Tag: lifestyle

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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #111

Hello All! Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week as we make our way through September and transition from one season to the next. Life is starting to calm down and my fall routine is finally taking shape. Although the fall season is only a few weeks away, the weather is still gorgeous and Iā€™m trying to soak up as much of it as I can. 

Beautiful days as we transition from summer to fall

Today, Iā€™m linking up with Erika and Andrea  for another weekly roundup of Friday Favorites. Hereā€™s some things I have been loving this week.

Emily in Paris Season Four Part Two– The second half of Emily in Paris dropped yesterday. Depending on when you are reading this, chances are I have already started it. I really enjoyed the first half of the season and the second half takes Emily to ROME! I was giddy when I saw the trailer and Emily was at so many iconic spots I had just visited myself. I do have to say, after watching the trailer, I was a little jealous that Emily didnā€™t have to deal with any tourists. Haha! Iā€™m looking forward to the season and where it takes Emily. 

Outer Banks Season Four Trailer– Are you a fan of Outer Banks? I started the series during Covid and have stuck with it since. Even though it is more on the tween and teen side of things when it comes to the plot lines, I enjoy the mystery behind the storylines and the hunt for the treasure. I felt like last season really wrapped things up nicely and was surprised when it got renewed. The trailer looks good and Iā€™m excited to see what adventures are in store for the group.

Atomic Habits– I have heard about this book, Atomic Habits for ages and I have had it on hold at the library for weeks. When it was my turn to check it out, I couldnā€™t wait to start reading. James Clear discusses the importance of building habits, creating routines, and starting small. He goes in-depth about the science and psychology of habits. He also gives real life examples of how to start small and build up to making life changes. I love and thrive off a good routine and rhythm and found this book fascinating. I learned so much and it really helped me better understand some of my habits and how I can build off them. Whether you are looking to create better habits or work on your current ones, I would highly recommend this book. 

New Room Scent and Plug-In– My current wallflower ran out, so it was time for an upgrade. I decided to go with one of the scents from the Bridgerton collection from Bath and Body Works. The scent I chose was Queen Charlotteā€™s Tea. The best way to describe it is a floral scent thatā€™s very feminine, but not too strong or overpowering. This would be a great scent to use in a bedroom or bathroom, but not a living, room, family room or kitchen where a lot of people could be in and out and may not care for the scent. I also swapped out my plug-in with a bee from the Bridgerton collection too! Too cute, just a small change for the upcoming season. 

The Perfect Couple– I have been on an Elin Hilderbrand kick lately. Without planning it, Iā€™m currently reading one of her books, listening to different one in an audiobook, and watching the third as a series. Plus, I listen to her podcast, Books, Beach and Beyondā€¦can you say Iā€™m hooked?!Ā  Reviews on those will be coming soon, but I have been loving the Netflix series, The Perfect Couple, based on her book. I read the book when it came out and couldnā€™t wait to watch the series when it was announced. I really think the series was fairly close to the book. It was interesting to see how characters were portrayed. I LOVED the setting and costumes and appreciated seeing the plot unfold on the big screen. I binged my way through the series and was sad when it ended. I love when movies or series stay true to the books.

There you have it, a fun roundup of favorites from this past week, some books, life hacks, and shows Iā€™m loving! Tell me, whatā€™s bringing you joy this week? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday! Enjoy the weekend!

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Fabulous living

Breaking Down: Diffuser, Candles and Essential Oils

Hello All! Happy October! 

I hope you are all having a great start to your new month.

As we begin a new month and new season, one thing you may enjoy as the temperatures begin to drop is cozying up inside. I know thereā€™s nothing I enjoy more than taking out a fuzzy blanket and having a room that smells like fall when Iā€™m looking to relax. But how do you get a room to smell warm and cozy and inviting? Do you light a candle, plug in a wall flower, diffuse some essential oils? Iā€™ve tried all three and in good news, I donā€™t think you can go wrong with any of the options. Iā€™ve tested them all and think they can all be used in one way or another.Ā It all comes down to preference.

Letā€™s start with diffusers. Iā€™ve used my diffuser the longest. I started using it in college when you werenā€™t allowed to use candles or wall flowers in dorm rooms.

I really like how natural essentials oils are and how they made a room smell. I also liked reading and learning about different oils and how you can combine them and how they can be used for your health too.

Some of my favorite essential oils to use are lavender or peppermint (especially at night to help with sleep or headaches), lemon when cleaning or a few combinations of oils in the winter to help build immunity to avoid getting sick.Ā 

I tend to use essential oils at night or when Iā€™m looking for a subtle smell to have in the background. In my opinion, the only one downside it that essential oils are super strong so if you are looking to really have your room smell different then this may not be the best option. I keep mine by my bedside and always enjoy the smell it brings when I go to bed or wake up.

Option #1 Diffusers

Next up candles! I love burning a candle when Iā€™m getting ready in the morning or when Iā€™m reading or watching a movie or just relaxing at the end of a long day. I really like the atmosphere and tone that lighting a candle provides. Itā€™s almost as if you are being intentional to relax, calm down and unwind. Thereā€™s so many different scents and combinations you can make your space smell fresh, or warm and inviting or even like sheet of fresh baked cookies. I tend to go with scents found in nature like pine or peppermint, or seasonal scents too, like apple in the fall or cedarwood in the summer. I like the mood that lighting a candle can set for any room. Plus they make a nice piece of decor too.

My current favorite candle

Lastly, we have wall flowers. This is my latest favorite room essential. I got my wall flower and scents from Bath and Body Works. One thing I like about wall flowers is how you can choose how strong you want a scent to smell and it can really take over a room. Whether you like that or not is another decision. I often find myself turning on a wall flower if Iā€™m looking to really have my room or space smell a certain way if that makes sense. I will often use it for only a few hours a day when Iā€™m spending a lot of time in the room or if Iā€™m having company over and Iā€™m looking for a stronger scent. Another nice thing about wall flowers is you can stock up on favorite scents so you donā€™t run out.Ā Plus, there’s so many different fun scents for the holidays too.

My current favorite

In my opinion, you really canā€™t go wrong with any of the these options, they are all around the same price range (minus getting an initial diffuser or wall flower) They all have peaks and pits to them,Ā  but I think it really just depends on how strong you want a room to smell, how works best for your space and the atmosphere too. Plus, with the holidays coming up, this could be a great gift for someone in your life or something to ask for for yourself. Thereā€™s no right or wrong way to go about this, but I think that changing the way your space smells is a great way to elevate a space for you and any company you have.Ā 

So, I want to know, whatā€™s your favorite way to go about making your space smell good? Let me know in the comments below.!

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Fabulous living

2021 Resolution Recap and Year in Review

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and loved ones. I always love the time between Christmas and New Yearā€™s, whether you are off for a break or working, itā€™s always a nice time to relax, catch your breath and take some extra time to reflect on the year.Ā 

I wanted to take some time to reflect on the past year and my resolutions. For a quick recap, you can read my post here about my 2021 Resolutions. My word of the year was intentional. I wanted to be more intentional with my time with friends and family and more intentional with the things I put time and energy in. I wrote it on a post-it note in my planner and moved it from month to month as a reminder for myself. Overall, I think I did pretty well with focusing on family and friends when I spent time with them. I also prioritized what things I did during my free time too.

My first of three resolutions for this year was to be more intentional with family and friends. I found myself doing a lot of multi-tasking and wanted to be more focused on one thing at a time. I did well with spending time with family and a lot of this had to do with my new work schedule. I now get to spend a lot more time with family and do my best to put the phone down and be present, but thereā€™s always room for improvement. 

My second resolution was less screen time. I did well by setting up times on my phone to have my phone shut off to focus on work or housework. But there were times that I was tired by the end of the day and just aimlessly scrolled, not the best use of time, but sometimes you need a brain break. That will continue to be something I work on in the new year.Ā 

My third resolution was to be more consistent with friends. I definitely made more time for friends by setting up times to do things with friends. The pandemic put a halt to a lot of social activities so by really setting aside time for friends, I was able to maintain my friendships I hold dear to my heart. For example, I started the year out with my virtual book club with my high school friends, Maddie and Ryan. I also set up time for monthly facetime dates with friends (more on that on a post in the new year).

Stay tuned for my goals for 2022 next week!

Now, for a quick year in review. I had a lot of high hopes for 2021 and a lot of them came to fruition. 

I was able to spend lots of time with friends, either in person or via facetime or zoom.

Seeing my best friend Danielle was a highlight of the year.

I also got in a lots of day trips to new places for hiking and walking, from State Parks, to National Parks, new trails and old spots.

Going on walks makes the winter more manageable.
Fall weeks are good for the soul.

I also tried new things like ice skating and have loved it. I went three times in the past three weeks. 

Skating on the bay was such a fun experience.
Skating in Buffalo.

I got to travel with my family and get some great one on one time with loved ones.

Family time with my brothers on vacation.

I got a chance to stand by one of my best friendā€™s side as she got married.

Getting wedding ready!

I got lots of fall walks in and got to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

Apple picking was one of the fall walks and adventures I embarked on.

The best part of the year was getting my Covid-19 vaccine.

Work has been busy this year, but Iā€™m so lucky with all the opportunties Iā€™ve been given and all the things Iā€™ve learned along the way.

Covering different stories every day makes my job so fulfilling.

Iā€™m so lucky to have a loving family and supportive friends along for the ride too.

What a year 2021 wasā€¦.2022ā€¦letā€™s do this!

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Fabulous living

A Few Favorite Things

Hi everyone! 

Happy Wednesday! I hope your week is off to a great start. A few updates before I get into todayā€™s post!

First, for those that are new on hereā€¦ be sure to follow and like @elspethsdaybyday on Instagram and Facebook. I post my blog posts on there and I add some extra content on there too. I have been sharing some of my favorite recipes and books on my stories, be sure to give them a like or follow to stay up to date with all the latest posts and happenings!

Also, with a new season around the corner, I am looking for ideas for new and exciting content. If there is something you want me to talk aboutā€¦let me know!

Onto todayā€™s post, whenever I find something that works for me or makes my life easier, I LOVE to share it with you guys!

Hereā€™s a few things I am lovingā€¦

Travel Silverware:

Every day, I bring my lunch or dinner to work. Sometimes itā€™s a sandwich, other times itā€™s snacks, but a lot of the time, itā€™s a soup, salad, or food from home. I was bringing in plastic silverware every night, but I hated that I was wasting it and throwing it out. I wanted reusable silverware that I could bring to work, clean and keep in my lunchbox. I found this set from Target and it has become a favorite. I love that itā€™s compactable, easy to clean and gets the job. The utensils are sharp enough to cut all kinds of food. I also like how they fit into one another. If you are looking for silverware for yourself to bring to work or for children to take to lunch. These are affordable and durable.

Car Cleaner:

My car is white which means it gets dirty easily and it shows. In the winter, it was getting so dirty with the snow, dirt and salt. I went to get it washed and it felt great to have a clean car, but then days later it was dirty once again. Instead of spending money every week to get it cleaned, I went to Target to get cleaner to do it myself. This was recommended to me and for $5, it has lasted me 6 weeks with still a lot more left. Itā€™s an easy spray bottle. Just spray and use a soft cloth to clean. Ever since the pandemic started last March, I made it habit to sanitize and clean the inside of my car every week. Now, Iā€™m cleaning both the inside and outside of my car, and it takes less than 15 minutes.

Libby: 

I have started to read a lot more and I am loving it. Iā€™ve been reading books I have around my house, but I am also a huge fan of the library. I love going to check out new books, browse and pick out new things to read. If I love them, great, if I donā€™t, then I can return them. Plus, there is something special about a community library. Our libraries have been closed due to Covid-19. Even though I havenā€™t been able to go to the library I have been able to check out books thanks to Libby! Itā€™s an app you can get for your phone or iPad. You connect it to your local library and your library card and then you can checkout and download books to read. You can put books on-hold and renew them. I love that you can still support your local libraries and have your books with you wherever you go!

Thatā€™s just a few favorite things this month for me. What are some things you are loving this month?! Share them with me! 

Have a great week!

Categories
Fabulous living

50 Questions

Hi All! I love reading other blogs and learning about others through Q&A’s. I found this Q&A through Laura. She always posts about her cute baby, fitness, and lifestyle. I picked my favorite questions and answered them myself.

A little bit about me!
  1. When are you most inspired?Ā 
    When Iā€™m driving or working out is when I get the best ideas!
  2. If you could teach one subject in school what would it be?Ā 
    English, I love reading and writing and would love to teach!
  3. Whatā€™s your favorite beverage?
    Water or the occasional lemonade in the summer.
  4. Whatā€™s the best compliment youā€™ve ever received?Ā 
    Anything about how I have changed as I have gotten older and more confident in myself.
  5. What is your favorite birthday cake?
    Chocolate with raspberry!Ā 
  6. What is one thing you still have from your childhood?Ā 
    American Girl Dolls, special stuffed animals, and favorite books
  7. Window or aisle seat?
    As much as I love looking out of the window, I want the freedom with the aisle.
  8. What does creativity mean to you?Ā 
    Being able to express myself how I want
  9. What is your favorite holiday?Ā 
    Christmas-l love spending time with family and all the gift givingĀ 
  10. Whatā€™s heavily played on your music playlist right now?
    SO much country!! It has been my go-to music this summer, give me all the Dan and Shay, Thomas Rhett, and Luke Combs!
  11. Must have purse item?Ā 
    Cell Phone
  12. What did you want to be when you grew up when you were 12?Ā 
    Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher!!!
  13. What is something you will not be doing in ten years?Ā 
    Being in school!
  14. What is an important life lesson for someone to learn?Ā 
    Be yourself and donā€™t worry about what others will say.Ā 
  15. How do you start your day?Ā 
    Journaling and working out!
  16. Would you ever live anywhere besides PA?
    Yes! I would love to move to someplace newā€¦maybe New York? I have no idea what the future holds which is exciting and nerve racking!
  17. What is your favorite dessert?Ā Ā 
    Ā Warm chocolate chip cookiesā€¦or browniesā€¦I love anything sweet!
  18. Itā€™s brunch! What do you eat?Ā 
    Waffles with fruit!
  19. Where was the best vacation youā€™ve ever taken?Ā 
    Loved visiting Rome this past year and anywhere with my family.
  20. What is a book you are planning on reading?Ā 
    Canā€™t wait for Emily Leyā€™s new book to come out in November!!
  21. What did you read most recently?
    A Reporterā€™s Life: Peter Jennings– my full summer book review is coming soon!
  22. Whatā€™s a city you wish to visit?Ā 
    Paris, France!
  23. Ā Heels or flats?Ā 
    Heels
  24. Where does one go on a perfect road trip?Ā 
    Anywhere near the water.
  25. What do you do on a rainy day?Ā 
    Read, watch movies, bake.
  26. Whatā€™s your favorite exercise?Ā 
    I love going for walks or joggingā€¦I hate running
  27. What was your worst subject in school?Ā 
    Math
  28. What is your spirit animal?
    Elephant
  29. What do you usually eat for breakfast?Ā 
    Toast with fruit or on the weekend, eggs with fruit, sometimes cheeriosā€¦all depends on my mood.
  30. What do you usually eat for dinner?Ā 
    A type of chicken with some type of vegatables.Ā 
  31. Cooking or Baking?Ā 
    I love baking and want to start cooking more.
  32. Favorite baked good?Ā 
    Chocolate Chip Cookies
  33. What is something you wish you could be good at?Ā 
    Not getting overwhelmed all the time
  34. Skiing or Surfing?Ā 
    Skiing!
  35. How do you manage stress?
    Making a list of to doā€™s or talking it out with someone.
  36. What do you do to relax?Ā 
    Read, catch up on movies or tv shows.
  37. Ā Favorite snack?
    Popcorn,Ā Ā pretzels, chocolate.Ā 
  38. Favorite fashion trend of all time?Ā 
    Wedges-comfortable and cute!
  39. What is your current favorite piece of clothing that you own?Ā 
    I have been loving my white jean jacket!
  40. Shoes or Bags?Ā 
    Bags!!!
  41. Television showĀ youā€™ve binged on recently?Ā 
    Outlander
  42. Ā WhoĀ do you turn to when youā€™re sad?Ā 
    My mom/ my best friends
  43. Ā What is your biggest strength?Ā 
    I am super organized
  44. Ā What is your biggest weakness?Ā 
    Saying noā€¦I always overcommitĀ 
  45. Ā What are 3 words to describe living in PA?Ā 
    rain, snow, home
  46. Ā Cutest thing on planet earth?
    Dogs-especially my furbaby!!
  47. Ā Favorite color?Ā 
    Red
  48. Ā Favorite time of day?Ā 
    Early morning ā€”I always get more done in the morning and like how quiet it is.
  49. Ā Whatā€™s your guilty pleasure?Ā 
    Reality tv
  50. Ā Favorite band?Ā 
    All about Thomas Rhett right now

Well that was fun! Pick a few questions and answer them about yourself below!! Have a fabulous week!

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Fabulous living

21 Birthday Celebrations

Happy Tuesday!

Iā€™m back to the grind after one of my best weekends, Iā€™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 didnā€™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, itā€™s amazing how one job can bring so many people together.Ā 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 donā€™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 Iā€™m so glad she made it happen. Iā€™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 itā€™s best to just be present in the moment and turn the phone off for a while, especially since my friends and I donā€™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 wonā€™t regret it.

Have a beautiful week ahead!

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Fabulous living

Summer To Do:

Summer is in full swing. My brothers are finished with school and we are getting into a summer routine. The weather is warm, pool parties and barbecues are underway and (I think) things are starting to slow down. Although, I am working a lot this summer I still want to make sure I have some fun. It may seem a bit late to the game but I made a summer to do list. Some things are specific, others are more hopes but Iā€™m sharing it with you today. Towards the end of summer I will share home much I accomplished. When it comes to summer funā€¦ hereā€™s my list.

Summer List

  • Complete Internship
  • Go some place new
  • Take a trip
  • Sleep in
  • See high school friends
  • See one (or more) college friends
  • Read SIX book (one more than last summer)
  • Watch SUITS

    Can’t wait to start this new series
  • Watch Evil Genius
  • Watch Comedians in Cars getting Coffee

    my latest obsession
  • See Mamma Mia 2

    SOOOO Excited to see this movie
  • See Oceans 8

    Another movie I can’t wait to watch
  • See family and spend time with them
  • Try something new
  • Go to the beach
  • Take more walks
  • Eat at a food truck

    With food trucks becoming more and more popular I need to try some!
  • Watch the sunset and sunrise
  • See a concert
  • Spend more time outside
  • Go swimming more often
  • Do more free things (Zoo, parks, festivals)
  • Trip to Pittsburgh
  • Breakfast at iHop
  • Donā€™t rush as much and be in the moment
  • Smile more
  • Be spontaneous

Thatā€™s a round up of my dreams and goals for this summer! I may add things as the summer goes on. But I love to make a list of to-doā€™s to make sure I get everything in and itā€™s not August and I realize I have two weeks to get everything in.

Do you make up summer bucket lists? If so, whatā€™s one thing on your to -do???

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Fabulous living

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

Hello All!

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

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

I start my day at 6:15, bright and early.

I head to the gym around 6:50. This was the sky as I walked to the gym. It’s always so quiet and peaceful in the early morning.

This is my playlist at the gym. This best of the 80’s playlist has been on repeat for early mornings at the gym. Thank you Amazon Music.

After I got back from the gym I ate some trail mix and milk for breakfast.

After I ate, I did some journaling and did a daily Lenten reflection. I always try to set aside some time every day for prayer and reflection.

I did some work and reviewing for a few midterms I had this week before class.

I am currently binge watching Parks and Rec in my free time,so While I was getting ready< i got a quick episode in.

Outfit for this Spring-ish weather.

Heading to class at 10:00, nothing but blue skies this last day of February.

My first class was Digital Media, a video production and editing class.

At 11:30, I headed to Music Appreciation, where I had a midterm.

I grabbed a quick lunch with my friend Shay, and I forgot to snap a picture. After lunch, I headed back to my dorm to get some work done before my afternoon classes.

Taking notes and working ahead for a few classes in between classes.

I headed to Advertising Strategies at 3:00 for class, we worked on updating resumes in class.

After class ended at 4:15, I headed to the library to get some reading and notes done before dinner.

Dinner with my bestie, Shay! It was mac and cheese night which is a favorite. Fun Fact: we saw each other in the gym at 7 am, in class, at lunch, and dinner. This is why she is my unofficial roommate.

After dinner, It was homework time. Editing papers, reading, and preparing for class tomorrow.

After showering and getting ready for tomorrow. I chose to unwind by watching Seal Team at the end of the day.

Heading to bed, or so I thought…turns out 30 minutes later, the fire alarm went off since someone burnt something. After spending 30 minutes outside it was time to head back in and back to bed. So much for a typical day!

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

Categories
Fabulous living

Fall Semester Recap

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 Honorā€™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 werenā€™t wrong.Ā  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.–Ā 

– 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, thatā€™s something Iā€™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, Iā€™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 collegeā€™s Honorā€™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 Honorā€™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 ā€œThe Marriage of Figaroā€, 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 wasnā€™t always up for it. Even my friends from high school were always there if I needed a laugh or a pick me up. Ā 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 Dance

A 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,Ā  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 donā€™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 canā€™t wait to see what next semester has in store for me. Until thenā€¦.xoxo