Tag: work

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Fabulous living

Summer Goals

Hey guys!

I hope your week is off to a great start. It has been so nice to settle into a new routine for the summer months.Ā Ā Every summer I try to set realistic goals for the summer months. They can be anything from activities, projects, trips, and small tasks. I start out with a basic list as summer begins and will add things if necessary as the months go on. At the end of the summer, I love to look back and see everything I accomplished and all the memories I created.

Summer 2019ā€¦you are just beginningā€¦letā€™s take a look and see what my summer goals are:

Get license renewed

                  -A small but necessary task and I got it done right when I got home! 

Work/Internship

  • Although summer is for relaxing, I plan to work through the summer. I like to stay busy and working through the summer will definitely keep me busy.

Make College photo albumĀ 

  • Through my college years, I have been saving photos and organizing them into years. This summer, I want to get them all printed and organized since my time in college is coming to a close.

Celebrate 21

  • Iā€™m really looking forward to celebrating my 21stbirthday this summer. Iā€™m so lucky I get to be home to be with my family, but Iā€™m looking forward to celebrating this milestone with my friends in Pittsburgh!

See friends from college and high school

  • Speaking of friends, I am making seeing my friends both from college and high school this summer, whether itā€™s coffee dates or day trips, friends are so important and I want to make them a priority this summer.
We didn’t even say goodbye at graduation because we knew we would be seeing each other through the summer

Portfolio (BLS)

  • Another requirement for school that I need to get done before school is back in session for 2019!

Work Study

  • This summer I will be working remotely for a job I hold back at school. There are a few projects that I will be working on that I am excited to get started on.

Read 12-15 books

  • I am an avid reader and I am really looking forward to reading a lot over the summer. I already made a stop to my local library to check out a few books to get a start on summer reading.
First book of the summer…

Download pictures to laptop

  • Again, another task, it wonā€™t take long but I want to make sure I have all my photos from this past year saved to my laptop.

Spend time with familyĀ 

  • Since this is my last summer home I want to make sure I soak up as much family time as I can, whether it is family dinners, soccer days, or pool days. I canā€™t wait to get some quality family time in.
Looking forward to a full summer with the fam!

Day Trips

  • I love taking day trips, whether it is to the city, in the country, or to see family and friends. Iā€™m hoping to spend a few days going to new places this summer. 

Start Healthier habits

  • I have gotten into good routines while I am at school and I want to continue those routines at home, whether it hitting the gym several days a week, eating healthier foods and meals, or just setting time aside to relax. Getting into a good routine is something Iā€™m looking forward to this summer.

Go to a concert

  • I have a concert planned for September with one of my best friends, but I want to try and hit up another summer concert. Anyone with suggestions, please let me know.

Beach days

  • I may live close to the beach, but that doesnā€™t mean I spend all summer there. Last summer, I went to the beach on the last day I was home. I want to make more of an effort to go to the beach, whether itā€™s for the sunset, sunrise, or a day in the water.

Family Vacation

  • I have been reflective in the past few months with everything that has been changing and Iā€™m looking forward to getting away with my family for a summer trip. Where and when that will be is still up in there air, but none the less, Iā€™m looking forward to making some memories.

Find a new show to Binge watch

  • Every summer, I always am on the look for new shows to binge watch. Iā€™m currently finishing up Dawsonā€™s Creek-an oldie but a goodie! Iā€™m now on the hunt to find a new show to watch this summer. Any good suggestions?

Take more walks outside

  • In an effort to spend more time outside, I want to take more walks, whether it is at sporting events, at the end of the day after work, or around lunch. Iā€™m looking forward to enjoying the outdoors more.

Weekly facetime calls with friends

  • Back to the friendsā€¦can you tell I miss my college friends?!  A few of my friends from school and I have suggested doing weekly facetime calls to keep each other in the loop with whatā€™s going on. Itā€™s a weird feeling going from seeing your BFFā€™s all the time to going weeks without seeing each other.
You mean I won’t be seeing my friends every day….thank gosh for FaceTime!

Try something new

  • Leaving this one up in the year. I want to try something new and pushed from my comfort zone. We will see what happens and what I try.

Try new recipesĀ 

  • I love to cook and bake. This summer I want to try some new recipes and even come up with a signature dish. I am into salads right now, so I have a feeling I will be making lots of different salad combinations this summer.

Entertain Friends/family

  • I love to host people at my home and I learned it all from my mom. In the summer, we love to have friends and family over and Iā€™m looking forward to doing some entertaining this summer.

Do something spontaneous

  • This goes along with trying something new, even though I love my schedules and routines. I want to be spontaneous and more flexible. Iā€™m hoping to accomplish that this summer.

Be Present

  • After a stressful and busy semester, I want to be present and just live this summer. There will always be things to do and tasks to accomplish, however, I want to make an effort to just be happy where I am at.
Made this my background for my phone to only focus on the positive things in life

That concludes my summer goals. It may seem like a lot, but overall, I think it is a good mix of realistic and mental goals. Overall, I want this summer to be one filled with happiness, love, laughter, friendship, purpose, and maybe even a dance. 

Have a beautiful week! xoxo

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Fabulous living

Fall Semester Recap

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 Iā€™m 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 

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Fabulous living

Best of 2018

Hello All! Happy Tuesday. I hope your week has been going well. I am in the middle of finals week. Iā€™m looking forward to finishing up these next few days and then enjoying some much deserved time off. 

Todayā€™s post is all about my review of 2018, now, you may think itā€™s a little early for this, but next week I have my semester recap, since I still have some things planned before I head out for the semester, then the next Tuesday is Christmas and the following Tuesday is New Years. Iā€™ll be taking both of those days off to spend with family. Therefore, today will be a recap of 2018 and next Tuesday will be my semester recap. Makes sense? Letā€™s get to it!

2018, was such a good year for me. It included, job shadowing, an incredible internship, lots of new classes and hours of school work, taking on new roles and jobs, making new friends, saying goodbye to close friends, lots of family time, traveling, and countless memories

January started out with me job shadowing at a local news station where I had the best day, it led me to an incredible internship in the summer. My spring semester was filled with lots of learning, challenging classes, a new job, and many memories with friends, from dinners out, girls days, and late night adventures.

One of the late night adventures from last year, heading to the S.P., a hidden gem one of my friends found, it’s become an inside joke and loved place by our group of friends.Ā 
My two close friends Olivia and Bailey, we have had so many good times through this year.Ā 
From fall fests…
To light up night
and even walking to class, I wouldn’t be able to make it through college without them

My summer was filled with my summer internship, working at my part time job, spending time with family, seeing friends from high school, going to concerts, and accomplishing my to do list, which included some relaxing too. You can see my summer recap here. 

Lots of family time. Family over Everything
Fourth of July spent with my favorites
…Are you Ready for It?. Taylor Swift was a hit this summer
The Piano Guys
Getting in front of the camera too

This fall semester was filled with A LOT of work, starting another new job, maintaining my old job, movie nights, building friendships, dinners out with friends, late night adventures, and not enough sleep. Haha! It was a very busy but successful semester. Iā€™m excited to see what next semester has in store.

This is how I spent most of this semester, work, work, work
Staff Photos round 2
Concert ready for Ed Sheeran
Our whole group out at Light Up Night

My favorites of 2018 include:

Movie- All of these were hits in my book, I loved the storylines, the music, and the characters. Ā Mamma Mia 2, Life Itself and A Star is Born

such a good movie




Tv Show- This new ABC show, A Million Little Things tells the story of a group of friends moving on when one of their friends commits suicide. It kind of has the same feel of This is Us. To see all the other shows I watch you can see that post here. 


Album- Okay, Iā€™m a little bias but these soundtracks were on repeat for weeks after I saw the movies. Now that Christmas is around the corner, I have a Christmas playlist on repeat. 

Such a good soundtrack
such a good soundtrack

I also did a lot of reading this summer, I’m looking forward to reading a lot more over Christmas, if you have any suggestions, please feel free to let me know! My book reviews from this summer can be found here.Ā 

I loved reading this summer and I can’t wait to do more soon

Whew, I accomplished so much in 2018, it truly was an incredible year for me, 2019 will be an exciting year, Iā€™ll be turning 21 and graduating college. I canā€™t believe how fast time is going. See you next week for my Fall semester recap. To any college kids out there, good luck with finals, we are almost there!

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Fun Ways to Organize

What’s on My Phone?

Hi Guys!

Happy Tuesday! I hope you all had restful weekends! My weekend was pretty busy between homework, work, and the semester full underway, it was hectic to say the least. I am looking forward to this coming weekend as it will be filled with activities, family, and some R&R!

On todayā€™s agenda, I wanted to share how I organize my phone and some of my favorite apps on my phone that make my life easier and more efficient. Now, as 20 year old, I do use social media a lot on my phone both for my blog and for my own personal use. However, I am just going to focus on apps, that make my life easier and more organized. This post is not sponsored or an advertisement, Iā€™m just sharing what apps work best in my life and how I keep my phone organized.

What’s on my iPhone?

On the first screen, I keep most of my apps in their original place. I donā€™t like to move my apps around too much because I like to keep it simple and not complicated. My phone, safari, mail, music, messages, and notes are all near each other so I can access them easily.

First screen

On my second screen are the more speciality apps.

Second Screen

My first row are my apps for social media which include Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and the E News app where I get all the scoop from Hollywood. I use these every day even multiple times a day.

The second row are apps that I use that are clustered based on use. (minus pinterest- another form of social media but I ran out of room on the first row). My first cluster is for school. Outlook is great for collecting my school emails, GroupMe is so helpful for group messages, Schoology keeps all my assignments in one place, Cam Scanner is great for copying notes, and Remind is a great Reminder app.

School Apps

My second cluster is for work which include Linkedin, Facebook, and Messenger all used for work purposes not fun.

Work Apps

The last cluster is all the other apps that I donā€™t use all the time including Contacts, Stocks, Files, Compass, any other apps that I donā€™t use all the time.

Extra Apps

The third row includes my personal apps which include my online banking app, my Fitbit that tracks everything on my Fitbit, my Countdown app for important days, and Sprinkle of Jesus, a great app full of inspiration.

My last row includes three clusters.

The first for entertainment; which include Amazon Music and Video, Netflix, Pandora, and Podcasts, they are tucked away so Iā€™m not distracted.

Entertainment Apps

My second cluster Ā has my favorite shopping and food apps which include Apple Wallet, Amazon Prime, and Panera Bread and Chipotle, my favorite eateries.

Food and Shopping Apps

Lastly, photos and videos which includes Layout, VSCO, Followers, and Repost all important for blogging.

Photos and Video Apps

Now onto my favorite apps.

–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Notes

Everyone with a smart phone has some kind of notes app and it is so helpful. I use my notes every day. I keep To-Do lists, Reminders, Movies that I want to watch, and Books I want to read, Passwords, and anything else I need to be accessible at all times. I use my notes all the time and it is so helpful to have it be synced with laptop and ipad to I have all my notes with me on any device. Notes keeps me on top of anything that gets thrown my way through the day.

–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā GroupMe

This is one of my most used apps. It is an app just for group messages. It is so helpful to keep all my group messages in one area and not mixed in with all my other personal messages. For my job at school, we use GroupMe to communicate fast and efficiently. GroupMe is also super helpful when it comes to group projects, work meetings, or just friends making plans.Ā  This app is free and can be found in the app store. Overall, GroupMe has made my life at school much more organized

–Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Sprinkle of Jesus

Not an organizational tool but this app sends you positive reminders and mantras throughout the day. Whenever, I need a pick me up, Sprinkle of Jesus is always there. Some of the quotes hit close to home. They also have great content too. This is free and found in the app store.

Whew, thatā€™s a look into my phone and what apps Im totally hooked on. Also, I keep my background fairly simple so Iā€™m not distracted with a busy background. What apps are you hooked on and what tips do you have when it comes to organizing your phone?

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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 itā€™s back to business and school mode is in full effect!

Today I am sharing what Iā€™ve been up to this summer. As you know, I have pretty busy working between my internship and summer job. I couldnā€™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 ā€œday in the lifeā€ as a reporter. Every day is different and new things are constantly going on.Ā  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. Thatā€™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, andĀ  my favorite part, writing and editing my own stories. I even got to practiceĀ  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 figureā€™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 couldnā€™t have asked for a better summer or experience. I learned so much and i loved going to work every day to see what itā€™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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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 donā€™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 donā€™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 Iā€™ve learned about making time to see your friends in the summer.

  • Donā€™t just say it, Do It!

When school is winding down, you may catch yourself saying, ā€œwe have to see each other this summer!ā€, 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 Iā€™m not going to see all of them, but maybe I can try seeing one or two.Ā  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. Iā€™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. Itā€™s a great time to see each other and celebrate.

Fourth of July spent with my favorites

  • Be Spontaneous

Yes, itā€™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 canā€™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? Letā€™s Discuss!!

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Fashion

Look of the Day #60

LOTD

Happy Thursday!

I promise I have some fun in the sun outfits coming up soon, but for now another formal, business casual look is up for today. This is just a peak into my summer…high hopes for fun in the sun but in reality, a lot of work. Although, I have no complaints, I actually enjoy getting dressed up for work and mixing and matching outfits. I love to put together outfits that I already have in my wardrobe.

Todayā€™s look is no different, I had this dress for several years now, but this look was one of the first few times I paired it with these accessories. Letā€™s get started.

Amazing how you can transform a white dress

I got this white eyelet dress from Old Navy about five or six years ago-yes, I have had it for a while and it still is a great summer dress. Also, I always rave about Old Navyā€™s clothes and this is just another testament to their good quality when it comes to how their clothes are made. I have worn this dress to Sunday Mass, graduations, summer parties, and to work. A very versatile dress, if I do say so myself.

An up close look at the details.

Due to this dress being simple and white, I knew I had to spruce it up with some color. Thatā€™s where this blue cardigan and orange necklace came in. I chose the blue crop sweater (also from Old Navy) because I wanted to break up with white and I knew it would be a bit chilly. The blue laid perfectly on white dress and I really loved the preppy look it gave off.

 

Dress, cardigan, and necklace

I chose the orange necklace as a bold statement piece against the white and it did not disappoint. I loved the unique style and I think it truly tied the outfit together with the blue and white. i too, got this necklace from Old Navy.

An alternate look-just the necklace and dress

Lastly, I wore a pair of my favorite nude wedges to cap off the outfit. I got them from DSW a few years back and they have held up strong. You canā€™t go wrong with a nude shoe!

Overall, I was very happy with how this outfit turned out. When I chose this outfit, I just had the dress in mind and I was so glad I had the accessories around. This outfit came from my closet and costed $0!!

Where are your go-toā€™s for summer fashion!?

Letā€™s meet back here same time, same place! Have a great weekend!

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Fabulous living

Internships Do’s and Don’ts

With June almost through, something most college studentā€™s like myself have on their minds are internships. Whether they are in the process of completing them in the summer months or applying for them for the fall, internships are something every college student must endure.

Internships are not all that bad, they give students great experience for a career they may be considering, provide networking opportunities for college students, and may even lead to a job one day.

Off to a new day at work.

This summer I am completing my second internship and I am loving it. I am getting a lot of experience and learning things every day about a profession I am seriously considering. Last summer, I also completed an internship where I learned a lot as well. For both internships, I received college credit and they were nonpaid. Most internships only accept college credit and are nonpaid. If you have the opportunity to get a paid internship thatā€™s an added bonus-and you should accept it. Each internship is different in their own way.

I have complied a list of doā€™s and donā€™ts when it has come to internships. If you have worked or are currently working at an internship, please leave in the comments below any things you may add.

DO

-Show up on time (whether it is your first or last day be sure to arrive on time or a few minutes early to start the day. Ā Arriving early is always the start to a good impression)

-Dress Professional (When applying or interviewing for internships be sure to ask what the appropriate attire is so you can plan ahead. As well as being professional, make sure you are comfortable. As cute as heels are they are not good for being on your feet 8 hours a day-ballet flats all the way.)

-Ask questions and take notes (Donā€™t be afraid to speak up or ask questions, you wonā€™t learn things unless you ask. It can be intimidating the first few days and you will get a lot of information thrown at you, be sure to take notes and write everything down to make sure you keep everything in order.)

DONā€™T

-Be on your phone (Besides it being unprofessional to be on your phone while working, it takes away from the experience of what you are learning. If you find yourself with free time, try asking if there is anything that needs done or if there is anywhere you can help out.)

-Overstep or overshare (Keep in mind wherever you intern that you are an INTERN, you are not the center of attention- you are there to learn, observe, and help out where needed. You are not there to run the company but rather see how the company is run.)

-Just sit there and wait to be told what to do (Take initiative and see what you can do to help to do your part. Be a leader and show you are a go-getter and want to work hard. This will stand out to employers.)

 

These are just a few things Iā€™ve learned by completing two internships as well as asking employers as well as other friends who have interned at a variety of businesses. If you have interned someplace or hire interns what advice would you give to rising interns, leave them in the comments below! Good Luck with your summer jobs and internships.

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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

Categories
Fabulous living

Simple Christmas Decorating

Hello! Hello!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family and friends. I know I spent my break seeing family, eating, and sleeping; refueling before its back to school and finals are upon us. While I was home, I did some decorating for Christmas. Today I am going to showcase some easy and affordable Christmas decorations that can work in a dorm, at home or even in an office.

Here are some home ideas:

These glass jars filled with bright and colorful candy and sweets and make a great centerpiece. They also make a great discussion piece. The jars are in different shapes and sizes. In my jars, I have peppermints, ribbon candy, marshmallows, red hots, and candy canes. Fun and colorful!

This sleigh was from an old floral arrangement but I am reusing it for decoration. I got these colorful ornaments from Target. Put them together and you have a great table decoration. The book behind it adds a child aspect to the arrangement.

I love making a home feel cozy. By pairing together a candle with a candy dish and a floral arrangement turns a house into a home.

Here are Dorm Ideas:

I got this stocking for sale last year and it was perfect to bring some Christmas Cheer in to my dorm room. I have it hung on my bed so it’s one of the first things my guests see when they enter.

I love dressing up a room with festive pillows and blankets, I got this pillow as a gift last year and it goes perfect on my chair.

Gel clings are inexpensive and can dress up a window. Not only does it dress up your window but people passing by can get a taste of Christmas Cheer!

I got both the Christmas Lights and Santa’s sleigh from Target for $1.00 each!

These are a few easy and affordable ideas for Christmas decorating. All these decorations can work at school, work, and home. What are your favorite places to decorate? What decorating tips do you have?