Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week so far. I’m soaking up as much summertime fun. From pool days to walks, family and friend time and day trips. Summer is winding down and I’m looking to make every moment count.
I have a lot of friends in Pittsburgh so I have been making trips to see friends this summer. I’m also making up time from not seeing people last year due to the pandemic. I’ve also been making trips with family and friends too. I went to the city a few weeks ago and I wanted to share some of my adventures.
Here’s a look of the the first glimpse of the city.
The day started with a trip to the zoo! I love going to zoos and seeing animals and I love to head to a zoo whenever I go to a new city or revisit an old city.
Watching the family of lions interact was my favorite.
Elephants are my favorite animal, and I love seeing them at the zoo!
The otters were cooling off in the water.
After the zoo, we ventured to Station Square for walk and lunch!
A view of the city from lunch.
I enjoyed a shrimp platter from Joe’s Crab Shack!
An up-close view of the food.
Another view of the city at lunch!
After lunch we went on the incline for a view of the city.
Making our way to the top.
A view of the city from above.
Another city view from Mount Washington.
Although, it was only a day trip, we packed a lot in. From the zoo, to walks, tasty food and gorgeous views. It’s always a fun time to visit new places or head to my favorite spots. Where are some of your favorite places to travel to?
If you are a Pittsburgh fan, what are some of your favorite things to do or see?!
Hey guys! I hope your week is off to a great start.
Last week, I shared my family’s trip to Hershey…most of the photos consisted of places we visited and the food I enjoyed…I wasn’t the best blogger on vacation haha. But I did manage to get a few shots of a few of my outfits to show what I wore on vacation.
It was a mix of casual/play clothes and a few dresses for dinner or walking around. Here’s a look at what I wore and where I got it from.
On our first full day I wore this outfit for mini golf and the park at night.
I got this graphic tee that says “Ciao Bella” from Gap in the spring and this trip was the first time I got to wear it. I love the soft material and since it’s white it can be worn with any solid pair of shorts, from pink, to blue, even white!
I decided to wear this shirt with blue eyelet shorts that I got from Old Navy. I also have them in white too, which I love! When I find something I love, I have no problem buying it in other colors.
In the morning, it was cool to start the day so I wore my jean jacket to keep me warm. My jean jacket is from Old Navy too!
I finished the look off with a pair of Nike sneakers.
Here’s a look with the same outfit with the jean jacket.
One of the night’s we went out to dinner on the property of the hotel. I got this dress last summer when we went away for a few days. I bought it from Old Navy. I love the bright colors and the island feel the dress gives.
Out to dinner outfit
My shoes are my favorite go-to nude wedges. I love to wear them dressing up sundresses or with a pair of capris and a blouse. I got them a few years ago from DSW.
The bright colors scream summer, it’s a light t-shirt dress, so the material is super soft too.
It was a bit chilly when we went out to dinner so I brought my jean jacket along.
Here’s how the outfit looks with the jean jacket. Since the dress is pattern, the solid jean jacket worked well.
Another night we went out to dinner and we dressed up a bit more. I got this pink dress pre-Covid so I couldn’t wait for an opportunity to wear it.
Here’s a look at the front
I got it from Marshall’s and there’s so many things that make it a great dress. First, the bright pink is perfect for summer. It’s a thinner material which makes it breathable in the summer months. It can be dressed up or down. I wore it with wedges out to dinner but I have also worn it to a best friend’s bridal shower for a more formal occasion. I also think this could work as a dress to wear at a wedding. I love the style, with the high neck and the buttons down the back is super classy.
And a look at the back
These were just a few looks from my vacation that I loved. I obviously wore more outfits out to the park and to dinner but these were some new looks and my favorites.
I also like to bring clothes that are staples that can be worn with different outfits. For example, bringing a jean jacket and wedges that can be worn with multiple outfits. It saves room in your suitcase and it allows you to be creative with your outfits.
What have been your go-to outfits for summer so far? What stores are you having luck at? Let me know below! Have the best rest of your week!
This week has been a whirlwind, I started a new role at work, celebrated the Fourth of July with my family and got to see some friends too. It was the best weekend.
Last month, I got away with my family for a few days. One of my favorite family traditions and spots to visit is Hershey, PA. My family and I have been going to the sweetest place on Earth for over 20 years. We hit the park, go to some local sports and then relax. It’s always a fun place to get away too. It was so great to get some family time and get away and I wanted to share some snapshots of our time away.
I have to warn you, looking back, I didn’t take many pictures and most of them are of food…ooopppsss….
Our dinner at State College during our first night while heading to Hershey. I had a fantastic Lobster Mac and Cheese..yum!
Our first full day, we started the morning off playing mini golf in Harrisburg. This was our view…it was beautiful.
Once we arrived in Hershey, we got some snacks and treats…the chocolate gelato was to die for.
We checked in our hotel and got settled in and then went to the park at night.
After the park, we went to dinner and I got a delicious pasta and bolognese sauce.
We all split desserts, from carrot cake, to chocolate mousse, and a salted brownie. It was all divine.
The next day we hit the ground running for a day at the park. We spent the morning going on lots of rides, big and small.
We stopped for lunch and some ice cream! Yum!
We checked out some new stores and attractions too.
After more rides, we went back to the hotel for a walk before dinner.
I ate a garden salad with chicken for dinner. It was so fresh after a hot day outside.
Once again, we all split this for dessert. It was a heavenly chocolate milkshake with lots of toppings.
The next day we were up early for our final day at the park. Here’s a look at one of the rides.
We rode rides all day and then stopped for ice cream after. Look at all the options. There were so many things to try.
I got a strawberry ice cream with lots of candies.
After stopping for a treat, we got pizza and did some shopping and then it was time for another walk and dinner.
We then had dinner, I ate a light salad, which tasted great after all the sugar haha!
We finished the night off with one more walk.
We started our final day with breakfast and then some time by the pool before packing up to head home.
After a long drive back, I unpacked and started to use my new chocolate scented candle. YUM!
That’s a bit of a recap of my few days away. Lots of family time, time outside, good meals and sweets. Looking back, I wish I took more photos, but at the same time, I’m so glad I was able to enjoy myself and be in the moment and have fun. Next week, I’ll have a post all about some of my outfits I wore on vacation, a few casual outfits, a few dresses, but lots of fun looks. Be sure to keep an eye out for it next week.
Until then, have a great rest of your week and weekend!
Hey hey everyone! This weekend marks three years of blogging!!! Where has the time gone? I started this blog as creative escape and something to do during my downtime and boy has it turned into something else. It has given a creative escape, but it’s held me accountable, it’s helped me become a stronger writer, it’s allowed me to be more open, and it’s led me to lead a more reflective life.
I started this blog after my first year of college and now I’m in almost five months into working my first job. SO much has changed, from meeting new people, MANY looks of the day, travel journals, book reviews, semester recaps, and now currentlys. It’s been incredible to see how I have grown and changed. Although, my posts have shifted a bit since I started working, it has opened up new doors and opportunities to write about different things. My little blog corner has also given me the opportunity to connect with people in ways I didn’t think it was possible. It’s been cool to see what I was feeling during my junior year of college compared to what I am feeling now. It’s been fascinating and a good way to appreciate everything in life especially in these uncertain times.
Now, to round up some of my favorite blog posts:
I love any post where I talk about travel so both of my travel posts about Rome are included:
This is just a wrap up of some of my favorite posts or topics. I can’t wait to see what this new year of blogging brings, thank you to everyone who have followed me or read my posts, whether you have been reading since I started 3 years ago or just last month. THANK YOU!
Happy Wednesday! I hope you have been having a wonderful week. I’m really excited about today’s post. A few weeks back, I did a post about the importance of keeping friendships alive even when you are doing the long-distance trek.
This week would have been my college spring break, even though I didn’t get a full week off like I used to in college, I still wanted to do something fun on my day off work, so I decided to have a “spring break day” in Pittsburgh, I met up with friends for breakfast, lunch and dinner, It was so good to see some of my close college friends, catch up, just relax and not worry about work. It was the perfect day escape. Plus, it was so nice to see my friend’s hometowns.
I got some shopping in, was able to have some face to face conversations with friends, and have a fun day.
As I started working full time I realized that it’s important to take time for yourself on your days off, whether it’s catch up with friends, relaxing at home, seeing family, or taking up a new hobby. It was so good to have a very mini spring break in my favorite city with my favorite people.
After this fun day and little getaway, I know that I will be making more trips to visit friends and do something for myself too. Facetime, phone calls, and texting is great but there is something special about seeing friends in person. Your friends are important, make sure you keep them close.
Happy Tuesday and an early happy Fourth of July! The Fourth is one of my favorite summer activities. Not only is it a day for seeing family, eating delicious food, and being outside in the sun, but it’s a day to celebrate our country!
This past week has been such a whirlwind filled with so many wonderful moments and memories that I loved making.
Let’s recap!
On Wednesday to Friday my best friend, Bailey, from college came to visit. This was one of the first times a college friend came to visit me, since I live further away from school. During her visit, we did so many things.
Look who’s here!!!
We started the mini vacay with a drive around my hometown and the happy hour by the bay.
Beautiful weather for her visit!
We then headed to the beach to listen to live music at sunset. After the live music we headed to get some ice cream before heading back to my house for a cook out. We relaxed for the rest of the night and caught up.
Sun setting at the beach
We got up bright and early on Thursday morning and headed out for a morning run. It was great to get a workout in, to start the day.
Hello Morning Run!
We then came back to my house and got ready for a day out in the sun. We got lunch at Sara’s, an iconic diner in my hometown.
Introducing her to Sara’s!
We then went kayaking, which was my first time going out, but so much fun!
After spending time on the water, we went to the beach, we tanned, relaxed, went in the water and even took a nap.
ALL the beach vibes!Beach vibes
After spending all day out in the sun, we went back to my house and relaxed. I just started watching Outlander and am obsessed!
We ate dinner and then went out for the night, which was so much fun!
The bay at night
We eased into Friday by going for a hike and then coming back for breakfast before she had to head back to Pittsburgh.
Hiking before she had to head back to Pittsburgh
I am so thankful for our friendship and her visit. It was so good to be a tourist in my own hometown. We are already planning our next adventure! Much love Bailey!
Thanks for a great visit!!!
After she left on Friday, I quickly had to switch gears since I was going away for the weekend with my high school Madeline to visit our friend Ryan in Buffalo!
REUNITED
We left early Saturday morning and made the journey up to Buffalo.
Buffalo bound
Once we arrived in New York, Ryan gave us a tour of Buffalo, from his college, Canisius, to downtown Buffalo and the canal side. It was so nice to get a look into his world.
Checking out his school
We went to the Terrace for lunch, the food was delicious, and the view was even better.
Lunch with my favorite high school palsBeautiful view
After walking around the city, we relaxed until we went out to dinner at Duff’s and had some of their famous wings. They didn’t disappoint. We hung out and played some games before calling it a night.
Did someone say Buffalo Chicken Wings?!
Before, Madeline and I left Buffalo we got brunch at Pano’s, a delicious place that was in downtown Buffalo. It was delicious and so filling.
I love these people
I was so glad to have made the trip to Buffalo and spend some quality time with my high school friends.
Thanks for being some of my best friends!
These past few days have truly reminded me how lucky I am to have such good, fun, and supportive friends. From high school to college, we all get by with a little help from our friends!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and to our favorite dad’s I hope you had a great Father’s day on Sunday.
Oh hey there Chicago!
This past weekend, my family and I took a weekend getaway to Chicago! I had been to the Windy City a year and a half ago and I loved my time here. You can read all about it here! I was so excited to be going back with my family to share the city with them.
We left around 6:00 am on Friday morning and made our way out to the Midwest.
Once we arrived to the city, we started our time with a boat ride with a tour of the river and Lake Michigan. It was incredible to see all the buildings and get a bit of a history lesson on the area. It was amazing to see all the the city meet the sea. Ironically, all of my favorite cities, including my hometown are all by the water. I’ve always lived by the water and near the city, this is a feature I hope to have when I move in a few years.
Out at sea
The City from the River
Can it get any more beautiful than this?
After our tour on the river, we headed to Millennium Park and the iconic Bean.
Millenium Park
The Bean
We then took a stroll on the Magnificent Mile, where there were hundreds of stores, everything from Brooks Brothers, Tiffany’s, the Disney store, Nike, Nordstrom’s and more.
I was loving Nike’s decor!
We picked up some sweet treats at Dylan’s Candy Bar. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have the biggest sweet tooth, so this was definitely a highlight!
Dylan’s…YUM!
One of my favorite things about Chicago is how it is a walkable it is. We were able to walk to most of the sites, meals, and other attractions. It was also a beautiful weekend, cooler and cloudy at some points but definitely summer weather.
A beautiful day in the city
We headed to dinner at Rosebud, a delicious and intimate Italian restaurant, just a few blocks from our hotel. I had a delicious pasta with Bolognese sauce. Incredible! We ended up calling it an early night, with an early wake up call, full day of travel and sightseeing, we were ready for an early evening!
Such a delicious pasta
Day 2 had us up bright and early, we ventured out of the city to head to Brick World, a lego comic con event. One of my brothers is a big fan of legos so we went to check out this event. Let me tell you, I was very impressed with the creativity and design work at Brick World.
Here are some of my favorite designs!
This Harry Potter display was so cool!
Another Harry Potter display
And who doesn’t love Mister Rogers?!
We spent the day at Brick World before heading to Portillos for lunch, this 50’s diner setup had sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and fries. I opted for a southwest salad which was delicious and so filling.
Portillo’s
I loved this Southwest Salad, it was such a good combo
We made our way back to the city for the evening, we did some walking around near our hotel before venturing out for dinner at Devon’s a seafood place. I had some spicy shrimp for an appetizer, which was so delicious and then Lobster Roll for dinner. The lobster roll was so flavorful and filling. It hit the spot!
The Lobster Roll was to die for
We got dessert at our hotel while overlooking the city at night. This rich chocolate cake that I split with my mom and brother completed a delicious meal.
How good does this cake look?
Our final day in Chicago began with mass at the Holy Name Cathedral.
Gorgeous Cathedral
After we finished with Church, we planned to go to the top of the Willis tower, however, it was VERY foggy and there was 0 % visibility.
The Willis Tower
The view from the bottom
We then opted to go to the Field Museum down by the water and see a few exhibits. The museum was huge so we only saw a few sections. I would definitely recommend going back and doing the whole museum, just make sure you have enough time to see everything the museum has to offer.
The Field Museum
Sue the Dinosaur
After we finished at the museum, we made our way out of the city. Although we were only there for a weekend, we packed a lot in. I was so happy I got to go back to Chicago. I know I will be back for sure.
Goodbye Chicago
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and great week ahead!
Two years…it’s amazing how much has changed since I started this blog after my freshmen year of college. Just to show how much I have changed, here’s my first ever post. I started this blog as a way to talk about transitioning and adjusting to college life along with fitness, organization and fashion and it has become so much more than that. I’ve become a better writer, more open, a stronger person and stepped out of my comfort zone with this blog.
That is just a look into my favorite posts that I’ve covered these past two years. I opened up about being homesick, getting used to college life, and home life, and back to college life. I have shared my friends, family, dogs, and favorite things with you- from tv shows, books, and ways to have fun.
This blog has been a great stress reliever, whenever I would be stressed or I wanted to share something new I learned, my blog was my go-to.
I truly wouldn’t be here without you all! Thank you for your love, support and for reading my posts every day whether it is about fashion, fitness, or day to day life. I have had so many people and friends tell me they have read my blog, follow it, or make a suggestion for it. It means so much to me that you take the time out of your lives to read about my life. This next year of blogging will be different as I will be graduating college and entering a new phase in my life. There will also be some surprises in this next year, there will be new content, different types of posts, and so many fun things in the future so stay tuned!! But not to fear, the blog is not going anywhere. I’m going to taking it day by day as I start a new adventure and I hope you will come with me on this journey.
Thank you for reading, the love, and support
Here’s to TWO years of ups and downs and taking it one day at a time.
Well, that’s a wrap on my junior year of college! This year flew by, I can’t believe that the next time I will be back at school, I will be a senior. It seems like just yesterday I was walking on campus for the first time, now in August, I will be moving in for the last time. College is an interesting concept, it’s amazing in a few years how much we grow, change, learn, and live. I can honestly say that I am a completely different person now than when I moved in 3 years ago. I can’t wait to celebrate and enjoy my last semester of college in the fall.
My mood though Junior year…well most of the time.. haha!
Today’s post is my favorite types of posts. Another semester has gone by, which means it’s time for another recap. To see what I was up to last semester, you can read about it here. I love to do these recaps to show you what I have been up to, as well as reflect on how much I have accomplished both in an out of the semester. This semester was a busy one, but filled with so many fun memories. The best way to describe this semester is the fact, I typically go to the gym on Saturday’s and Sunday’s, I always had things going on during the weekends that it wasn’t until the last weekend of the semester in May that I made it both days, I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.
As I was preparing for this post, I realized how many things I did, that I didn’t take pictures of. Although, I wish I had pictures to document the fun times and moments, it is nice just to be present in the moment and enjoy who I am with, without capturing it all for social media. So, let’s recap this semester…
First day of the spring semester…cold and quiet
January started out with freezing weather, a few cancelled classes (which was unheard of for our school) and lots of working weekends. The cancelled classes did result in some spontaneous adventures with my friends, whether it was brunch, going thrift shopping, or heading to the mall. I’ve learned this semester that some of my favorite moments were the ones that were unplanned and spontaneous, whether it was grabbing dinner with my friends, seeing a school musical, or shopping whether it was at the mall or the comic book store.
Heading into February, classes and work were on my mind, I spent a lot of time working on my Capstone biography video, which you can watch here.
Hard at work on my Senior Capstone
I also was able to have weekly lunch dates with my sweet friend Sharon, who graduated in December and weekly dinner dates with my friend Bailey, who spent this semester student teaching. It was so special to be able to see my friends even with their busy schedules.
SO thankful for this friendship
I love getting lunch with my sweet friend Sharon
I was able to sneak home for a quick visit before I left for Rome.
No shame in admitting this is my only photo that weekend at home…what can I say…I’m a dog lover
Moving into March, I spent the first several days in Rome. If you missed my recaps on the eternal city, you can read part one here and part two here.
Take me back to simpler days…
I came back to school after an incredible trip and got back into the swing of classes, work, and friends. I had one of my most memorable weekends of the semester with my friends at our Semi-formal dance, which you can read about here. The weekend included dinner, hanging out with friends, dancing, grilled cheese at midnight, sleepovers, hitting the gym and brunch.
One of the BEST weekends of the semester
I jetted home for another visit with my family which was much needed after returning from abroad.
Are we really surprised that my only picture from being at home is with my dogs?
April brought lots of the end of the semester activities. In between school work, I was able to head to a bowling outing with my friends, get dinner, go on some fro-yo dates, spend a day volunteering, and get Inducted into a Communication Honor Society.
A day spent volunteering with my best friend Danielle
Lambda Pi Eta
A more up close picture of the outfit
A quick picture with my parents who came out to support me!
I also got the opportunity to tour our Library at school which is under construction and interview our school’s president about the renovations. You can watch the interview here.
Interviewing the President of my school in the new Library
Our school also hosts a spring family weekend which as so fun, I got to see and hang out with some of my closest friends, watch a few bands perform and got pied in the face for charity…definitely a messy moment of the semester.
With some of my close friends Sharon and Bailey
Spring family weekend
It took a long time to get the whipped cream out
Like I mean three showers later…it was finally all out
April ended with Easter ended at home.
Surprise…not a picture of me and my dogs at home, but with my brothers for Easter
I finished out the last few weeks of April and May with end of the year dinners, from Honor Societies, to Department dinners, and senior celebrations as well as finals, I’m so lucky I was able to participate in these senior festivities since so many of my close friends are seniors. Next year will be different without them.
One last DQ and catch up session with this girl!
Laughing our way into Senior year…
Celebrating senior year with my friend Olivia!
Thankful for her friendship this year, my girl Bailey, always there through thick and thin.
It wouldn’t be the end of the school year without a trip to one of our favorite places, the SP…a hidden gem near our school
The year ended with working the last few days after finals and attending graduation. I was so happy I could watch all my friends graduate, although it was sad to see them move on I know they are going to do amazing things.
Gonna miss these girls next year!
Working graduation with my sweet friend Danielle, we are up next!
Whew…and that’s a wrap. Junior year was by far one of the best years and I think a lot of that has to do with a mindset. I called junior year my year of joy and I wanted to find joy in every day. Even on the days that were rough, emotionally and mentally draining, or I wanted to go home, I still looked for the joy in every day.
Although, it’s so good to be home and not think about school for a bit, I’m going to miss my friends and being at the same place with everyone. I do have some pretty exciting plans for this summer and next semester, so stay tuned!
To everyone who made this year and semester the best one yet…THANK YOU! Have a beautiful day friends! Sending love to everyone near and far…xoxo!
I hope you all had a relaxing weekend! I’m going into my last week of classes and then it’s finals week! This semester has flown by, my finals week shouldn’t be too bad, so I’m hoping to soak up as much time with my friends before many of them graduate. I always feel that pack them most into the last few weeks of school since that’s when everything is winding down. Last year, I did a fun facts post and it was so fun to do. You can read it here. Today, I decided to update it and share 10 more fun facts about me. Who knows maybe you will learn something new!
I journal every day and when I am stressed out or overwhelmed or have a problem, I always turn to journaling. I have several journals filled with thoughts or multiple word documents with thinking things out. I feel best after I write out a problem or talk it out with someone.
Journaling is the best way for me to unwind and be intentional every day
My biggest pet peeve is when people cancel plans on me, I’m always understanding especially when something unexpected comes up and someone has to reschedule consistently but it still bothers me
I love anything British, whether it’s books, movies, music, actors, the culture. I love everything about Great Britian. London, England is on my list of top three places to visit. One of my best friends is going to London this summer and I’m super jealous, I’m making them take lots of pictures for me. Haha!
Speaking of music, I have no favorite type of music, my playlists are all over the place from Praise and Worship, to 70’s hits, 2010’s workout music, top 40’s pop music, even country music and movie scores, it’s a mess. Whenever, I am out with friends, I let them pick the music since my taste is all over the place.
Just a peak into my pandora playlist…my amazon playlist is even more different
If I wasn’t a Communication major I would probably be an Education major. When I was growing up I always wanted to be a teacher growing up, but ultimately decided communication was the right path for me and I’m so glad I did since I love what I’m learning and doing.
I always have a bottle of water and gum with me, whether it’s in the car, going to class or running errands. I drink a lot of water during the day and even through the night, I keep water by my bed and typically finish a bottle of water through the night.
I prefer sweet over savory, I would rather have a big dessert than a steak dinner. Chocolate is my weakness so I will always indulge in something sweet.
I would prefer this over a huge dinner any day
I love hanging out and doing activites with friends, my friends and I go bowling and have a ton of fun even though I am probably the worst bowler…no joke, last time I went I think my score was 33…yeah, not the best score but I have a ton of fun when I’m with my friends and that’s what matters right?!
Although, I spend more time texting, I prefer calls over texts/DM’s/ snap chats etc. I find calls to be more personally and I can express myself more over a phone call than a long text or a direct message.
I love the simple things in life, for example, flowers. I love having fresh cutflowers in my room or on my desk. I love how such a small gesture can change your mood. I love the scent they bring into a room and how they can make a space feel warm and inviting.
Fresh cut flowers are a favorite of mine
And there’s 10, I hope you found this fun and enjoyable to read. These are always my favorite posts to read on other blogs since everyone is so different and it’s always fun to learn different things about each other.
How many did you know? What’s one fun fact about yourself? Leave them in the comments below!
