekend too. This month flew by, I think going home for Fall Break for a few days definitely broke up the month. Speaking of fall break. I had the best time at home. I unplugged and unwound which was much needed. It was so good to get away from school and work for a break and escape to my home for some down time. I also managed to get some fun fall time in. Here are some suggestions for some fall festivities as well as a recap from my time home.
Fall Drive
Take a fun drive to see the changing leaves, pumpkin patches or take the back roads instead of the highways. I always can clear my head best with a long car drive and some good music. The fall and right around Christmas (especially to see the colorful Christmas lights and decorations) are the best time to take a nice drive.
Yes, this may be from my backyard but can you blame me? The sky and the trees compliment each other perfectly
Pumpkin Patch/Farm
Pumpkins and October go hand and hand. I love picking out a pumpkin for my room at school and I can’t help but look at all the flowers, décor, and arrangements for fall. I also love to hit up some fall festivals and enjoy the changing weather. Plus there is nothing better than walking around a pumpkin farm with a hot cup of apple cider.
My two friends and I headed to a fall fest to kick off fall break. It was fun to relax and walk around and see all the fun booths and snack on tasty treats.
My sweet friends Olivia and Bailey and I hit up a fall festival and we had the best time. It was spontaneous and the best way to spend a Friday afternoon
I headed to a pumpkin farm while I was home and I loved this display. The colors scream fall.
I love all the shapes and colors gourds come in, they are always so unique!
So many pumpkins, this is one of the best parts about October. I love seeing all the shapes and sizes of pumpkins.
Here’s an arrangement I made up from things I bought at the pumpkin farm.
Warm Drinks and Dessert
Whether you are a pumpkin spice latte lover, hot apple cider fan or love some dessert than fall is the perfect time to enjoy some sweet and savory treats. I personally am a fan of everything apple.
My mom’s homemade apple crisp heated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of caramel hits the spot. As far as drinks go, my favorite fall drink is apple cider with my own spin of it. I love to drink hot apple cider with cinnamon, some whipped cream and a pump of caramel. Yum! So sweet and delicious.
My favorite fall dessert made by my mom
Well, there you have it, some fun suggestions for fall activities and my personal favorite fall treats. Yes, I know I left out Halloween. I loved dressing up as a child and going Trick or Treating. This weekend there is a Halloween Dance at School, so I will be sharing my costume next week. Do you have any guesses? What are some things on your fall bucket list?
Well at the beginning of the summer I shared my summer bucket list and today I’m sharing everything I got accomplished! Let’s see how we did…
Summer List
– Complete Internship-YES
I had a great summer internship experience, you can read all about it here
Practicing my reporting
– Go some place new-YES
I went to Taylor Swift’s concert so that counts as something new, right!?
…Are you Ready for It?
– Take a trip-YES
My family and a took a getaway to one of our favorite places, it was so nice to get away and unwind.
Getting away for a bit
– Sleep in-YES
I was able to snag a few days to sleep in and take it easy during the weekend and a few week days when I was off of work.
– See high school friends-YES
It was so good to see many friends from high school, we picked up where we left off-love them!
Fourth of July spent with my favorites
– See one (or more) college friends-YES
I’m really proud that I pulled this off, I saw FOUR friends from high school. All my friends live at least 2 hours or more away so I was so happy I was able to see them
Much needed retail therapy
– Read SIX book (one more than last summer)-YES
I really outdid myself with reading this summer. I’ll be posting a book review soon so you can see how many I read.
– Watch SUITS-NO
I got through most of it this summer but still have a few more episodes to go. I really enjoyed this series. You can check it out on USA or Amazon Prime.
– Watch Evil Genius-YES
I binged watched this while I was traveling and it was so good. I would recommend it for sure, plus who doesn’t like to watch a documentary about something that happened 5 minutes from their house…true story
– Watch Comedians in Cars getting Coffee-YES
I watched one episode (episodes are only 20 minutes) every morning while getting ready for work. It was something super light and easy to watch.
my latest obsession
– See Mamma Mia 2-YES
I loved this movie, I have been listening to the soundtrack nonstop. It was definitely a favorite movie for me.
such a good movie
– See Oceans 8-YES
Loved this movie, it was so well done and the cast couldn’t have been better, girl power all the way.
Another movie I loved
– See family and spend time with them-YES
I was so happy I was able to see both sides of my family, from grandparents, cousin’s and aunts and uncles. Family over everything!
– Try something new-YES
Doing my internship counts right?!
– Go to the beach-YES
I went a few times to cover stories for my internship, but I also went to watch the sunset.
Watching the sunset
– Take more walks-YES
I did better at the beginning of summer, but I can’t wait to be back in the gym once school starts back
– Eat at a food truck-YES
One of my best friends and I grabbed lunch one day downtown. It was delicious and a fun way to catch up.
Grabbing lunch with my girl downtown
– Watch the sunset and sunrise-YES
My family and I went to the beach to watch the sunset and I had a few early mornings where I watched the sun rise.
Watching the sunset
– See a concert-YES
I saw both the Piano Guys and Taylor Swift. Both incredible shows. I absolutely loved them
.
We had great seats to see her perform on one of the smaller stages
– Spend more time outside-YES
Whether it was swimming, tanning, reading or working, I spent a lot of time outside.
Soaking up the sun
– Go swimming more often-YES
I wanted to go in more but I got in the pool more than last summer so that counts.
– Do more free things (Zoo, parks, festivals)-YES
I did but I could have done better, hey I had a busy summer, I did make it to the zoo, beach, and relaxed so that counts
– Trip to Pittsburgh-YES
I went a few times for some sightseeing, zoo, a concert. I did very well in this department
City lights at Night
– Breakfast at iHop-YES
It was more of a brunch but I got my fill of iHOP.
– Don’t rush as much and be in the moment-YES/.NO
I wished I slowed down more but sadly I was often on the go. Always more things to work on
– Smile more-YES
This was the summer of me! I had such a good summer and smiled a lot.
MY MOOD THIS WHOLE SUMMER
– Be spontaneous-YES
I was spontaneous but there is always room for improvement.
I truly had a wonderful summer. I lived a lot, learned a lot and really took care of myself and had some fun. Summer 2018 you were so good to me! Fall Semester, let’s get to work!
Hi guys!! Happy Thursday! Today I am heading back to school. Summer went by so fast, don’t get me wrong, I accomplished so much and had a wonderful summer, but I am still sad that it’s over. I will be posting a full summer recap later. For now, let’s just focus on this cute summer dress.
I got it in the spring and I have worn it so much this summer. It made a perfect sundress to throw on for a dinner party, relaxing after swimming, running errands, heading to Church or even as a cover up after a long day of swimming to throw over your bathing suit. ! There are so many cute things about this dress I don’t know where to begin!
A perfect summer dress for any occasion
Let’s start with the where I got It from. I got this dress from Land’s End. I used to get a lot of my clothes there when I was younger, but as I have gotten older, I haven’t shopped there as much. I do always love the good quality of their clothes and love all their styles. I always look through their catalogues, who knows maybe there will be some more Land’s End in the future.
Next up are the colors, I love the mix of whites, pinks, and oranges. They are the true colors of summer to me, not only were they bright but also colorful and cheery. I also love the cut and style of the dress. I like how it is more open and flowly. Plus, my favorite part? It has pockets!!! What girl doesn’t like a dress or skirt with pockets?!
Up close of the top
This dress can either be dressed up or down. I have dressed it down with my favorite pair of tan sandals from Kelly and Katie that I got from DSW. I have also dressed it up with a pair of nude wedges that I also got from DSW.
A more dressed up look
I love how versatile this dress can be, that is one thing I always look for when it comes to clothes, can it be worn in more than one way and what’s the practicality of it.
Looking back on how fast summer went by
Also, another shout of to my cousin Grace for capturing these great shots. Have a great weekend everyone!
