Happy Wednesday! Itās still warm, the sun is shining and technically summer, but itās September, which means fall is coming. Labor Day is over which means we are making our way into autumn. Iām excited for the new season, but Iām still not ready to say goodbye to summer quite yet.
I mentioned a few weeks ago, that Iāve started to incorporate mindfulness in my daily routine. According to Merriam Webster, mindfulness is āthe practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of the heightened or complete awareness of oneās thoughts emotions, or experiences on a moment to moment basis.ā I first heard about mindfulness in college and then learned more about it through work and stories Iāve done. I always found it interesting and these past few weeks I wanted to give it a try myself.
If you have been following me for a while, you know I love my Fit Bit! One of the features the app has is to track your mindfulness. Thereās a number of guided breathing exercises to calm your heart rate and soften your breathing. It took a while to get into a routine of doing it and just about finding time that works in my schedule to do it. What I like about the Fit Bit app is that there are a number of different guided breathing practices, they range from two minutes to 30 minutes. YouTube also has a number of guided practices too. Most of the time, I do my breathing exercises after I journal in the morning or when I am driving to work. I really like to take the time before the day gets underway to just reset and calm the mind before the day gets busy.
On the app, you can monitor your monthly mindfulness and your daily mindfulness
At this point I do my breathing exercises 7 days a week. It only takes a few minutes, and it gets my mind and heart in a good spot before the day gets busy.
Here’s some of the different exercises.
I am a routine person through and through. When I can start my day with journaling, breathing and a workout and reading, I know my day is off to a great start.
Being more mindful and taking time to reset before the day gets started has been a huge help to lower my stress level especially on busy work days.
What ways do you unwind and relax before or at the end of your day?
I hope you all had enjoyable weekends. I was out of town this past weekend, doing some work for school as well as celebrating one of my friendās birthdays an seeing lots of college friends. It was such a fun weekend to see everyone and catch up!
Todayās post is all about my summertime favorites, from music Iām listening to, shows Iām binge watching, fashion trends, and summer snacks.
Favorite Music: Summer Time = Country Music. I have been adding to my country loving playlist all summer long, itās a perfect blend of Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, Darius Rucker and more. I love playing it while Iām at work or road tripping.Ā
Love me some country music in the summer
Favorite Binge Worthy TV Show: Outlander has been my go-to this summer, My friend Bailey got me hooked on it and now I canāt stopped. SO good. I canāt wait until the next season comes out.Ā
Who else has binge watched?!
Favorite Drink: I have been drinking all the water this summer, but to change it up I love adding some lemon, mint, cucumber, or other fresh fruits for a refreshing taste.Ā Plus, its great for detoxing.
Drink for the day-water, strawberries, lemon and mint.Delicious and refreshing
Favorite Food: I am all about the salads in the summer. Check out my favorite summer salads here!
Fresh salads in the summer
Favorite Beauty Products: In the summer, I am all about minimal makeup. Unless I am at work, I am just wearing the basics, a bit of foundation and mascara are my go-tos. I have also been growing my hair out for the summer and use less product on it. During the school year, I would be straightening it several times a week and using lots of product, in the summer I have been letting it dry naturally and leaving it down. There is something refreshing about natural hair.
Minimal makeup for summer for the win
Favorite Summer Activity: Nothing says summer like going for strolls in the evening followed by ice cream. I am always down for an ice cream run.Ā
I always love going on hikes in the morning or evening
Favorite Spot: Whenever I get a chance to relax, you will find me outside by the pool reading, it doesnāt happen every day but I love being by the pool with a book in my hand. I have been reading a lot this summer and I canāt wait to share my summer book review with you.
Favorite place to read at the end of the day
Thatās just a glimpse into my favorite things in the summer. The carefree days of summer are fleeting. Soak up all moments and make them into memories. See you on Thursday for another look of the day!
Iām back to the grind after one of my best weekends, Iāve 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 didnāt 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, itās 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 donāt 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 Iām so glad she made it happen. Iām 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 itās best to just be present in the moment and turn the phone off for a while, especially since my friends and I donāt 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 wonāt regret it.
How has your week been? Full? Stressful? Busy? Same here. I can’t wait to share this outfit for today. This outfit is perfect for traveling to see loved ones. Not only is it comfortable but it is also fashionable. Letās start breaking down this outfit.
Casual and comfortable
I love this shirt. I got it from Marley Lilly last year. I love the tunic feel and the fabric is so comfortable. Plus, I love anything monogrammed so my initials in the corner is the perfect addition. Another great thing about this top is that its big enough that it covers your booty if you are wearing leggings like I am wearing in this picture.
Since I wore such a dark top, I wanted to break up the bottoms. I decided to wear these leopard print leggings with this top. I got these leggings from Old Navy, I had had them for a few years and they are still in great shape. The dark colors complement each other but it is not super overwhelming.
I wore a gray pair of boot socks to bring out the gray in the leggings. I also got these boot socks from Old Navy as well. You can wear these boot socks with leggings, a dress, or skirt.
My favorite fall boots
My boots are my favorite part of my ensemble. I got these boots last year at the end of the season on sale at DSW. I always try to get new things at the end of season sales. I had the same boots for about four years, so I knew it was time for an upgrade. I love the heel on these boots, you can really dress up an outfit with these boots. I have worn them with leggings, dresses, and jeans. Besides, how good they look, they are also super comfortable. I was on my feet for 10 hours in these boots and my feet were fine by the end of the day. Thatās a major win for my book.
Thatās a peak into my closet this week. I have a fun weekend planned ahead that I canāt wait to share with you all next week. I hope you all have a relaxing weekend.
What a semester it has been. That has been my catch phrase these past few months. Finals are over, I am home for a well-deserved break and Iām taking the time to reflect on this past semester. I was excited for the new semester to start back in August, I had interesting classes lined up to take, I was looking forward to spending time with friends and last year, I really felt that I had found my place and I was looking forward to growing more. For the most part, all those things came through. I certainly grew more this semester. This semester definitely tested me, I took on a heavier course load (18 credits) , took on a few more leadership roles (with clubs and Honor Societies and leading meetings) , got more involved with my school, and started a new job (I both work study for a professor and tutor).Ā However, I quickly learned a new balance with all the new stuff going on and I really managed to get into a good routine that worked for me, I also made sure to take care of myself too. I managed to get all my classes done, work in, and still managed to have a social life.Ā
This was my reaction when I realized how much I took onā¦yep, I may have taken on too much.Ā
A few highlights of this semester include lots of fun memories, from inside jokes with classmates in classes, late nights at work, dinners out with friends, early mornings at the gym followed by breakfast, movie nights, staff bonding events, nights out in the city, and so many more.Ā
Staff photos with Sharon to kick off the semester
Early morning trips to the gym
An Ed Sheeran concert in the middle of the semester was much needed
This is how I spent most of this semester, work, work, work
Early morning walks to class
Trips to fall fests
Halloween Dances
More Halloween festivities
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 I’m going to do once she graduates.
Another one of the many things I did this semester was help work on our news program at school
One of us was working and the other one was supposed to be doing homework…yet we still managed to hang out on a Friday night
Light Up Night in downtown with the best
I think this describes our friendship and semester in a nutshell
Well that wraps up my semester. I learned a lot, made so many memories, grew more confident as a person and with my decisions and really did my best to be social and step out of my comfort zone. Through my time in college, I have learned that it’s most important to take advantage of every opportunity, make memories, and step outside of your comfort zone. Next semester will be different as many of my friends will be graduating, studying abroad, or student teaching. It will be different but I am up for the challenge. I’ll have another look for you on Thursday, then I will be taking next Tuesday off for Christmas. Have a great weekend.Ā
I had a great summer internship experience, you can read all about it here
Practicing my reporting
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Go some place new-YES
I went to Taylor Swiftās concert so that counts as something new, right!?
…Are you Ready for It?
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 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
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 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.
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 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
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā See one (or more) college friends-YES
Iām 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
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Read SIX book (one more than last summer)-YES
I really outdid myself with reading this summer. Iāll be posting a book review soon so you can see how many I read.
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 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.
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 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 doesnāt like to watch a documentary about something that happened 5 minutes from their houseā¦true story
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
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 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
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā See Oceans 8-YES
Loved this movie, it was so well done and the cast couldnāt have been better, girl power all the way.
Another movie I loved
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā See family and spend time with them-YES
I was so happy I was able to see both sides of my family, from grandparents, cousinās and aunts and uncles. Family over everything!
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Try something new-YES
Doing my internship counts right?!
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 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
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Take more walks-YES
I did better at the beginning of summer, but I canāt wait to be back in the gym once school starts back
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 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
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Watch the sunset and sunrise-YES
My family and I went to the beach to watch the sunset and I hadĀ a few early mornings where I watched the sun rise.
Watching the sunset
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 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
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Spend more time outside-YES
Whether it was swimming, tanning, reading or working, I spent a lot of time outside.
Soaking up the sun
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Go swimming more often-YES
I wanted to go in more but I got in the pool more than last summer so that counts.
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 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
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 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
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Breakfast at iHop-YES
It was more of a brunch but I got my fill of iHOP.
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Donāt 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
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Smile more-YES
This was the summer of me! I had such a good summer and smiled a lot.
MY MOOD THIS WHOLE SUMMER
–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 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, letās get to work!
Hi guys!! Happy Thursday!Ā Today I am heading back to school. Summer went by so fast, donāt get me wrong, I accomplished so much and had a wonderful summer, but I am still sad that itās over. I will be posting a full summer recap later. For now, letās 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 donāt know where to begin!
A perfect summer dress for any occasion
Letās start with the where I got It from. I got this dress from Landās End. I used to get a lot of my clothes there when I was younger, but as I have gotten older, I havenāt 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 doesnāt 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 whatās 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!
Just a short post for you today, with summer wrapping up in a few days, Iām doing my best to relax and slow down and just enjoy summer. Between finishing work, packing for school, and buying new supplies, I have been trying to find moments to soak up being at home and embracing the summer days.
How have I been accomplishing this? I have been getting a lot of things on my bucket list done which I will be showing you all soon. Iāve also done some fun activities.
I have gone to the beach to watch the sunset which my family. I love going to the beach even though I donāt get there enough. The sunset is so beautiful to just stop and be in the moment.
Watching the sunset
I have also gone to a few concerts. I went to see The Piano Guys a few weeks back. I have been a fan for 6 years and I was so happy to see them in concert. It was a phenomenal performance. If you have heard of them be sure to check them out on Youtube!
The Piano Guys
Such a good show
Check them out on Youtube
I also went to see Taylor Swift in concert, it was my first time seeing her which I was very excited about. The show was phenomenal! It wasnāt just a concert but rather a spectacular show and experience. I went with some friends and we had the best time singing, dancing, and making memories. It was such an amazing experience.
…Are you Ready for It?
What a showstopping performance
We had great seats to see her perform on one of the smaller stages
TAYLOR!!!
What a way to end the night
Lastly, Iāve been trying to spend as much time outside as possible, whether it has been reading by the pool, swimming, eating dinner outside or just taking walks. I am trying to get as much sun as possible.
Soaking up the sun
Thatās an update about what Iāve been up to these last few days of summer before itās back to the books and work. Enjoy these last few weeks of summer and spend as much time with your friends and family as you can!
I canāt believe we are almost halfway through summer! The months are flying by!! I love finding questionnaires from other bloggers and I love to answer them myself. Today I will be answering questions about summer vacations! I donāt know about you, but through the year I am always finding myself dreaming of vacationing but during the summer it can be hard to find the time to plan it.Ā Iām hoping by answering these questions, I will be able to focus more on planning a summer trip before summer is over! Now, onto the questions thanks to The Blended Blog!!
Great questions
-Will you go on a summer vacation this year?
Yes, hoping to get away for a few days at the end of July or early August. It can be hard to plan a trip when you are coordinating six different schedules!
– Do nothing or a pack it all in vacation?
Pack it all in. Yes, we like to relax but if we are going somewhere new or a place where there is lots of attractions we love to pack it in. Plus, you can relax when you are home, when you are away itās always good to make it worth your while.
-What month do you like to vacation?
Any summer month, we typically go in July though. August can get busy with back to school stuff and June is just the start of summer. July typically works best for us.
In D.C. for a trip
-Cruise: Yes or No?
No! I prefer land and just being away at sea for several days makes me anxious. I do like boating but not for more than a few hours. Haha!
-Favorite vacation tradition?
Getting up early to leave for a trip. Whether it be by car or plane, I love the excitement about getting up in the middle of the night to leave.
-Most memorable vacation?
There are so many to choose from!! I loved going to Disney for the first time, New York City is always fun especially around Christmas time. Our favorite family vacation spot is Hershey, PA so we try to make a trip out of every year.
We headed to Florida one year for spring break
-Hotel, Condo, or House?
Hotels typically work best for our family. Itās nice to use all the amenities the hotels have to offer. We have stayed in condos before, but hotels are our preference.
-Favorite thing to eat on vacation?
Anything that is special or unique to the area. I will always spoil myself with sweet treats on vacation too!
I love heading to New York City especially during Christmas time
-Warm or Cold Destinations?
Depends on the place. I do like warmer climates, Ā but I would rather choose the place rather than the weather.
Well, there are my answers. Now, itās your turn! Pick a few questions and answer them in the comments below! Hopefully we can all get around to planning our vacations soon enough!
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 Iām sharing it with you today. Towards the end of summer I will share home much I accomplished. When it comes to summer funā¦ hereās 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
Donāt rush as much and be in the moment
Smile more
Be spontaneous
Thatās 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-doās to make sure I get everything in and itās not August and I realize I have two weeks to get everything in.
Do you make up summer bucket lists? If so, whatās one thing on your to -do???
