Categories
Fabulous living

Ed Sheeran Concert

Hello guys!

I had planned a pretty big post for you, but life got away from me. This past weekend, I headed to Pittsburgh to see Ed Sheeran in concert. I had gotten tickets back in February, so this was a long time coming. I don’t have a favorite band, but Ed Sheeran has been a constant favorite of mine for a long time now. I love his music, his message, and his style. The concert has kept me going especially with the past few weeks filled with school and work. It was so nice to get out and have a fun Saturday night and weekend. I had so much fun, that I took very few pictures…oopps! That’s when you know it’s been a good time when you are rarely on your phone!

Concert ready

On Saturday, my mom picked me up from school and we headed to Pittsburgh. We got food on the way and got to the venue (PNC Park) in plenty of time.

Mom and I

We had great parking, only a block from the park. It was great. The weather wasn’t too bad especially for the end of September. It was breezy but comfortable.

Our seats

We had great seats, right above the dugout (the stage was in the outfield).

Anne Marie

Anne Marie was the opening act. She sings the popular songs, Rockabye and Friends. She was personable and a great opening act.

Snow Patrol

Snow Patrol performed next. I was most excited to hear them perform the song “Chasing Cars”, famous for being heard on Grey’s Anatomy. It was incredible to hear it being performed live.

Full stage

Finally, Ed Sheeran came out. He did a fantastic job, he played for 2 hours with an encore.

He played hits like “Perfect” and “Photograph”.

Up close

Some of his earlier songs like “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You”.

More stage pictures

A few of my personal favorites like “Nancy Mulligan” and “Bloodstream”.

Just a guy and his guitar

He was so personable and down to Earth. It was just him and his guitar. Although, there were almost 40,000 people there, it felt like you were in a club listening to him perform. I had a fantastic time, especially enjoying it with my mom. After the show ended, my mom and I headed back home for the rest of the weekend.

Phenomenal Show

This is where the pictures end. I think I took maybe two pictures while I was home. I was able to enjoy some quality family time, home cooked meals, some shopping and unplugging. I was only home for 30 hours….haha, but I made the most of it.

Sunday afternoon, I caught the movie Life Itself, and it was absolutely phenomenal. The story, the cast, the score, and most importantly the message was beautiful. It was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Definitely take the time to see it.

Whew…it was a very busy, but super fun weekend. It was so good to get off campus for a bit and spend time with family and get home for a bit (I haven’t seen my family or been home since the beginning of August). Now, it’s time to get back to the books and start prepping for midterms!

Have a super week!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #67

LOTD

Hi All!

It’s officially back to school season as well as the last week of August. Boy, did the summer months fly by! I have to admit, with classes back in session, I am looking forward to fall. From the fall outfits, festivities, and warm treats I am ready to start transitioning to the fall season. I love all the seasons but the transition from one season to the next is my favorite.

Since there is only one more week left in August before Labor Day, I’m trying to wear white as much as I can. This outfit is perfect for one last summer event or heading to class if you are back to classes like me.

Wearing all the white I can before Labor Day

You may recognize this top and that’s because I have worn it before with this outfit. I love to try and find clothing that can be reborn in any season and this top is the perfect example of something that can be worn all year round. I love the material as well as the small striped pattern.

The top is dark so I decided to balance it out with these white shorts-one last hurrah before Labor Day-yes, I am a firm believer of not wearing white after Labor Day. I love how the two materials and colors balance each other out.The top is from Francesca’s and the bottoms are from Marshall’s, both from a few years back but still in great condition.

Lastly, to top of this fun outfit, I decided to wear my slip on fashionable sneakers. I got mine from Target for a great price. I love how I can wear them transitioning from summer to fall. I  wanted to change it up to accommodate the warm weather instead of wearing sneakers or converse. These shoes are more dresses and not as casual. They are also supportive for walking around campus all day.

That’s a peak into what I am wearing this last week of August. With Labor Day coming up, what are your plans for the weekend? I’ll be at school relaxing and catching up on homework. Have a great weekend!

 

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #64

LOTD

Hi friends! Happy Thursday!

Today’s outfit is another one that I mixed and matched together based on clothes I already had in my closet. I love putting new outfits together whether they are for working in the office, going out with friends, or just running errands and relaxing.

Soaking up the last few days of summer

Before, I get down to the details of my outfit, I want to give a shout out to my cousin Grace for these great pictures. She is so talented with her photography and I love when we are able to work together with taking pictures.  I saw family a few weeks ago (one of my bucket list items complete) and she was able to take some great shots for me for my blog.  Be sure to keep your eyes open for some new pictures coming soon.

A fun summer’s day outfit

Now, onto the outfit details. I was running errands when I wore this cute number and it was a perfect play clothes outfit. I got this t-shirt from Old Navy a few years ago, I don’t wear it too much since it is very casual but when I am just relaxing it’s a quick top to throw on and I love the deep blue color.

These shorts are my favorite part of the outfit, most of the time my top is the statement piece but today it is my shorts. I also got these shorts from Old Navy a few years back too. I love the paint like design on the shorts and how fun they are too.  In all honesty, I haven’t bought shorts in a while due to the fact, I am working a lot now and I don’t dress down a lot, but whenever I need a pair of shorts, Gap or Old Navy are my go-to’s!

Just in case it is chilly, I always have a sweater with me. This long blue sweater always does the trick, it is light enough to protect me frim the sun but also heavy enough for keep me warm from a light summer breeze.

Up close view of the sweater and top

Lastly, I am wearing my favorite summer sandals from Kelly and Katie at DSW. I love the natural color of them not to mention they provide support for a lot of walking and they look cute. All good things in my book.

That completes this carefree summer outfit. The days of summer are winding down for me as I will be heading back to school soon. Now, get off the computer and have some fun outside. Have a great weekend!

Categories
Fabulous living

Summer Internship

Hi All!

I hope you had a great weekend. I just got back from a packed full summer vacation. It was great to be off the radar for a while, but now it’s back to business and school mode is in full effect!

Today I am sharing what I’ve been up to this summer. As you know, I have pretty busy working between my internship and summer job. I couldn’t have asked for a better summer internship. I interned at one of my local news stations. As a communication major, there are so many areas to work in. For several years, i have had an interest in journalism and the news. As my graduation gets closer and closer I thought it would be a good idea see if working in the media is something I would want to dedicate my career to.

View from the control room, watching the magic happen

Last January, I spent a day shadowing the news station and loved it. I learned about internship opportunities and by the middle of January I had my summer internship lined up.

Flash forward to May, I was home for less than 48 hours and I was already starting my internship. I worked two days a week from 9:30-5:30. I was able to set my own schedule. I loved going to my internship every day and learned so much.

Practicing my reporting

There is no set “day in the life” as a reporter. Every day is different and new things are constantly going on.  When you walk in, you get assigned a story and by 5:00 that night when the news airs, the story is done. There is always a deadline to meet. Most reporters told me they want the days to go by slower not faster. That’s one of the things I liked so much about my internship. Through the two months i was there, i learned about reporting, producing, editing, and anchoring.

Practicing my anchoring

My internship included shadowing different reporters every day, conducting a few interviews, watching that editing of news packages get done, and  my favorite part, writing and editing my own stories. I even got to practice  anchoring too. I worked with producers putting in commands for the rundown, I got to help write stories with reporters. When it came to editing, a few of the photographers let me help edit the news packages, and then the anchors gave me tips on how on how to anchor best.

Covering a stand off, after doing a story on beach erosion, every day is truly different

This was a hands in experience, I got to help cover several different types of stories, from a stand-off with the Police, a murder, the mayor’s weekly news conferences, a political figure’s death, beach erosion, a cancelled concert, and the death of an inmate on work release. These were just a few of my favorite ones. I got to meet so many people from different walks of life and I learned so much about the city I have called home for the last 20 years.

Getting behind the camera

After completing my time at the news station, i am certain that this is the field I want to go in after graduating. It would be even more special if I could come back home and work for the same news station.

Getting in front of the camera too

I couldn’t have asked for a better summer or experience. I learned so much and i loved going to work every day to see what it’s really like being a news reporter. Hopefully, you can see me on air one day and just not online. Haha!!!
Happy Tuesday!

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Fashion

Favorite Summer Accessories

For all you fashion lovers out here, today I have a real treat for you. Double fashion posts this week!!As we make our way through summer, I find myself using the same accessories over and over again. Some are new, some I have had for years. These accessories become staples in my wardrobe and are must haves for me. Now, some are very specific while others are more general.

Here’s a look into my favorite summer accessories.

  • Bold necklace

I love a bold necklace, especially in the summer. I have gotten chunky necklaces from Old Navy, Francesca’s, and even Target. I not only like getting a variety of colors to mix and match with outfits, but I also love the different shapes and patterns that big necklaces come in. These eye-catching necklaces are perfect to dress up a solid color dress, blouse, or t-shirt. You can also dress up an outfit by just adding a statement necklace and earrings. Here are a few of my favorite necklaces that are constantly seen around my neck.

A bold necklace turns a simple gray dress to a wow factor
Another way to rock a bold necklace
  • Gold Jewelry

Speaking of jewelry, when I have a busy outfit, or I am not in the mood to accessorize- which let’s be honest can happen. This summer I have been turning to simple gold jewelry to get me through the day. I used to only wear silver jewelry but now I find myself wearing gold jewelry more and more especially in the summer.  I like how it’s simple and not too overwhelming, but you don’t feel naked without having no jewelry. Here are my essentials. I love a set of gold balls, these are a perfect size-not too big and not too small. They are also great for a professional setting, not too flashy but just enough to look like you can dress for the job. I also pair my earrings with this simple gold Gemini necklace. I got mine from Francesca’s, it’s very personal but also simple. I got this “love” ring from Alex and Ani for my birthday. Anyone who knows me, knows that I adore Sex and the City. When I saw this ring, I couldn’t help but think about Carrie and Big. This ring is perfect for dressing up a business casual outfit. Finally, these bracelets from Alex and Ani are perfect to finish off a polished and professional outfit.

Up close of the bracelets and gold earrings. Simple but classic
My gemini necklace, I always have it on, so simple, but a great piece of jewelry.
This love ring is one of my favorite new accessories for summer

-Fun flats

After starting my internship, I knew I had to invest in a few pair of flats. I would prefer to go for heel, wedge or sneaker shoe-but those are not the most reasonable for the workplace. Therefore, I had to go down the flat route. I found simple black and nude flats easy, but then I cam across these shoes on sale at DSW and immediately fell in love. 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. Because there are so many colors on shoe, I can pair it with so many things, from a pink and white striped dress, and solid blue dress, even a short set. The possibilities are endless.

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

Lastly, no summer look would be put together without a pair of sunnies. I love sunglasses, but when I wore glasses, I would always be limited in what I could wear over my glasses. Now that I have contacts, I can choose from so many different pairs of sunglasses to go with outfits or what I’m feeling. I typically don’t spend too much money on sunglasses since I like to switch them up so often. I do have a black aviator and big brown pair that I wear frequently. However, I got this pair from American Eagle on sale and I absolutely adore them. They have a unique shape and color that can really change any outfit from going drab to fab. A fun pair of sunglasses are always on my summer must have.

How fun are these glasses?!
Who doesn’t love fun, summer accessories?!

That rounds up my favorite summer accessories. What are some pieces that you can’t live without, especially in the summer weather?!

Categories
Fabulous living

Making Time for Friends in the Summer

Summer can be a very busy time, between work, getting enough sleep, and getting used to a new routine, it can be hard to see those close to you.

I am very fortunate that I live at home in the summer. I love spending time and doing things with my family. We always try to eat dinner together every night, and we spend our weekends and weeknights doing things together. I love spending time with my family.

However, I often find myself not spending a lot of time with my friends. I live about two hours from most of my friends from college, so I don’t often see them, luckily, I am still close to a few friends from high school who I try to see frequently. Most of the times our work schedules don’t line up, we have other commitments going on or we live far apart. I have been very good about trying to see friends in the summer, which I am proud of. Here are a few things I’ve learned about making time to see your friends in the summer.

  • Don’t just say it, Do It!

When school is winding down, you may catch yourself saying, “we have to see each other this summer!”, but does it happen? We often get caught up in our busy lives that we forget about others. If you truly want to see someone, make it happen. Due to my friends from college living so far away, I know I’m not going to see all of them, but maybe I can try seeing one or two.  A few weeks ago, I was in need of some girl time with one of my close friends from college, Olivia. We both found a day we were free and met up to get lunch and go shopping. Rather than me driving two hours to her or vice versa. We met halfway for both of us. It worked out perfectly. We got to visit, grab lunch, scored some sales, but most importantly, just catch up. I’m so glad we did something rather than just saying we were and not follow through.

Much needed retail therapy
  • A few hours is better than nothing

I have a few close friends from high school who I try to see often in the summer and on breaks. However, we all work different times and schedules, so it can be hard for all of us to get together for a long time. We find it works best for us to just grab dinner, ice cream or brunch for a few hours rather than try to find a full day to spend together. We try to also get together for big events. For example, my family and I throw a fourth July party and my close friends are always invited. It’s a great time to see each other and celebrate.

Fourth of July spent with my favorites
  • Be Spontaneous

Yes, it’s great to plan ahead when you are seeing someone from out of town, but also be spontaneous with your outings. My close friend and I both work downtown in the summer. We both had the same lunch break and met up for lunch downtown. It was unexpected and yet, so fun. My other friend was free for dinner so him and I just went to grab something quick. Even if you can’t get your whole group of friends together, it is good just to catch up with one rather than none.

Grabbing lunch with my girl downtown
Grabbing dinner with my high school bud

I think most college students can relate to not seeing their friends or family as much as they want in the summer. What do you struggle with? Spending more time at home with family or out with friends? Let’s Discuss!!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #58

LOTD

Hello Friends! It’s Thursday, only one more day till the weekend! Woo Hoo!

Earlier in the summer, I mentioned how I would be sharing more professional and business casual outfits for the intern, college student, or new employee. Today, I have a new outfit that is cute, colorful, professional, and affordable. What more could you ask for?!

Ready for a new day at work

Let’s break down this outfit. I got these cute pants from GAP. This year I have really been struggling to find dress pants, so many pants on the market today are skinny, tight and almost look like leggings-not what I am looking for in a dress pant. I found these at GAP and not only did I love the cut, form but the color is too cute to pass up. The rose-colored pink breaks up the neutral colors that I wear to work daily. I have a few other print and neutral tops for work that I often wear with white or blue pants, so these pink pants will break up the colors. I’m positive you will be seeing these pants more this summer.

I got my blouse from Francesca’s Boutique. I love the sleeves. The blue and pink go so well together. I like how you can wear this top with a blazer or sweater or by itself. Because it is a solid top, I knew I had to dress it up with some jewelry.

I like the simplicity of this necklace but at the same time it adds dimension and character to this outfit. Silver is also a great color that can tie outfits together. Another reason why I chose to add it to my outfit.  I decided to wear a simple pair of blue drop earrings to finish off my jewelry.

As much as I love heels, it’s not always smart to wear them at the workplace where you could be running errands and on your feet all day. These simple, black, pointed toe ballet flats from GAP are perfect for the office setting. They are professional but also comfortable.

No matter where you work, you can always spruce up your wardrobe while not breaking the bank. Just remember not to go overboard as you are still in the workplace and are representing the place you work.

Have a great weekend!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #56

HI All!!

It’s Friday Eve!!  WOOOO HOOO!!! What are your plans for the weekend!? A picnic or barbecue, whatever it may be I hope you have some fun in the sun.

Speaking of fun in the sun, today’s look is perfect for a summer activity. It’s fashionable, yet functional and its SCREAMS summer! I mixed two completely different outfits to put this piece together.

A perfect summer fun outfit!

I have worn the top in the past with ripped jeans for a more edgy look  here

I have also worn the shorts in the past with a fun top for the summer months here

I got both the top and bottoms from Francesca’s Boutique. I always find something unique when I go into their stores whether it be a piece or jewelry, clothing or accessory.

I was so surprised when I put the outfit together because of how well the colors and patterns worked together. I love a solid shot because you can pair it with so many patterns, materials, and styles of tops. My top was more tight fitting which worked out great since my scalloped shorts with more snug. I finished off my outfit with my gladiator sandals from DSW. I wore gold jewelry to garnish my look.

I wore this outfit for a barbecue, but you could wear it to a summer concert, park, dinner, or a day out at the beach. Always look at what clothes you can mix together, you never know when you ca create a new outfit.

Happy Thursday! Have the BEST weekend.

Categories
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 I’m sharing it with you today. Towards the end of summer I will share home much I accomplished. When it comes to summer fun… here’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
  • Don’t rush as much and be in the moment
  • Smile more
  • Be spontaneous

That’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-do’s to make sure I get everything in and it’s not August and I realize I have two weeks to get everything in.

Do you make up summer bucket lists? If so, what’s one thing on your to -do???

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Uncategorized

Look of the Day #55

LOTD

Hello! Hello! Hello all! Happy Thursday.  What a busy week it has been. Over the past week, my family and I have been very busy with graduation festivities. Both my brothers graduated this past week, one from high school and the other from eighth grade. Needless, to say graduation has been on our brains. I’m looking forward to this next week for things to start slowing down and to start enjoying summer between work (or at least try to) haha!

Between all the activities this past week, I wanted to share one of the outfits I wore to one of my graduations I attended. I got this dress several years ago, but I LOVE the fit and I always try to wear it to more formal events that I have.

Pop of pink for the start of summer!

This bright pink dress is from Francesca’s Boutique- one of my favorite stores. Not only do I love the color but I always love the material, pattern and cut!! The cut allows several different body types to wear this dress and have it complement them.

Since, I wore it to my brother’s graduation, I opted for a pair of nude heels for a more formal look, however, I have worn wedges with this dress in the past as well as black and navy blue heels with it because it is a bold color.

Due to the event, I decided to dress up the outfit with a pearl ring, necklace and earrings. I wanted my look to be more formal. However, for a more casual look, a bold, chunky necklace would work as would a pair of earrings.

Up close for the jewelry

This dress is perfect for any formal event such as a wedding, dinner, or awards ceremony. Since, it is just one bold color, your can dress it up or down as much as you want with jewelry. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when it comes to your wardrobe.  Have a wonderful weekend!