politeness

AMEN.

see here for details.

mid-semester slump

It is that time in the semester when midterms are just about over
and the second half of the semester has quickly come upon us.
A lot of times this means that girls and guys stop trying to look
nice for each other and start just being comfortable and warm.

Well my friends, I want to urge you to not allow yourself to
fall into the mid-semester slump and keep looking adorable.

How? Why? Is is really necessary?
It's simple. It's worth it. Yes.

Scenario #1: 
You stay up late to write papers and read books.
Your alarm doesn't goes off and you're running late to class.
[Happens to me at least once a week. I still look cute.]

Outfit:
Jeans, a plain tshirt, scarf, and boots. Time: 1 minute
Hair:
Side braid or rock the natural look. Time: 0 - 2 minutes.
Makeup:
Mascara, eyeliner, lip balm, and a hint of bronzer. Time: 1 minute.
Total time: about 5 minutes. Now that isn't so hard is it?!

Scenario #2:
You are freezing and don't want to get out of bed in the morning.
[Happens to me on a daily basis. I still never wear sweatpants.]

Outfit:
Jeans and an knit sweater or tshirt and cardigan. Time: Under a minute.
Hair:
Bun, braid, or whatever you have time for. Time: Varies.
Makeup:
The basics- mascara, eyeliner, blush, and lip balm. Time: 2 minutes.
Total time: about 5 minutes. Again, not so bad!

Okay so notice the trend? The basics don't take that long.
Throwing on a tshirt or sweater with an accessory like a scarf
or a long necklace with a cute braid or bun goes a long way and
it takes little to no time at all. Obviously, if you obsess over your
hair or makeup it will take you longer but it is possible to do quickly!

Today I woke up at 7:29am. I had to be out of my house at 7:30am.
I was able to shower, get dressed (business casual) and put makeup on!
Oh plus get coffee and pack my lunch of course.
Guess how long it took me? 23 minutes. No lie. Ask my mom.

I was in the car turning my key to start the engine after 23 minutes.
What did I sacrifice? A hot shower. Mine was freezing.
I am blessed with naturally wavy hair so throwing it in a bun works
and then I let it down when I get to my destination and [bam!] it's cute!

Even though I woke up late, skipping class or 
wearing sweats was never an option.
As a senior, I believe that it is even more 
important to look my best at all times.
I'm sitting under professors with doctorates
and head out to student teach in 3 months. 
So looking like a slob is not going to convey 
to my professors that I am serious about 
teaching or that I'm a professional person. 
And both are important when looking for a job!

Tips: 
Play around with your makeup and hair when you have free time.
This will ensure that you know the easiest and most important things
to apply and do. I have to put on eyeliner and mascara everyday,
but some of you might prefer eye shadow and bronzer instead.
Likewise, I can rock my natural hair most days but some of you
might need to straighten it or pull it back. Know your hair.

And for those random guys reading this, I love you all and thanks
for sticking with me through all of this! But wearing a nice tshirt
and jeans can go a long way. Polos are always a win in my book!

At the end of the day, wearing sweatpants to class will actually only 
hurt your performance in class as well as your reputation.

more on professionalism another day...

PS. I wore a sweatshirt ONE day to class last year and was called
out by so many people that I will never do that again. true fact.

sicky

I was doing so well! Especially working with kids so much...

I haven't been sick except for like a day all winter.

And of course this week I go the head cold going around.

But at least it isn't the stomach flu which is also circulating.

The kids I babysit for have all been sick so it was bound to happen.

I can't play superwoman forever now can I?!

So if I don't have anymore out of the water posts this week - you know why.

But the 5 reasons why being sick for a day or two rocks includes...

1. Not feeling guilty for changing to pjs the second you get home.

2. Being able to sleep whenever you want to.

3. Watching endless hours of Netflix shows.

4. Having a reason to eat whatever you want or can eat.

5. Being a baby princess for a few days!

So for all those people out there trying to avoid the germs... 

-Wash your hands with soap and water.

-Wipe your phone and keyboard down - germ central friends!

-Get plenty of sleep (something I struggle with being a college girl).

-Drink OJ or take some vitamin C to stay healthy.

-Don't forget to wash your sheets and clothes if you do get sick,

-Oh and since it is so gorgeous out this week - get outside!

i work out

I love exercise. I love pink.

I love putting them together.

Hence the pink shoes, shorts and shirt!

Everyone should be getting some physical exercise daily.

I run, do zumba, or lift about five times a week.

I wish I could do it every single day, but my schedule

and the time the sun sets kinda throws it off.

I'm super pumped for spring though because then

I get my run on every day!

I do much better as a whole when I run daily.

I'm not as stressed and I feel better about myself.

I also sleep better when I get more exercise.

And of course I eat healthier foods to keep my going.

So I love to workout for many reasons!

The key to working out - find something you love!

It's not going to be enjoyable or fun if you don't like it.

It's just going to be painful and really hard to stick to

if you don't at least like to do it.

This is why so many people quit their programs.

Don't let that be you!

Now it doesn't have to be easy.

Actually, it shouldn't be too easy for you.

But you should like it and be able to grow with it.

Also, switch things up daily to work different muscles.

You don't want to over do it at first or

let your muscles get used to certain exercises.

For example, I love to run and I can grow with that.

I can increase my speed and distance each time,

and that makes it a great workout for me.

Hence my half marathons that I did and am doing!

But I also love lifting which is good because in order

to keep running - you need to build up muscles.

So find something you love to do and get active!

And cute workout clothes can help your mood while you workout :)

Pink running shoes are my thing!

Need some more tips - go here.

dash of spring

Scarf: Charming Charlie's. Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger. Pants: Old Navy. Belt: Target. Boots: Payless.

 Watch: Guess. Earrings: Forever21.

Pin It

Well friends, here they are! I did this outfit post with the help of my Mama like 2 months ago and got some great reviews on it. So with the help of one amazing friend and photographer, I am bringing you more of my fashion style. Get pumped! Taking these pictures was slightly awkward for me at first because I'm new at this whole "wanna-be fashion blogger" thing. But they look really good if I do say so myself! The weather said it was going to be warm and sunny... but it was cold and overcast all day. But since the weather has been so nice recently the flowers have been confused with what season it is, so if you look closely, you can see a little dash of spring in all these pictures. Which makes me want spring to get here soon!

I have a pretty classic and laid back look going on in these pictures. Boots are always really classic and can be paired with basically anything. I love the pink scarf with the navy and white shirt because it adds the little splash of color that I love. I am a color popping kinda girl. I will add anything - belt, jewelry, bag, shoes, scarf or whatever for that little extra splash of color! 

My advice - find what you can do well and work with it. For example, my mom has lots of important meetings and presentations on a daily basis. She knows how to pair any colorful and classy jacket with great jewelry in order to make a statement outfit while still being business professional. She knows what look she wants to achieve and what she's really good at so she makes that work for her!

What are you good at? You need to find out and make that work for you because nothing works better than a confident girl! So work it :)

fashionably late

So I promised this smokin hot outfit post forever ago...

well this is what happens when Gigi loses the camera for a few days

and I never seem to be home when her camera is

and she has 566 pictures on her camera... oh em gee.

Note to self: make sure pictures go on my camera next time!

But fashionably late is how I roll for parties :)

How-to take one major outfit piece from day to night.

I had been looking for the perfect sequin dress and I found it 50% off too!

However, this dress was a tad short when I put on some heels

[boyfran and dad did not approve of it without some adjustments].

So thus began the hunt for how to take this dress

from day to night but not wear it as a dress.

Solution - skirts and shoes!

Day: 21st Birthday Lunch

I went with my family to Seasons 52 in King of Prussia for my birthday.

It was ah-mazing! The food, the drinks, and the family made it perfect :)

And yes my mom did take bathroom pictures of me haha

Sequin "shirt" [Macy's] paired with burgundy printed skirt [Kohl's]

and black tights [Macy's] with my new black boots [Famous Footwear].

...SWITCH...

Night: Nick's Work Party

Nick's work party happened to be later that night.

It was at a local hibachi restaurant and was soo fun!

His boss happens to be a very close friend [aka I'm their babysitter]

and we've been waiting for this party for a few months.

So it called for one cute outfit!

[bottom picture was an imitation of a blogger haha] 

Sequin "shirt" [Macy's] paired with a black bubble skirt [Forever21]

and black tights [Macy's] with my hot black booties [Famous Footwear].

The basics stayed the same and the switch took less than 5 minutes.

Which was perfect since it was a fun filled but very busy day.

Same basics - different yet amazing looks - one great day!

Other pictures from that day!!!!!

Which was not my actual birthday but a week later when Jared was home.

The whole gang :)

HELLO diamond earrings! Thanks Mom and Dad :)

Happy 21st Birthday to me!!!!!!!!!!

Nick is just so funny - but no really he is! Minus when he's making fun of me...

My "little" brother home from his first semester at college!

 We're so funny :) oh how I missed my wing-man/partner in crime!

sneakers

I posted before about training for a half marathon.

Didn't read it..forget... here you go - click.

Anyways...training is great! Thanks for asking :)

I have an amazing running partner!

I couldn't ask for a better girl to run with.

We challenge each other and have great girl talks.

You read that right - we can run 6 miles at race pace AND

chat the entire way about life! We're talented :)

We're so busy with school, work, volunteer hours, and life

but we always manage to get our workout in!

Plus it helps me get through my stressful weeks!

I've started a running and food log.

I know how far I run each day and what I eat every day, all day.

I write it all down so that it is constantly in front of me and I can look back.

This helps me to be training not only on my run, but before and after.

This journey has been more than I expected.

It's fun and relaxing but kind of time consuming...

but hey who doesn't wanna kick all the boys butts!

So every day I've been lacing up my black and pink nikes

and getting out there and running my heart out.

I don't regret a single workout I do - even when my legs are tired.

Tips if you run or are thinking about starting...

Good shoes are the key to success!

1. You need ones that fit your feet- everyone has

different feet so get someone to look at your walk/run

and assess what shoe will be the best for you.

[Go to a running store - NOT the mall people.]

2. Also get new ones every 6 months or 300 miles.

3. Fun color sneakers make wearing them better :)

4. The reason why I believe in good sneakers - 

you can't run if you mess up your feet.

So love those feet and take care of them!

Need some fitness motivation?!

Click!

College Student

I'm a college student.

Somewhere between a junior and senior.

I wanna teach, love, mold, and help little kids.

But there is a lot to do before I student teach.

Stress as become the norm for me.

Currently, I have:

a full class load of 18 credits;

homework for all those credits;

2 jobs: 15-20 hrs a week;

half marathon training;

social life; family time;

eating; sleeping;

stressing.

I'm at my maximum capacity for what I can handle.

I love everything I do though - seriously I do!

Therefore, next semester - the work load stays the same.

I love my classes and enjoy growing and learning.

I love my jobs [supervisor in Admissions and babysitting].

I love the things I do in my down time.

I love that I'm doing this half marathon because

running is my stress reliever, and I need lots of that!

I love my nights of just enough sleep.

I love the time with friends and family.

But it can be a little bit much and overwhelming.

I have to do a lot for my major outside of the classroom.

Reading to children, tutor, teach, practice lessons,

make a lot of contacts with teachers, observe a million hours in schools,

take lots of tests for the state, figure out my classes,

and determine where in the world I want to do my student teaching.

[Literally: because I'm student teaching overseas for 6 weeks in 1 year.]

However, I had very different worries my freshman year.

Who I would be friends with, when I'd see my boyfriend,

when I'd see my family, how I'd get around with no car,

how to get out of a horrible rooming situation [no luck but now I get it],

how to adjust to life away from home and my life I grew up,

what church to go to, how to write papers,

how to get all my reading done...blah blah blah.

I thought I was weird and strange for feeling depressed and alone.

However, that is quite normal for college students [especially freshies]

Here are some facts I found here:

-85% of students reported feeling stressed daily

-52% of college females reported feeling overwhelming anxiety

[17% higher than college men]

-84% of college females reported feeling exhausted

[not from physical activity and again 17% higher than men]

-Prescriptions for sleeping meds tripled among college age user from 98-06

-Academic work and grades are the top stresses for students

And over here I found this little bit of information:

"Researchers say severe mental illness is more common

among college students than a decade ago, with most young

people seeking treatment for depression and anxiety."

This website and this one are wonderful as well.

You're probably saying... "So what?!"

Well for some of you - that might explain your stress.

For me - I've learned what I can handle and how to release stress.

I can handle what I currently have - no more.

I have to run regularly or I'm a basket-case and stressed monster.

Dealing with stress is part of life.

There is always gonna be something that stresses you out.

So learn while you can how to handle it.

Seek out help and don'e be afraid of the help.

I'm not sure where this post came from to be honest.

But I know a lot of freshies dealing with this,

and I wanted to show you that it is normal.

But don't let that stop you from seeking out help.

Even going to someone to talk to might help.

Okay enough of that.

Clothes tomorrow :) or something like that!

PS. This is what I did with another pumpkin!
A girl can never have enough glitter in her life :)

AND

Today is my brother's birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Jared :)

can't wait to celebrate together!

miss you and love you!

Enjoy some pictures of the cutest siblings ever!

 Christmas 1993

 Chilling with Dad 1993

Family Picture 1994 or 1995

Homecoming 2008

 Cross Country 2008

 My Graduation 2009

 Fall 2008

 Winter Ball 2008

 St. John 2010

 St. Thomas 2010

 Jared's Grad Party 2011

 Jared's Graduation 2011

 Moving me into college 2009

 Junior Prom 2010

Senior Prom 2010

You the best little bro! Happy Birthday - live it up!