Life After Freshman Year

I am one week into summer break... and things are already so different.

Part of it has to do with the fact that I changed and grew so much this past year. I used to be so more uptight about life in general, which really compromised the amount of fun I could have on a given night. I used to be more judgmental and more "rigid" in my thinking. College has definitely opened my mind and heart to the world in a way that has allowed me to reconnect with friends as well as make new ones & that's exactly what I mean by "Life" after freshman year.

Firstly, summer is so weird. It's a balancing act between keeping high school relationships a priority while making sure the college relationships are made too. So far, I've had lunch with friends from high school, seen friends from college, and been in a mixed group which was so fun because we got to see the kinds of friends each other made in college (it's weird!). 

As for my lack of uptight-ness, let's just say that I used to be pretty strict with myself. I rarely stayed up past midnight ad would freak out about how much sleep I was getting. I kept myself on a schedule and didn't waver from that. Oh, how things have changed! While I still like to be on time, I don't worry so much about a few minutes here or there (that's life!) and I definitely don't have a strict sleeping schedule anymore. Thanks to college, I know that I can function on 4 hours of sleep- and a lot of caffeine- for days in a row. I no longer compromise fun for sleep... because I can sleep when I'm dead. 

If this week or two is any indication, this summer is going to be a wild one. Between two jobs, volunteering, and having a social life it's almost like I'm back at school....... without the homework :) Every minute of these three and a half months is going to be full, so get ready for a crazy Sarah!

the Anti-Schedule

I have officially been on summer break for 4 days, and I am definitely not used to it. Saturday was my last final of freshman year, and I cam home that night with the weirdest feeling- after constantly having assignments running through my head, I had nothing. Nothing had to be done; nothing was due to anyone except myself.

I'm calling this my anti-schedule. I'm not back on the schedule at work yet, and many of my friends are still finishing up finals. My family is at work and my sister is at school. I'm free to do whatever I like, which has consisted of a lot of sleeping, reading and working out- no complaints here! I've made my fair share of trips to Chick-Fil-A (the worst part of Purdue is the lack of CFA on campus) as well as just driving around purely for the joy of driving.

I talked earlier about how I've had some mental goals for this summer, and they don't all revolve around fitness. I've always been an avid reader, and all this free time has given me so many chances to read, read, read. Magazines, blog posts, and books have all been included in this reading material. I purchased books throughout the year that I decided to save for the summer... and I now have 5 books just waiting to be shown some love (chances are I won't get through all of them, but I sure am going to try).

Beyond that, I'm planning to go back to work next week as well as try to get some volunteering at Riley Children's Hospital, which I've worked with before through fundraisers but never as a volunteer at the hospital. I know my "summers" are running out. I'll be interning and working real jobs in the upcoming years, so I'm trying to be productive but also have fun- and I'm not too worried about it.

This summer has so much in store: concerts, vacations, and trying new things. It's going to be a ride and I'm going to do my best to keep y'all updated on life as well as everything else that I'm loving this summer. I hope finals/ the end of the year is treating everyone well! Summer is quickly approaching :)

Namaste!

I go into every summer with a huge list of things I want to accomplish: golf, road trips, amusement parks, etc. 

More often than not I end up leaving a lot of my goals for "next summer" in order to be lazy in the then and now. Yes, I have a mental idea of some things I'd like to do this summer, starting with getting really healthy. 

I want to be more active in general. Do more. See more. Live. Today is officially my first day of summer, and I'm starting with yoga- something that has always been equally intriguing and terrifying. I've never been flexible or patient, but today starts the journey to both. I've found some beginner videos that work the muscles used for running, so it's killing two birds with one stone (I'm really serious about running at least a half-marathon before I turn 21). 

I still want to learn to golf, and I've recently had this urge to play tennis- a huge joke if you knew the fits I used to throw when my parents made me go to tennis camp. But hey, getting older has made me curious and I'm trying to use what's left of my summers to soak up every opportunity I have! There will be more to come with regards to my summer plans, as well as what direction the blog is going to take in the next few months.

So, I leave you with a few questions:

have you tried yoga?

what's your biggest "goal" for this summer?

Summer in Lilly

Pre- Post: I am back from my brief hiatus! These past two weeks have been ridiculous. I've been studying to prepare for finals and have hardly had time to do anything for myself besides sleep and eat. This week is finals week, but I'm going to make myself take some time each day to blog and be creative. It'll be a great break from all the science I'll be cramming :)

..................................

So I don't know about y'all but this summer collection from Lilly is a little bit hit-or-miss. I think the spring collection was just too pretty to be followed, so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. Regardless, I still have my favorites (Lobstah Roll everything... you think I'm kidding but I'm not) and I want to hilight a few of them. 

so glad I waited to get
a bikini until this summer! 

It's crazy that I don't have a million and two things that I love, but I also know that this isn't the last of the summer collection. I saw a preview of what's to come and .... there's a dress named Sarah that's a bit of a tunic style- definitely at the top of my wish list. I currently don't have a job, so my shopping is going to have to wait, but I see a trip to Lilly in the future :) 

[Fall]

It's horrible to think that summer is coming to a close...

really, it isn't. We still have a month of summer! But fashion likes to get us thinking about fall during the warmest months of summer.

Fall lines are coming out. Fashion magazines are hilighting the fall looks.

And, honestly, it makes me excited for crunching leaves; reds, greens, and blues; football games.

Like any fashion-forward girl, I've got my fall classics already. What I need now, are some fun pieces that can carry me from summer to fall into winter. It's a tough bill to fit, but there are a few looks that I am loving for early fall all the way into snowy December.

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If you're like me, you lust over the perfect pair of riding boots. Last year, I bought a pair of Ralph Lauren riding boots that were black. This year, I'm on the prowl for some tan or brown boots. Yes, Tory Burch would be my ideal pair, but the price tag is a little.... scary. To say the least. These Michael Kors boots are about half the price of a pair or Tory Burch boots, and I think I might actually like them a little better. I'm all for simplicity, and these just aren't as showy as TB's. 

Shirt dresses are going to be a favorite of mine this season, I feel. I've grown to love dresses, and these easily transition from summer to fall with a change of shoe choice. Add some leggings in the winter and a trench coat- you're nice and warm for a walk in the snow! I've now purchased two of these dresses- one from Gap and this Beckett dress from Lilly's fall line. I also love how these can be belted or dressed up with jewelry. Versatility is key, people! 

The J. Crew excursion vest. I have been excited to buy one since I fell in love with them after they were taken out of stores this past winter. I know, I have impeccable timing. It's driving me crazy that my local stores don't have them in yet.. I don't even think they're online at this point! But, when they are, you best believe that I'll be first in line to buy one... or probably one in every color.

I love accessorizing in the fall, too! I adore wearing scarves and hats. I love knee socks. 

Honestly, I love everything about fall.

Summer Concerts

Summer means late nights, hot weather, and... concerts

I've definitely topped any record that any summer has held for number of concerts. In fact, my first night of the summer was spent at a concert, and I've kept the tradition. They're such a fun way to be with friends and hear great music! I'm not really picky on concert music or ticket price. In fact, I've spent every concert, but one, this summer on the lawn. There's more room and you can bring food, walk around, and inevitably meet people! Not to mention they're the cheapest option...

My concert list has ranged from country to pop to rock... and I think I might hit 10 concerts before the summer is over. Here's a re-cap of some of my concert pictures

I do struggle a bit with the fact that I work to buy tickets to see bands who work as entertainers. But, at the same time, I love music and find well-written music to be one of the greatest works of art. 

It wouldn't be summer without some concerts!

Wishlist Wednesday

Another look at something I'm lusting over...

I'm a huge fan of Nike products, but I've been looking for some fun summer-fall transition shoes. I obviously don't need boots yet, but wearing sandals won't always be practical. 

I've found these super cute New Balance sneakers and am so in love!

I can't quite decide on this color or a navy and green. I also can't decide if I'll actually wear them...

so these will probably be on my wishlist for a while.

Oh well, I'll keep dreaming!

Fit Girl Food Obsession

I am home from vacation, and my hiatus is officially over!

Naturally, vacation always inspires me to try new foods. And I've come back loving:

avocados

Now, avocados aren't a "new" food to me. I've loved guacamole for a while and I enjoy avocado on my hamburgers, salads, etc. But, now my love of avocados has reached a whole new level. I've been home for two days and I've emptied my family's store of avocados. Luckily, avocados are one of the best foods one can eat. They're high in calories, so I've got to be careful. But, they're just so refreshing and yummy!

Try my new avocado breakfast favorite: two eggs fried how you like with half an avocado, add salt, pepper, seasoning to your liking

What foods are you loving this summer?

Summer Reading List

If you're anything like me, summer is super exciting because it allows for more time to sit down and read!

Naturally, I spend the weeks leading up to summer picking out which books were the top books on my "to read" list. I am really enjoying F. Scott Fitzgerald lately, so his books will come in here and there. But for beach or poolside reading, I was able to narrow it down to the first three books that I plan to read. 

I had heard of The Paris Wife on GoodReads and it sounded intriguing. Then, as I was grocery shopping with my mom one weekend, I saw that it was on sale! Not that the price has ever stopped me from purchasing a book... but I just couldn't turn it down! The content is right up my ally- it's about the life and love of Ernest Hemingway and Hadley. It looks to be a pretty interesting read so I'm excited to start it!

A Hundred Summers is a book that is coming out in June. I read about it in People's Summer Book Picks and it sounded interesting. It takes place in the '20s and is a story of luck, love, and wealth. Plus, it takes place during the summer and I'm a sucker for any kind of beach or summer love stories! 

It's totally like me to buy a book as a souvenir, so Portion of the Sea was an awesome find on spring break! We vacationed on Sanibel Island, and the author of this book lives there on the island. I'm not sure how great the writing will be or if the story will be any good, but the fact that it was written on Sanibel was enough to get me to buy.

I'm so looking forward to getting on a real vacation- away from the midwest- and indulge in these books!

What are you favorite summer reads?

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

The best part about summer is flaunting your natural beauty!

For an already low-maintenance type of girl when it comes to makeup and hair, summer is a wonderful time for me! I get to spend even less time primping, meaning more time in the sun! Don't get me wrong though, I still make sure that I feel confident about how I look and I do still wear makeup. The thing is, the heat and the sun already gives me a tan and my skin isn't as dry so I don't have to use as many moisturizing products. Most days, I spend 10 minutes on my hair and face and am out the door! 

Here's how I do it:

I start off with 1. BB Cream. Each person has their own preference on how they want themselves to look, so your choice of BB Cream may be different than mine. But, I have been a fan of Maybelline's since day 1! It's good on my wallet as well as my face and having that extra SPF 30 in there is awesome! BB Cream is my go-to and then if I want to look a little more done-up I'll add some blush and bronzer. 

My eyes come second. I typically don't have to do a lot with my eyes- they're blue so I like the way they look as-is. Since I'm fair skinned and light haired, I have the world's lightest eyelashes! I wear mascara every single day whether I'm going to the gym or to a party. I love Clinique's WaterProof and Smudge- Proof Volume Mascara. It won't budge all day, but comes of easily with makeup remover. It gives my eyes enough oomph to stand out but not so much that I look like Barbie. If I were going out to dinner or to an event I'd probably add liner to my waterlines and gold eyeshadow. Otherwise, I stay simple with just the mascara.

Since I stay pretty simple with my face and eye makeup, I like to play up my lips. I really like my lips, so I like to make them stand out. Lately I've been using Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb. It's the perfect summery red/ pink that doesn't look too dramatic. I like to wear lip moisturizers like this during the day to keep my lips soft and protected from the sun. At night or if I had specific plans, I'd probably opt for some sort of lip stick. 

Lastly, nails! I'm a huge fan of Essie and am currently wearing Essie Fifth Avenue. It's an awesome bright red that looks good with everything. Summer time is the best time to pull out colors ranging from red and pink to orange and coral. 

How do you embrace your natural beauty in the summer?

Recap

It's remarkable to me that I graduated one week ago today! 

This week has been so great. It's been spent with friends and family.. and my coworkers. If my summer continues like this, it's going to be a great one! But, I'm also getting excited for my future! Internships both close to home and far away, possibly an out-of-state education, and so much more has me so excited for these next 6 years of my life! I've grown up so fortunate and I hope that I'll continue to be as blessed in the future.

But, enough of this talk of the future! I'm ready to live in the here and now. The summer sun is shining,

and that's where you'll find me! 

Wishlist Wednesday

I am adopting this trend from Hannah at the Pink and Green Prep.

It just always looks like a fun post and who doesn't have an ample amount of things on their wish list? I'm going to narrow my wants down, but here it goes!

Beauty: Tarte Glamazon LipStick

I saw these on SarahBelle's channel in YouTube and fell in love! First of all, I never have been one to stray from my trusty chapstick so the fact that I like a lipstick is a little crazy for me! But, these just look so fun and youthful while also allowing to dress up my makeup or play down my eyes in exchange for my lips. 

Clothes: Jack Rogers!

It's no secret that Jacks have been on my wishlist for quite a while. Now that it's summer, I've been working more. My next paycheck is definitely going towards some shiny new Jacks!

Books: Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style

Okay so I'm a little bit obsessed with the WASP, Ivy League lifestyle. This book has been on my wishlist (and in my Amazon cart) for quite some time. It looks so intriguing, but I don't really have a place for "coffee table books" so until then...

Accessories: Bows & Monograms!

So Etsy has got my monogram obsession even more... obsessive! There is every font and size you could ever want. And the bows. OMG the bows. 

Odds & Ends: Luke Bryan Tickets

Okay so Luke Bryan is on tour this summer with Florida Georgia Line. Basically the best concert ever, and this girl wants to go! Ticket prices are a little bit steep, but I might just go for it because this is going to be the concert of the summer- I can just feel it! 

 So I probably could have gone on and on with my wishlist. Having the extra cash plus graduation money just causes my wants to grow and grow... and grow! But, I'm really going to work on saving so that I can indulge a little bit in college. Eh, we'll see how that goes.

For now, here's to not breaking the bank!

Summer: The Anti-Schedule

So far, summer has been exactly what I've needed. It's been a break from early mornings; my late nights are now spent with friends rather than homework. I've been working on regaining my tan as well as catching up on Netflix. The lack of schedule has been perfect!
I've always been an early riser, so the fact that I've been waking up around 9:30 is enough in itself to indicate just how exhausting this past school year has been. I love waking up to the sun shining and an open pool just waiting for me to come lay out by it. Of course, summer isn't all relaxing.

On top of work and getting ready for college, I've got a lot planned for this summer! Concerts are always a summer tradition. as are grad parties- and this year, I've been planning my graduation party! ahh! On top of that, there's the family vacation to the beach for a few days leading up to the family cruise in July! I seriously can't wait to get to the South again! This summer is going to be one to remember, and it sure will be a great one! Not having a set schedule kinda freaks me out, since that's what I live by,

 but I'm going to embrace the vacation and enjoy the days in the sunshine! 

Top 5: May 2013

Another month has come and passed and it is finally summer!

Today is graduation and tomorrow begins grad party madness! The slowing down of school along with me just not caring as much anymore has led to me getting into all kinds of cool, random things! I'm sorry if this "Top 5" post seems random. It probably is!

5. YouTube Beauty/ Lifestyle Videos

So, instead of watching a tv show or movie, I've been really into watching YouTube videos. I feel like I learn such awesome tips about beauty and just life from them! Some of my favorites include Sarah Belle, Bethany, and of course Carly! I'm not sure what makes them so entertaining, but I'm not the only one who does this because all of these ladies have millions of views!

4. Etsy!

Hello, online shopping addiction! I'd heard of etsy before and had been on their website, but I'd never really spent any amount of time on it. Let me just tell you, their monogram selection is wonderful! I've been looking for stickers and desk supplies for college, and the selection and prices on etsy are awesome. I haven't made an order yet, but I'm sure I will soon. 

3. Colored Lip Stuff

I said "stuff" because it varies from lipstick, to gloss, to balm. With less focus on my face and eyes in my summer makeup routine, fun lips are an easy way to brighten up my face without looking too overdone! I still haven't gotten into the lipstick on a daily basis, but I'm loving Baby Lips in Pink for day-to-day funness! 

2. The New Lilly Agendas

A "Top 5" wouldn't be complete without some Lilly! When the new agendas were released, I think I might have cried. They're so so so adorable! I am in love with the Tusk in Sun print (unfortunately, it ships after I leave for college so I'm not sure about that) as well as LuLu and Let's Cha Cha. Can I buy all 3? No seriously. I almost can't wait for school to be in session so that I can use one of them! The hard part is going to be deciding which one to get.

1. Acrylic Desk Accessories

I know... kindof a weird #1 for the month. But I've become obsessed. From Design Darling's Acrylic and monogrammed Collection to Etsy and the Container Store, I can't wait to be all decked out in acrylic accessories! It's a bit retro, but I'm also a fan of clean lines and classy-but-still-functional furniture. 

I warned you that this list was going to be random and weird! I've done a lot of dorm and college shopping, which is probably why these are my favorites for the month. 

Hopefully June will be more exciting!

Black?

Not sure how you guys feel about color and wearing certain colors...

But I'm not really a huge fan of black.

While Black can be chic and trendy, I'm much more of a navy blue girl. I think that the dark color (but still a color) is a good staple to have. I assure you that I am extremely guilty of buying all navy blue. But black, black is just too much! It makes me feel old and sophisticated. I guess that's not always bad, but I like to have fun and be happy; black, to me, is not happy. 

Now, that's not to say that I'm opposed to a fabulous lbd. I think black boots are great and versatile. And a black car is a great car. I'm just saying that when it comes to day-to-day outfit choices, black is too drab.

Maybe it's just a summer vs. winter thing.

What colors do you veer towards or away from?

Summer Lilly FWP!

In case you didn't know, The Lilly Pulitzer Free With Purchase sale is currently going on and will continue until Sunday!

Gifts include beach towels, beach blankets, a makeup bag or a sunglass case!!

Go, go, go and get geared up for a very Lilly summer!

Summer Wish List

Summer means shorts, dresses, sandals, and oh so many bright colors!

As the self-proclaimed shopaholic that I am, I have a mile long list of summer clothes to buy. Bigger paychecks, graduation money, and babysitting all means one thing: shopping! 

I've narrowed my wish list down to a few items that I need in my closet... soon!

So, I used to think that Jack Rogers looked like shoes more fit for my grandma than for myself. But they've really been growing on me and I'm thinking that I might need to buy a pair this summer! I'm still deciding on color, but I'm loving the navy and white, the gold, and the plain white. For my first pair, I really want something versatile and that I can dress up or down. I've put probably more thought into these shoes than necessary, but I really just want the perfect pair!

This dress. Okay so I'd be happy with anything off the Lilly summer line, but this Cambrey Dress is basically the most perfect dress ever. It's so classy and is perfect for nautical summer trips as well as into fall. Even more perfect: I got the summer GWP dates in the mail today... so guess what I'll be buying?

Only I would be the one to add summer reading material to my list of summer wants. But, I'm going to need some good reads for by the beach, laying out at the pool, and traveling. I've got quite a few books that I'm planing to read, a few of which include Mrs. Kennedy and Me, The Freshman 50, and any F. Scott Fitzgerald. I've jumped the gun a bit and started reading This Side of Paradise. You can follow all of my summer reading at my Goodreads page :)

The countdown to summer is now in the single digits, so my motivation is at an all time low.

All I can think about is pool time, beach time, and being with friends! All of the fun colors of summer collections are not helping, and the emails about all the sales going on aren't much help, either. Hopefully I can get through these next days in one piece.

Freedom is just around the corner!

Back to Business

via BeFunky

My weekend in the city was wonderful!

It was jam-packed with sights and sounds of Chicago. We shopped, we ate, and we dropped.

Most importantly, we were home in time to be with our moms on Mother's Day. :)

As enjoyable as the weekend was, it's getting to be crunch time in school. The fact that I'm losing all motivation and just want summer isn't helping, either! I am less than 3 weeks away from graduating and moving on to college and all that fun stuff.

So, here's to the week! Summer is so close.

It's Going to be a Lilly Summer

Can I just talk about how in LOVE I am with the 2013 Lilly Pulitzer summer line that has been released thus far?! It's beautiful! I love the new prints and can't wait to be able to wear everything! I know that everything hasn't been released yet, but I'm liking what I'm seeing! So far, I have a few must-haves that will definitely be on a hanger in my closet... soon!! 

 First things first: this for 4th of July is beautiful. These are the classic Callahan Shorts in the print She's a Firecracker. I'm going on a cruise over the week of the 4th of July and I'm thinking that these are a must have! I love how fun these are; they scream party and fireworks!!

Alright now the Janice dress is stunning! I love the gold trim on the front and the green/blue will be awesome with my strawberry-blonde hair. It's not usually something I'd go for, but I've fallen in love! No stopping me from finding every excuse to wear this beaut!

Okay this popover is probably the best thing I've ever seen! I was planning on buying one of the 1/4 zips in a solid color, but I'm so glad I waited to find this one! It's so bright and cheerful- perfect for cool summer nights following a big day at the beach. The print is fabulous (season favorite?)!

I have to say that I really do like the looks of this season. Spring was cute, but too much neon and brights. I love that these are still bright, but are mixed with subdued hues or gold. Looks like I know where lots of my graduation money is going!

And, hey, gifts are appreciated and can come in the form of merchandise or gift cards! ;)

Get Your Lillys!!

The moment that every prep is waiting for is soon to arrive: Lilly Pulitzer Summer Line!

I'm probably a little more excited than I should be about this, but that's totally fine with me. Within the next week or so, the items should go up for pre-order! Yay!

There's nothing like welcoming in the sunshine and summer freedom like a new Lilly (or five...)

Happy anticipating!