Work Smarter, Love Harder

picture via Pinterest

So I'm a little late in getting around to a "resolution list" but I really wanted to put some thought into how I'd like 2015 to be remembered in the scheme of my life. I don't want resolutions that are easy to forget about and I definitely want to branch out from the expected. In 2014, I think I really focused on building healthier habits and taking in all that freshman year of college had to offer. But with a big year of what I like to call "the unknown", I want to make sure that my heart and my mind is in the right place.

On that note, I decided to nix the R-word (resolution, that is) and go with Goal. Still a bit overused, a goal doesn't necessarily start on January 1st... and end by January 21st ;) Goals can be picked up at ones own pace and be dropped just the same- of course, that isn't the "goal" but we're all human right? So I have a few goals on my mind for this year but I can assure you I haven't taken them all on- yet! It will come, but at a pace that is manageable and consistent with life. 

Blah, Blah. Enough with my yammering- here are my personal 2015 goals! 

(post-writing note: this got long and detailed so brace yourself!)

3. Save More; Spend Less

It's no secret that college students are at the lowerest end of the financial spectrum. Especially if you're a full time student and don't have time to work... aka me. There wouldn't be a problem if I didn't like to shop so much....... and if I didn't have such expensive taste (oops). I have an "allowance" that, if budgeted correctly, a majority of can be saved. I figure saving a little bit at school can get me into the habit so that this summer when I do have a regular paycheck, I'll be ready to put a larger percentage of that into my savings. 

Since I do still love my retail therapy, I have these mini goals set in place:

I have a minimum amount that I want to see in my checking account and I can't spend anything that would require it to go below that. This gives me an "emergency buffer" in my checking so that I don't have to transfer from my savings if there is an emergency.

When it comes to shopping: shop online less. Additionally, anything I might be looking at, I keep open in a tab for a week. If I still have the tab up at the end of the week, I can reconsider whether or not it's something I "need" to buy. 

2. Work Smarter & Love Harder

This is a little mantra that I came up with on my own. It's absolutely what I need to work on personally. In the past, I think I've worked hard and loved smart- meaning that I put work before personal relationships and invested in relationships that I saw as important i.e. my parents and a few good friends. 

This year I want to Work Smarter... meaning that I find the study strategies that work for each class and for myself and run with them. I wouldn't say it's the "bare minimum" because that sounds so lazy but it's a similar concept: finding what works to get the grade I'm happy with while giving me a personal life as well. 

Which brings me to the Love Harder part. I've previously worked on being less judgmental, more open minded, being vulnerable etc etc. And I like to think that I've improved on those qualities. Loving harder is more about combining all that was previously mentioned. I need to be willing to be vulnerable with anyone, not just someone who I think deserves my love or whatever mindset I have that determines who I love and who I don't. I want to show true support and compassion to everyone I meet no matter how my personal attitude may be effecting my day. This is going to be a hard one, but it's also exciting.

Side Note: I am aware that Love is a "strong" word but it doesn't have to be. I don't see anything wrong with great expression and once read that we should "fall in love every day with something different". Be it a new flavor of coffee or an actual person, the world is lacking in love so I think big hearts and strong emotions are needed to make up for it. Also, love absolutely doesn't have to be a romantic gesture. End Side Note. 

1. Love Jesus

There's not much explaining to do here other than to work on seeking Him every day. It should be the easiest goal of the year because everything should come second to this. 

There you have it: my three big goals for 2015.

Keep me accountable, will ya? 

Books, Books, Books

Words have always been a source of peace for me. 

From the minute I could read, I've had a book in my hand and two more (at least) at home waiting to be cracked open.  The same goes for music. I appreciate great lyrics, whether "great" refers to witty or thought-provoking or both.. although forgive me for my love of sugary pop melodies on occasion. Maybe it's an introvert thing- getting lost in the words and thoughts of others- or maybe it's just a Sarah thing. Whatever it is, there's hardly anything that moves me like words. 

To that point, and the fact that Christmas is coming up, I wanted to share a few of my favorite books and a few that are on my "to-read" list...

Okay number one is the American Girl book... I can't remember which year I got this as a gift but it has got to be one of the best gifts I got as a kid. It has all the original Christmas stories in a single book. It embodies Christmas for me and will surely be something I read to my kids. If you don't own it, I'd highly recommend you make the purchase! 

Currently Reading: the Goldfinch

Next "To-Read": How to be Parisian Wherever You Are

Extended "To Read":

Anna Karenina

the Silkworm

The End of Fashion

The Gospel According to Coco Chanel

Lolita

The Woman I Wanted to Be

Decision Points

See? And my list will continue to grow. Some may find a long list overwhelming, but I find it calming and exciting to be able to look forward to hearing from so many authors and characters. There's nothing more enchanting that I long list of books and a very cold winter forecast forcing me to stay inside and read. 

Reflection

In today's technology-driven age, journaling has taken a back seat to tweeting and updating statuses. In essence, they aren't completely different. The mind associates memories with the senses, so going back and reading old statuses and tweets can and does bring up memories. I jokingly say that my twitter is a source for the writer of my future biography, which isn't necessarily false. But I've been reading so many biographies and autobiographies lately and they all reference personal journals, something that I had just kind of forgotten about.

I used to keep so many journals. I'd journal my trips, the boys I liked, what I did each day. Essentially, I was a 30 year old woman as a kid. But I love going back and reading through those. They're my personal thoughts about each day or experience I had. Key word there- personal. Nobody else was seeing what I put in there, and that's what makes all the difference. Personal reflection is good and doesn't always need to be shared with the Twitter-verse.

On the flip side, journaling is a commitment! I don't want to look back and think "hey, I skipped this day! I wonder what was going on!" How sad is that? So, in an effort to not skip any days I just didn't journal at all. ever. Even more sad.... until I saw this new method that I just love!

Rose. Bud. Thorn. Okay so maybe I'm just way behind the curve or something and this is a well-known way to journal. But I read about it and just loved it! Firstly, my middle name is Rose, so it was kinda made for me ;). But seriously, all it is is this: each day you write down three things from that day.

Rose- for the good. 

Bud- for something you're anticipating or is to come. 

Thorn- for the bad. 

Perfect, am I right? It's seriously so easy and now I just keep my journal on my desk and try to write an entry each night as I wrap up doing my homework. 

A big You're Welcome to the writer of my future biography. 

Let's Talk "Perfect"

This is something I have and probably always will struggle with-

the notion of perfection. Or, mainly, that others think I'm perfect. 

Let's make one thing clear: 

there is absolutely nothing about me that is perfect.

I think it stems from the fact that my family has been blessed beyond measure. As a 20 year old, I've had opportunities that many people only dream about doing, and I try to reflect on that daily. I come from an academically gifted family, so that makes me well-traveled, morally intact and smart, which is probably the holy-grail of "perfection". And then, to add on top of that I'm a "normal" size (whatever that means) when it comes to clothing. From my years of observation, that's what's gotten me to be perceived the way I am. Those factors are what make me "perfect" to my friends and acquaintances, and it's something that needs to be addressed. 

The label has been with me since high school, and I've been able to alleviate it some since I came to Purdue. But it still hold true in some regards, and I hate that I'm seen that way. It puts me in this awkward position- I want to open my heart and build relationships with people, but too often I'm hindered by their feelings that I'm "too good" or "so put together". Which I'm not. It's just not true.

I need to address one thing first:  that I make mistakes. I straddle the line between two worlds on a daily basis. I have thoughts flying around my head at a million miles a minute. I read Vogue between taking Organic Chemistry practice exams. I study for tests while on the elliptical. I wake up two hours early for class so that I can take my time getting ready and make myself presentable. And, I take time to prioritize my well-being over school when needed- do my nails or participate in student organizations. But it isn't easy.

What people see as "perfect" on the outside takes a lot of determination and work. I couldn't do it without the support of my family and friends, who always have my back. There are so many things I wish I could say but just can't see to find the words that work, but what I want to end with is this:

Not a single person is perfect, and I know that. I try not to use the "p word" when describing people, because it adds pressure and stress- which that person is probably already under. 

The College Search

I'm an ambassador for the Purdue School of Pharmacy, which means that my job is going to get much busier. That also means there are countless high school students visiting college campuses. I love talking to students about Purdue... and college in general. I thought I'd answer some of the most common, generic questions that I get here for anyone who might be going into these visits a little overwhelmed. 

1. At a big school, are you completely on your own? 

NO!!! I don't know where or why this rumor started, but it's absolutely not true. I can't speak for other schools but I can speak for Purdue when I say that the professors want their students to succeed. In every experience of mine, professors and course coordinators have been happy to help me in any way necessary. While passing grades are not handed out, they are available to those willing to work hard.

2. Do you get all the classes you need? And how many classes are taught by TA's?

Yes. I get every class that I need. I might not get the times that I prefer (ugh, I hate getting stuck with 7:30's) but I get the classes I need. I was warned that classes could be cut-throat, but never in my experiences or in those of my friends. IF a course does fill up, many times new sections will open up. I really don't ever worry about that. As for the TA's, only the really popular gen-ed classes and recitations/labs are exclusively taught by TA's. 

3. How bad are the dorms?

Not bad. Not great. Every building (and school, I'm sure) is different and there are pros and cons to everything. Yeah, the bathrooms aren't great. But the RAs are great and the social environment is like nothing you've known before. Some of my greatest memories of freshman year are from running around in the dorms, cramming 15 girls in a room for a movie night, and ordering cheesy bread at 1 am. They're only as bad as you make it. 

I get so many questions, but these are among the most common. Again, these answers may not be universally correct. But I can't imagine these answers would be too far off. Be sure to ask any questions that you have- ambassadors volunteer to do admissions events for a reason! We love answering questions and making our experiences available. 

Best of luck on your visits! 

Top 5 October 2014

It's been a few months since I've done a favorites post.

Mostly because my "favorite things" have mainly been sleep and my school books...

  exciting life, I know.

anyways, let's get to it!

Reading

I've really been trying to spend less free time on technology and more in the worlds of others. I like to have physical books, and I've taken a liking to buying used books. Nothing more charming than opening the cover and finding a note to the previous owner...

Halloween

How cliche. But seriously, last year I totally missed out on halloween all together. I had a wedding to go to, and didn't really know of anything going on during halloweekend, so I certainly missed out. I took advantage of that fact and went all-out this year! I made a trip to IU and saw some long-lost friends from high school. It was an awesome weekend that I'll never forget (or remember ;) ). 

This. Album.

So the past couple of Taylor Swift albums have been so-so for me. They've been more annoying than enjoyable. But this one. Oh, this one is on repeat. That's no exaggeration. I have dance parties for one in my dorm twice daily, and I don't see that stopping anytime soon. Thank you for turning my life into music, T. 

Nars Lip Gloss

I mentioned this a couple weeks ago, but I seriously have fallen in love. This gloss is glossy but not sticky, comes in a million shades, and is almost to the point of a stain. I've used it alone for more casual days and on top of lipstick to give lasting, glossy power. 

Bean Boots

It's that time again. This has been one of the wettest Octobers that I can remember. I feel like the ground has been soggy for a month! I've been rotating between these and my rain boots, and it's not going to stop anytime soon. With socks, they're so warm and so comfortable. 

So... that's what I was loving this past month. 

What were your favorites? 

Conquering those Classes You HATE!!

via Instagram

We all take those classes that are just... ugh.

You know what I'm talking about- those "gen ed" classes that take up so much time and energy but you just can't really find the relevance? Yeah, that's microbiology for me this semester. It was organic chemistry last semester. 

Now, organic chemistry was a little different because I understood it's importance. I just couldn't understand the material. But microbiology, oh microbiology. It's absolutely my least favorite class, but I need to pass it. I have yet to see the real significance it has in my knowledge of being a pharmacist. In fact, my professor tends to point out when information is important to specific majors (this isn't a major-specific course) and the only time he ever says "now this is important for you pharmacy majors" is when it has to do with anatomy. *annoyed face* We're taking anatomy for a reason, aren't we? I thought so. 

Anyways, rant aside, it's so hard to focus in class and really know the information because I simply don't care about it. And I want to spend time learning about the classes I "enjoy" more than this one, but I have to study more because it just doesn't penetrate the mind. talk about endless circles. I've been struggling with this a lot lately, and I've come to realize that the only way to get myself interested is to focus on those pharmacy-specific areas and relate that to everything else. 

It's not easy, but it forces me to learn the material. If we are given certain drugs that inhibit certain mechanisms, I base my studying off of that. If I'm given the mechanisms, I look up drugs that may inhibit that. I look up what sicknesses such bacteria and microbes may be associated with. 

It isn't a quick way of studying at all. I end up spending at least twice as much time studying microbiology that I do my other classes, but it seems to be working. It's also probably the least efficient way to study for the short-term, but it's got to pay off in the long-run (there's no real way to test this, but I'm just going to tell myself that it will all pay off). 

So, I know we all have those classes. I know I will continue to have those classes. The ones I hate. But I trust that my advisors wouldn't make me completely waste my time and money, and I hope you believe that, too. Otherwise I'd advise you switch schools. So this is the best I can do- make lemonade out of lemons. Find a way to apply your course and run with it

...they say application is the best way to learn, don't they? 

Birthday Weekend ReCap

 Shop My Look

 [ Ring: old, similar Nail Polish: The Perfect Coverup ]

Shop My Look

[ Shirt: J. Crew Vest: TJ Maxx, similar Scarf: Burberry 

Bag: Vintage, similar Jeans: old, similar Boots: old, similar ]

 Shop My Look

[ Vest: J. Crew Top: Simply Dixie Leggings: Loft

Boots: old, similar ]

Shop My Look

[ Top: J. Crew Shoes: Tory Burch Watch: old, similar 

Nail Polish: Haute in the Heat ]

This weekend was a much needed fall break.

Not only was it my birthday, but the weather was beautiful and my whole family was home... at least for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Whenever I come home from school my mom always has a full schedule, and this was no exception. 

Friday night we went out to dinner and then back home to watch a movie while I unpacked and got my bearings. Saturday we got up at our own pace (very slowly) and headed to Brown County/ Nashville, IN. We ate at the cutest restaurant where we had the best sweet potato fries. They're already a favorite of mine, but these melted in my mouth. I couldn't stop eating them! Of course, we did some shopping- I ended up finding a great floppy hat, which was on my list but certainly not something I expected to find. I always love being surprised like that. Afterwords, we stopped by my grandparents' house, which meant more food and cake. Not necessary at all, but how can I say no to grandma's cooking?! :) Then we went home with full stomachs and watched the Ole Miss game- another win! Woo woo! 

Sunday was my birthday celebration with friends at the Cheesecake Factory. We got up as a family and went to church and then the girls (we left dad at home) headed to the mall for lunch. Of course there was a wait for a table... so we had to go shopping hehe. I stepped into Sephora to find new fall lipstick(s) which needed much more that 30 minutes, but I was able to find a few that I liked (more on that Thursday). Lunch ended up lasting 3 hours- it was so nice to sit and catch up with high school friends. I love hearing about their internships and projects! Most of my friends went into more creative majors- I know, where did I come from?- so I let my creative side live vicariously through them while I focus on my science-heavy courses. 

Overall, this fall break has been so nice. I'm heading back up to school tonight.. back to homework and exams, ugh. But I just know that it's going to be Thanksgiving before I know it and then Christmas! Oh my gosh, it's crazy to think how time passes. It was a great 20th birthday- I don't feel much different, all I know is that I learned so much last year and I can't wait to see what I learn this year. Let's also hope I don't make the same mistakes :)

The Big Part

There are a lot of styles that I can't pull off, and it's okay because I've come to accept it. 

Combat boots, winged eyeliner, you know. Definitely not me. But if there's one thing I've always wanted to be able to pull off, it's the middle part!

All the cool girls can do it- Cara Delevigne, Emily, even Kate Middleton! 

one of my favorite bloggers, Emily, is my most
recent inspiration

But, I had come to grips with the fact that maybe my face just wasn't made for it. (regardless of how many times my hairdresser had told me he wanted to cut my hair for a center part... or "more central"). It wasn't until a week ago, when I went all-in with my hair that I decided to go for the middle part. 

For the first time, I didn't rearrange the style Michael gave me as soon as I drove away. 

I actually kindof liked it! And so I felt this newfound freedom- I can rock a center part! Okay, so maybe I'm not "rocking" it yet. I'm still learning how to style this new center part. And my hair has been in a side-part for so long that it naturally goes that way and isn't laying normally... something that will go away with time, I'm sure. 

And here I give you, my center part! Not the best lighting, or positioning, but here's what I'm working with...

p.s. how do you like my darker, redder locks? :) 

Very Fall Weekend

This past weekend, I was finally able to go home! There was a family wedding, which meant family, family, and more family! My mom is quite the entertainer, so we had a full house both Friday and Saturday- this included babies and more dogs, so it was pretty crazy. But crazy in the best way! 

The actual wedding was Friday night, so Saturday was our day to just hang out. We ended up going to a pumpkin patch in the morning, followed with a huge brunch. We got back around 1:30- just in time to spend the rest of the day watching football... #HottyToddy :) I've been meaning to get more outfit posts up, so I figured that this weekend was as good as any to get started! 

Oh yeah, and I dove in with my first hair coloring...

It's just a darker version of my natural color but I think it's perfect for fall. 

I love it! 

Study Breaks to Keep You Focused

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time focusing when it comes to studying. My attention can only be kept for so long before I just have to take a break. Luckily, it's been scientifically proven than studying for 30-50 minute sessions with breaks in between is actually better than grueling 4-hour long stints.

But, I've also found that if I check my phone or a social network my 10 minute breaks turn into 15.. then 20... then I talk myself out of going back to the books. My studying styles are constantly evolving, but I think I've mastered a few study break activities that both give me a much needed break and keep me focused on the task at hand.

1. Yoga
There are so many great yoga videos that range anywhere from 15 minutes to 45. There are times were I just need to absolutely clear my head and relax, which yoga is perfect for. What's even better is that I'm almost always studying in comfy workout clothes, so there's no excuse not to spend a few minutes going through some flow.

2. Read
Reading is so hard to fit in at school. I spend so much time staring at words all day that, even if I love a book, all I really want to do is watch something mindless at the end of the day. But for some reason while I'm studying, I'm all about taking a break to read. A lot of times I'll read an article in Vogue or a chapter of a book- something that keeps my mind engaged but is completely unrelated to what I'm currently studying.

3. Call Someone
I'm so bad about keeping in touch with people who aren't here at Purdue with me. One of the best ways to take a break is to call someone you've been meaning to talk to. Obviously, this is something that may call for an extended break. But it's so nice to be able to vent about life while hearing about what's going on outside of your little college bubble.

I know midterms are coming up for many people, so I wanted to give a few study break tips to try. These work so well for me and give me a nice little refresh during stressful days.

Vests & Boots & Sweaters, Oh My!

The best season has arrived!! 

The only downside is that we've entered exam season. No sleep, lots of stress. If the weather weren't so beautiful, I'd be living in my dorm room in sweats. Thankfully it's nice out, which encourages me to get out and study outside or at Starbucks- it gets me wanting to spend study breaks doing yoga or taking a walk. 

This season is such a stimulant, and I just had to share my excitement!

This week is jam-packed and I'm tired just thinking about it, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel- for me and you! Stay tuned for some fun little posts in the future :) 

Fall is Rebirth

Fall is my favorite season- for all the cliche reasons.

Sweaters and coffee and the joy that comes from the season. The colorful leaves and the fact that it's cool enough for sweaters but not freezing... and let's be real, who doesn't love their sweater collection? It is the New Year for many. Students have the chance to come back to school with new experiences from summer. The fashion world is on fire in the fall: Fashion weeks and the September Issues. And music? Well, music is my absolute favorite in the fall. Some of my greatest memories are tied to music that has been released in these fall months.

I take this opportunity for re-birth as seriously as I can. Last year, it was 100% jewelry. I took the opportunity (and amazing fall fashion) to begin accessorizing more. Now, I make sure to accessorize no matter what I'm wearing... and my Kendra Scott obsession has become so unhealthy. As I was reflecting on last year's "rebirth" I started to think about what it was that I wanted to do this year.

Being Bold. That is my rebirth this year. It was actually an idea from my mom- she has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone already this year, and I'm really enjoying it. Then, I had an assignment for one of my classes that required I make a few personal/ professional goals for myself. Being bold and getting myself out there more was one of my goals. From joining new clubs to making a point to meet new people, or just show kindness in a setting where most people don't, is so exciting to me!

I've talked about just how much I have on my plate this semester. My days are sleep - run (workout) - keep running (school, meetings, study sessions) - homework - sleep & do it all over again tomorrow! I'm hoping that my schedule calms itself down but I'm thinking the only thing to be dropping will be my average hours of sleep per night, unfortunately. The beauty of this goal is that I can't interpret it in so many ways that fit into my regular schedule- wear bright lipstick, audition for a new part, make a bold move to show someone I care about them. The time consumption is up to me, and is also not necessarily related to the level of boldness. I think that's the coolest thing.

Of course, there are a few bold places I'd like to take this blog, too. I'd like to upload more outfit posts. I'd like to get a better layout (which, at a school with thousands of engineers and computer science majors, shouldn't be that challenging) and I'd like to get into a routine. I always, always go through a slump when it comes to getting back on schedule or moving back to school. The semester always comes in full-swing and the blog takes a back seat. In the past, I've apologized. But I won't this time. It's a fact of life and it's something that I've come to accept- the things we love, though they are the things we love, must sometimes lose priority over the things that have to be done in a timely manner. 

This blog is a hobby, though one that keeps me sane. So bear with me as I get into a routine- I'm going to shoot for at least Tuesday and Thursday- with all of life... and bear with me if I don't fulfill all the bold things I'd like to do here. 

Much love,

Sarah

Putting Out Good

I don't have much to say, except that life works in unexpected ways day in and day out. I feel a whirlwind of emotions every single day, and I don't know how I'm doing it, but I'm staying positive. I'm trying to treat others better than they treat me and to make an effort to remember names, faces, and conversations.

Because after everything, I believe that the world is good and smart. It just needs a little help- but don't we all? So, here's to positivity and self-confidence and self-love!

Sophomore Year... What?!

via Tumblr

...School is coming! 

I've been waiting since May 10th to get back to crazy West Lafayette but now that I'm here I feel so underprepared. Having 3+ months of summer really makes procrastination easy, and all the sudden it was time to move back in and get everything ready. But man is it good to be back!

Campus decided that the first week of fall semester was the right time to feel like summer- so we've got 90's and humidity to look forward to (read: nike shorts and messy buns every day). I'm staying in a dorm again but this time it's a suite that shared a bathroom with only one other room... instead of a whole floor! The location is about 50% closer to campus and there are tunnels underneath to help winter be not as brutal.

With that being said, the dorm is old and has this huge furniture, including big closets! It's nice to have the extra space, but it also makes having living space is a challenge with so much furniture taking up the room. Needless to say, my room is a work in progress. Am I going to loft my bed? Am I going to just live without a tv? I don't know right now but I'm just happy to be finally settled... for now.

I don't have much decor up at this point since I don't know the final positions of everything. Living in a small space is always unpredictable and what seems might work on move-in day is inevitably going to be changed, so I'm expecting rearrangements in the near future. But, once I'm settled into a routine and my classes I'll certainly post more detailed pictures of my little living space for this year! 

For anyone else starting classes this week, bonne chance! 

Hiatus, Over

Let me preface this by saying that summer makes me L A Z Y. 

Not in the physical sense of the word, because it's the time that I'm most active. But without due dates or timelines, I tend to fully embrace my procrastinator's tendencies. "Why do today what can be put off tomorrow?" becomes my motto as I run from activity to activity... or let the next episode of Netflix play.

Since nothing and nobody was keeping me accountable for this blog, I just... stopped. My tumblr was kept very active, as I love looking there for inspiration. But writing and thinking up posts just started to seem more like a chore than an enjoyable activity, and taking/ editing pictures for tumblr was an easy, quick way to feel like I was doing something :)

This past week, I spent time with my family on the beautiful beaches of North Carolina and the topic of my blog came up. There's the accountability I was looking for! I guiltily said that I'd just... stopped. For no real reason and I wasn't sure if I wanted to pick it back up. Life is starting to get really overwhelming and will only continue to do so this coming semester- rush, classes, and applying to Pharmacy school. One of my cousins also keeps a blog (for work) and reminded my that regular writing not only cleanses the soul and offers an outlet for imagination, but it keeps my skills up to date. Especially in a science-heavy field, writing isn't the focus but is still a necessity.

I still have no clue what direction this is going to go in. Yes, I still love fashion and beauty and all that but I know there is more to life and more that I can bring to the "blogosphere". I feel like I'm having mental breakdowns/ crises more than not and I'm constantly trying to figure out what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. Luckily, my wise, wise cousin also told me that he always reminds the students taht he mentors this (and I'm paraphrasing here):

"Do not worry so much about the big picture. God has a plan for you and each small interest and step you take will lead to you to where He wants you to be. In deciding what your next step is, pray about it and then be honest with yourself- what are you feeling drawn to do next? And run with that. It's too much to think about what you want to do forever... in fact there may not be that one thing you're destined to do. Just focus on what you want to do next and you'll be amazed at where it might take you."

I don't know what my "Next" is, but I'll keep you updated :)

Hello.. Again & What's on My Radar

Hello, long time no talk! I've been so busy these past couple of weeks and have been adjusting to working two jobs (aka, basically a full time job) while trying to keep up a social life. Blogging has been on the back-burner, but it's definitely still there.

So, here's a quick re-cap of my life:

I finished my cooler in time for the concert! It started to peel... already!! So I'm going to be adding about a million layers of modge podge before vacation. Regardless, it was a hit. All the people I went to the concert with loved it and it got some attention from passersby, too.

The actual concert was amazing! I've been working.. a lot.. and so a night off with friends was much needed. The group I went with was perfect, but I was re-united with so many high school acquaintances that night as well as Purdue friends! I saw a couple of girls I hadn't seen since rush!!

As expected, Tim was great and it got me in such a summer mood! I'm actually going to concert #3 of the summer this weekend- Bruno Mars in Chicago! It'll be a fun weekend trip with a trip to the Vineyard Vines store, I'm positive.

Beyond that, I've been spending most of my days by the pool or working. My time in the car has given me ample opportunity to listen to new music, so there's definitely some new music on my radar. Last weekend the Backstreet Boys were in town- I didn't get to go, but it got me into a boy-band mood. iTunes Radio has conveniently created a Boy Bands radio that is perfection. 98 Degrees, BBMac, Backstreet Boys and N*Sync combine with One Direction, MKTO, and the Wanted. It's the best of the new and old! I've mainly been using it as my workout playlist, but it's fun for just hanging out too.

I love my country music, too. And Jana Kramer has come out with yet another girly song that is just so catchy that I can't help but love it! I've linked the video so you can watch it. Another new and catchy song? Maps by Maroon 5- the first single from their newest album!

What else is on my radar? Well, if you've been reading for any amount of time you know that I've been wanting a personalized stationery set for a while now. Carly from the College Prepster posted this picture to her instagram so I instantly looked up where it was from: A Thing Created. It's so cute and fun! Probably not something that I'll invest in anytime soon, but it's seriously to die for! It would stress me out to pick which photograph I'd want her to make a watercolor of... because it'd be representing me for a while (lol). But this is so to die for.

Lastly, I'm loving Tumblr right now. It's something that I can use to stay in contact with other likeminded people even with a busy schedule. I tend to check it during breaks and when I wake up... and I'm trying to post more of my own pictures :) You can follow me there, just search PurduePrep!

I'll talk to you soon, have a great day!

Top 100 songs of the '00s... and a Running Bit

I happened to catch VH1's Top 100 songs of the 00's last night and it was great! The first full decade that I really have good memories of was summed up in a good hour; a true walk down memory lane. I'd forgotten about great songs like Since You Been Gone, Lose Yourself, and Hey Ya.

So much good music in one decade, and I couldn't help but think "wow, these would make a fantastic running playlist!" I started to write down the songs that really hit me (which was hard considering I loved every song on the list). The best part was that my family was able to watch it together. We could all relate to the songs differently which got me thinking.... I'm sure anyone who reads this might enjoy the list that I wrote down. 

Empire State of Mind

We Belong Together

Umbrella

Since You've Been Gone

Sexyback

Yeah!

This Love

Bye, Bye, Bye!

Drops of Jupiter

Californication

I Don't Wanna Be

Live Your Life

Stacy's Mom

Before He Cheats

I Gotta Feeling

Clocks

Daughters

Hollaback Girl

Party in the USA

Drops of Jupiter

Gold Digger

Crazy

So whether you need a good run or a good dance sesh, throw these on for a serious Flashback Friday! 

Top 5: May 2014

How is it June already?! 

Summer is what I have been dreaming of since the awful winter we had, and it's finally here! Okay not officially but sunny and 75 this past weekend was a pretty good start :) As always, here are my Top 5 things from this past month...

5. Tea Tree Oil
Thanks to this stuff, I have clear skin again! I've talked, blogged, and tweeted about it so it's kindof a big deal. I'll leave it at that.

4. Pillows
I'm completely unpacked from school, and one of my favorite things is that I was able to add my school pillows to my bed at home. I now have no less than 6 pillows on my bed and it's fantastic. I surround myself with them and sleep on what seems like a cloud. As if coming back to my queen sized bed wasn't great enough, I've added pillows!

3. Getting back to Work
This past weekend, I got my first paycheck of the summer. Working two jobs is going to be tiring, but my schedule has still allowed me to relax and have somewhat of a social life so far. It feels so great to be putting money into my account instead of always taking it out... I've got a savings plan that I hope to everything that I'll be able to stick to as well as a few trips that I can't wait to go shopping for :)

2. Crafting
So I had been planning for a few crafts that I wanted to try out this summer, and I've actually started on them rather than procrastinate! I have a couple canvases as well as a... cooler (!!!!!) that I'm working on. As soon as I finish those up, I'll be posting a little step-by-step of what I did. This is my first time taking on anything like this, so I'll surely have a list of successes and failures.

1. Reading! 
I love to read- that's nothing new. Now that I don't have to read much for school this summer I am taking full advantage of my to-read list! I'm on book #3 of the summer and it's great. I'm currently reading a Kennedy family biography, and I have no idea what I'll do next. I have Z and The Beautiful and Damned as well as Ronald Reagan's autobiography that I'd like to get to. I'm also very curious about the Goldfinch, which I don't own right now but probably will in the near future.

So, there's what I've been loving this past month! I've definitely been on a spending lockdown until I start making money, so it's less products and more of just what I've been doing. But these are all certainly hilights of the past month... hopefully June will have more "fun" things to share :)

When the College Kids Come Home...

There is nothing, nothing more bittersweet than being home for summer break. I can walk around barefoot, I have my own room and bathroom and no shower shoes! I can call mom when something is going wrong, and she'll probably be able to fix it. The fridge is always usually stocked with good food, and there's plenty of room to just live and be. At the same time, it's back to high school drama, there isn't always something going on, and it's back to living with the house rules an lots of conversation that normally wouldn't happen at school. I've only been home two weeks now, but trust me on this one. So, this post is for both college kids and parents and how to handle living together... again. Because it is so different once you've lived apart.

1. Relationships
College relationships, both friendly and romantic, are just different. I like to blame it on social media, but it's a lot more wishy-washy. We aren't going to know the life story of every person we claim to be "friends" with, because that title could just be that we talk in class, mutually follow each other on social media, or hang out at the same places on the weekend. As a general rule, unless a person is brought up on a regular basis, they probably aren't what a parent would consider a "friend" (I know this only because my mom has told me many times that the definition of friend is much different now) and so they're going to ask questions to gauge the level of relationship. Parents: don't. We'll talk about it if it's something that matters to us. I'm saving you the frustration/fight that will inevitably occur from this disconnect.

2. Curfew
There is no curfew in college. Food is delivered at all hours, which means we can be awake at all hours. Coming home to a curfew is a lot like giving a high school senior a 10 pm lights- out time. *disclaimer: I have never really had a curfew or bed time, so this is just observations after talking to friends* It's such an easy way to build trust on both ends and, as long as the kid has given you no reason to believe that they're doing anything wrong, there's really no reason to have a curfew. At school, we managed to get to class on 4 hours of sleep and we're still alive. If there's a reason to go to sleep early one night, a reminder of said early morning will suffice. I had good time-management before college, but I now have good time management while functioning on caffeine and carbs alone. Probably not healthy, but it gets the job done. Parents: trust your kids. They will appreciate it.

3. Sleeping
All I have to say is this: we have been surviving on unhealthy amounts of sleep and caffeine for the past 8 months (see #2). Sleeping on a normal (read: Queen) sized bed is like heaven. We are not lazy if we stay in our beds until noon or later, we are simply enjoying the luxury of home. Parents: don't call us lazy unless you want an angry kid.

4. Jobs/ Internships/ Anything to be Successful
I saved the best for last! I like to think that most college students are pretty driven and want to be successful... it's an awful expensive 4 years of socialization if not. So, it's safe to say that getting job experience and building a resume is constantly in the back of our minds. It is for me, at least. I feel so selfish sometimes, but every opportunity I am given is evaluated on a "can this be worked into my resume" basis. I can only speak for myself, but I know how competitive the job markets are right now. I know that I need to be getting experience and great contacts. I know these things. I also know that my parents have my best interests at heart and just want to help me to be as prepared and competitive as possible. But I do enough of my worrying and trying to get everything to work in my favor, so hearing about it all the time from my parents can get so frustrating and it makes me feel so worthless. I've thought it over in my head, I've taken the rejection letters and the lost opportunities hard enough so a constant reminder that a certain job would be "great for my resume, etc" is heartbreaking to hear. From one fully driven, stressed daughter to parents of similar girls/ students: I am asking you to please stop. I love talking about the things that I'm working on and how they'll be great resume builders. I don't mind talking about the internships and jobs I'm looking at working towards. I hate being reminded of how great something would be if I've already mentally worked through the chances of me getting the job, etc and realizing that I'm just not ready/qualified at this point. It is heartbreaking.

Being home is wonderful. I love my family, my dog, and being able to see both old and new friends. I love summer, cookouts by the pool, and concerts. Being home is definitely different now that I've been away- both bitter and sweet- and I am working on making the most of it. It's been hard to adjust to helping around the house again, especially when cleaning the dorm room took about 2 minutes (one pro to living in a closet). I've found that the most important things is to just communicate. About everything. Otherwise our conversations become intense questioning sessions. I'm still learning how to do this gracefully and with a good attitude and there's a good chance I won't have it mastered by the end of this summer. It's no secret that the parent-child dynamic changes and some things matter more than others. For me, these are what really get on my nerves... for now. But I can't complain because I'm sure I get on my parents' nerves too.