A whole year without blog posts? Yikes.
2020 was a crazy year and I won’t get into it because you and I both know there’s a lot to unpack there. While last year was certainly one we’ll never forget, there was a lot of good that came out of last year. I was able to spend a lot of time with my family and I grew deeper in my faith.
I also read a lot of books. Over 20, actually. With so much free time, trips cancelled, and social distancing, I had plenty of time to curl up with great books. I’m recapping my top five favorite books that I read last year.
#1 Dream Big by Bob Goff
This is actually my favorite book that I read in 2020. A common theme for the books I chose in 2020 was about personal growth and cultivating creativity. I picked this one up because I love Bob Goff and I’m a sucker for a self-help book that’s rooted in scripture. Something that I felt I lacked in 2020 was the drive to create and be imaginative. At work, one of my strengths is my creativity. Stay-at-home orders threw me off my groove and I definitely felt my creativity taking the back burner.
What I really loved about this book was Goff’s ability to capture the simplicity of creating and put it in terms of God’s purpose for our lives. But it wasn’t full of fluff or jargon like some self help books are. There are actions and steps you can implement to unlock your passions. 10/10, will probably read this one again this year.
#2 Beach Read by Emily Henry
I read this book early spring, right around the start of stay-at-home and I read it in one weekend. It’s the perfect sappy book that you want to read on the beach or on a rainy summer afternoon. It’s not like a typical, predictable rom-com either. It’s basically about two authors switching genres to write and they kinda despise each other. There’s depth and I cried a few times not even going to lie. I recommend bringing this one on your next vacation.
#3 Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen
I just recently wrapped this one up right before I left for Christmas. I had it on my list for a couple months and finally ordered it when I got bogged down with anxiety and nerves. I’m so happy that I read it towards the end of this year because my anxiety was getting worse. This book is wonderful and impactful because it combines actual science (how your brain works) with powerful scripture (how you allow God to help you) to take back control of your thoughts. If you are feeling anxious, uncertain, down, lonely, or in a funk, I highly recommend this one. It shifts your perspective and equips you to work through anxious and negative thoughts.
#4 Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt
I read this book for work, but lowkey was excited about it because it’s all about organization and using your time wisely. I’m a sucker for planning and organizing so I knew I was going to love this one. While I thought I would take away helpful tips for work, I didn’t realize this book would also help me in my personal life. From creating my ideal week to discovering which “zones” I operate best in, I can maximize my time without depleting my health or relationships. If you want to get organized or struggle with time management, this would be a great book to kick off your year with.
#5 The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry
Okay, so technically I read this book in 2019, but reread it this year for work. It’s so good that I included it on this list. As mentioned with Dream Big, cultivating creativity has been a struggle for me this year. This book was great the first time I read through it, but even more timely when I picked it up again this summer. It’s easy-to-read with super good applications to implement. While not everything in this book is something that I’ll follow through with, I came away with really great tools that I continue to use to this day. This leans more on the work-side, but still a great read.
2021 Reading Challenge
While I read more books than this last year, I’m ready for another year of impactful books, especially the ones I can’t put down. My goal this year is to read 30 books and I’m already diving into a few this month. Leave a comment below if you read one of these books or have recommendations of what I should read in 2021!
**This is a sponsored post, but my reviews are my own.**
Long-time no see, right? I’m still adjusting to post-grad life, so bear with me with the irregular blog schedule. But I’m so excited to partner with Homesick candles to talk about their newest collection: the Daily Collection!
I’ve actually purchased from Homesick before: I got my best friend a candle for Missouri because she’s from out-of-state and then I got one for my parents when they moved into their new house!
Thank you to everyone that reached out about this post! Travel posts are very new to me, but I’m so excited to share everything I did/saw/ate in Savannah.
Disclaimer: I had never been to Savannah before this and there’s still so much that I want to do. Don’t think this is the last time that I’ll be posting about Savannah, TRUST ME.
I am so excited to be giving away not one, but THREE Day Designer Academic Year Daily Planners. I've already started using mine so much and it's honestly the best planner I've ever had!
You could win...
I love the flexibility of how you can use the Daily Planner! See how I organize my planner here. This planner has so many features including:
- Academic planner is dated July 2018 through June 2019
- Added June 2018 daily planning pages for a total of 13 months of daily planning
- Signature Today & To-Do page format combines your daily schedule and to-do list on one page
- Includes two FREE gold foil sticker sheets and a bookmark ruler
It's hardcover and is durable no matter how busy you are! If you'd like to enter to win one of these planners, check out my giveaway on my Instagram.
This has been a highly requested blog post! This is actually my first time using a Day Designer and I am so so excited to get my life even more organized! I'm still learning the best ways to get the most out of my new planner, but this should help if you are new to Day Designer.
Monthly View
What I really like about Day Designer is their clean layout. It feels so refreshing to start planning on a "clean slate." I use the monthly view to map out big events, birthdays, bills, exams (when I figure out when those are!!!) I find that the Day Designer squares hold a lot of information for even the busiest of months!
Daily Pages
Something that I'm not familiar with is having an entire page dedicated to a day. But I've found that I really like it!!! In the past, my planners have only featured weekly pages to plan my days. With the daily page, it makes it really easy to schedule and get a glimpse what times you're free. I sometimes find myself wanted to agree to an event, but then realize that I have something going on at that time! This feels like a tangible Google calendar (if you are familiar with those) and you can prepare for busy or free days.
The to-do list on the side is so so helpful for jotting down to-dos and not getting swamped with sticky notes (#guilty). I also am such a fan of the helpful tabs up top like dinner and due dates. I will use these A LOT during the school year.
A fun thing about the Saturday/Sunday page is this at a glance of the next week. I plan the Sunday the week before and fill this in so when I sit down to plan my next week, I already have a pretty good reference of how busy I'll be. It also is fun to use if you have something exciting coming up to look forward to.
Front Page
Other than writing your contact info in case you lose you planner, I like to use the first blank page to attach my color code for the planner. I have a different color for each of my classes that translates into my schedule and to-do's. I also put down dates that occur every month (like bills) so when I'm planning for the next month, which is something I do the last week of the month before, I can put those down first!
Ideal Schedule
This is my favorite part I think!!!! You can literally map out your perfect week which is helpful when you are taking classes, have clubs, work, etc. It keeps you organized and gives you a general idea of what to expect week to week. While no two weeks are the same, it's a helpful reminder!
Let me know what you think! If you are new to the Day Designer game, was this helpful? Also let me know which planner design you got/plan on getting! If you are a Day Designer pro, share your tips below! I would love to know how you utilize your planner.
If you are wanting to purchase a Day Designer, use my link! I would love to know if I helped on your planner journey LOL
Happy Planning!
B
B
I saw "Solo: A Star Wars Story" yesterday and let me just say...
IT WAS AMAZING.
I was a little hesitant about the choice in casting for Han Solo, but Alden literally was born to play this part. The movie is super easy to follow along, even if you aren't a Star Wars fan!!!!
So what I'm saying is: you should go see this movie.
My mom and I both agreed it was one of the best Star Wars films we've seen. It had the appeal of the original Star Wars storyline with new characters and amazing effects that the OG films lacked. But the only thing I loved more than Alden Ehrenreich was the style of the movie.
It was super retro and had some great fashion, @Lando's impressive collection of capes. This has got me in the mood to go all out in Solo inspired looks. Catch me wearing my flared jeans for the next month.
If you are looking to amp up your closet after seeing the movie, I've added some items that are inspired by the retro feel of this movie!
This has been a requested post for a while now! It's been almost 3 years since I first moved into my freshman dorm. While many things have changed since then (my hair and my fashion sense), I still use almost everything that was in my first dorm room.
I've lived in my sorority house for the past two years and will be living there again for my senior year! Some things I've decided to leave behind (my huge TV that took up half of my dorm) and some things I've decided to add (all the Phi Mu things!!!). Freshman year dorms require a lot of stuff. I remember how nervous I was that I'd forget things when I moved out. The list I came up with are the ESSENTIALS plus a bonus list of things I had, but definitely didn't really need.
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| Last year's move in day!! |
Needs:
- Comforter (opt for one or two sizes up, it’ll hang over the edges and hide what’s under your bed!!!)
- Fitted Sheet (optional: extra fitted sheet in case you need to change your sheets and you don’t do laundry as quickly as your mom does)
- Foam Egg Crate Topper
- Pillows
- Pillow Cases
- Lamp
- Hamper
- Shower Caddy
- Robe/Towel Wrap Towels + hand towels (I recommend 3)
- Storage Containers
- Hangers
- Surge Protector
- Calendar
- Whiteboard
- Hand Sanitizer
- Swiffer
- Small Vacuum
- Command Strips
Optional:
- Rug
- Throw Pillows
- Throw Blanket
- Keurig
- Shoe Organizer
- Hanging Mirror
- Vanity Mirror
- Jewelry Organizer
- Picture Frames
- Printer Tapestry/Monogram
- Lapdesk
- Blow Dryer
- Bulletin Board
- Record Player
- Christmas/Hanging Lights
- Headboard
Great places to shop include: Target, IKEA, Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Etsy, Michaels, and Amazon!
Let me know if any of you past dorm residents have anything to add to the list! If you are headed to college soon, tell me where you are headed! Oh, and go Gators!!!
Wearing: Free People Set (similar), Steve Madden Sandals (similar), Preppy Park Ears, Herschel Fanny Pack, Necklace (bought from a friend!), Sunglasses, Apple Watch
Just got back from the best weekend at Disney! So the rain didn't stay away (peep my hair) and the humidity was high, but that didn't stop me and Shelby from enjoying the weekend!
We got to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Epcot on Saturday! Shelby even let me *borrow* her Free People set that gave me all the fiesta vibes! We got the Rose Margarita, which is the best margarita I have ever had!
We got to hang out in the Mexico pavilion for a couple of hours and even met Donald (which was definitely worth the 15 minute wait.) Surprisingly, Epcot wasn't too busy so we were able to snap a few pics around Mexico. Shelbs and I didn't catch the derby, but we were a little preoccupied hiding out in gift shops while Florida decided to monsoon (lol.)
What did you do for Cinco de Mayo? Let me know in the comments below!
I literally could not be happier that this school year is over. Not that I don’t love going to UF or that junior year was the worst (looking @ you, sophomore year), I just need a break. This year has been full of ups and downs and cry sessions and way too many trips to Starbucks and I even changed my Instagram theme three times, so yeah...
Junior year has been real, it’s been fun, but it hasn’t been real fun.
Friendships have expiration dates
I know, I know. It’s kind of a sad thing to think about, but friendships do end. And sometimes it’s for the better. I went into this year with friendships that I didn’t make it out of junior year with..
AND THAT IS OKAY.
Honestly, I was in friendships that were negatively affecting me. I didn’t realize it until drama crept in and resulted in less than happy outcomes.
Remember ladies, boys come and go, so don’t throw away a friendship over a boy!!! I’ve learned that you have to surround yourself with people that support you and positively impact your life. Like my mama always said, “unhappy people want to make everyone around them unhappy.”
So, I had to look at my friendships and see if I was happy in them. And it sucked to have to admit to myself that I was being negatively impacted by people I had been so close with. I had shared things with these people that they could use against me.
But I had to walk away from those toxic friendships. It’s not easy, but I’m a lot better off for it.
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| These are my people!!! |
Stop putting emphasis on people
My mama also taught me that you cannot find happiness or fulfillment in a person. Whether that’s a boyfriend or a friendship...people will always disappoint, whether they mean to or not. We are not perfect and we shouldn’t put that kind of pressure on people. Jesus is the only one that can fulfill our lives and give us purpose. To try to put that on a particular person is unfair and will lead to disappoint, or even resentment.
I learned this not only in my friendships, but also in my almost relationships. A guy is not going to complete me, no matter how many cheesy rom-coms I watch. I have to find that kind of fulfillment in my relationship with Christ. So while I did not find a boyfriend this school year, I am happy about it. I’ve got to work on myself and develop a strong foundation with the Lord before He lets a wonderful, Jesus-loving, selfless boy into my life.
Doors close for a reason
Aside from friendships ending or the lack of relationships in my life, junior year was a year of closed doors. Last year I battled changing my major and completely reworking my college career. This year I applied, interviewed, and ran for positions that didn’t happen. The biggest being in my sorority.
If you didn’t know, I served on my sorority’s executive committee last year. I thought the Lord was calling me to serve in a much larger capacity. So I ran for president.
Currently, I am not Phi Mu’s president, so you can guess how that turned out.
I went from waking up to 25+ emails in my exec inbox to not being a part of Phi Mu’s exec in a day. Yeah it sucked for a couple days. I felt like a failure. I felt like the Lord had led me to something that I wasn’t supposed to go for. But I’m glad I did.
I’ll never wonder what would have happened if I didn’t run. That closed door wasn’t the best at the time. Trust me, I had a lot of resentment for Phi Mu at that time, but it turned out to be such a big blessing. Because Phi Mu was finally not my job anymore, I could enjoy it in the capacity it was meant to be enjoyed in. I got to join other clubs with my free time.
One club actually led me to my current internship. If I had won the presidency, I wouldn’t have joined this particular club, and I wouldn’t have heard my current boss speak at a meeting. That closed door allowed me to walk towards an open one. One that I am so so very grateful for. This internship has been such a bright spot in my life and I honestly love going to work. I get to spend my summer continuing this internship and I couldn’t imagine spending 20 hours a week anywhere else. That resentment turned into thankfulness. I love Phi Mu, but I love it even more now that I don’t have to treat it like a job and I can enjoy my actual job.
So yeah.
Junior year has been a complete whirlwind and I honestly wouldn’t want it any other way. I have one year left, but I’m ready to close this chapter of my life and gear up for the wonderful future I know the Lord has in store for me.
ALSO: I’ve created a editorial calendar for myself so that I can actually be a decent blogger!!!! Let me know how your school year went in the comments below!
Oh, and if you want to see anything on the blog, please let me know! I’m hoping for 1-2 posts a week this summer now that I time to devote to blogging!!!
Hope you all had a very merry Christmas! If you woke up with 1,000 new emails like me this morning with sale notifications, you're probably feeling overwhelmed. Linked below are my picks from four sites and their After Christmas Sales!
Free People
Additional 40% Off Sale Items
Wearing: Free People Sweater, Gator Gameday Boots, Urban Outfitters Skirt (similar), Ray Ban sunglasses
In case you missed it, I turned 21 recently. And I know you probably have noticed my blog has been pretty quiet. I feel like I say this plenty, but I really do want to get back to blogging. Don't worry, it's at the top of my New Year's Resolutions.
I'm so so excited to start this new chapter in my life. The jump from 20 to 21 is definitely noticeable, but it's exciting because it's another milestone. (Currently listening to Thomas Rhett's "Sixteen" to put it into perspective)
I thought it was only fitting to have my first post back dedicated to the two and a half week long celebration that my birthday turned into. I'm so blessed with friends and family that devoted so much time and energy to celebrating me. My parents surprised me with a tailgate party after the UF/FSU game (yikes @ the Gators this year) and stayed up with me until midnight for my first drink! And yes, that was my very first alcoholic drink.
I think people were very surprised that I managed two and a half years of college and four years of high school without drinking alcohol.
I don't think alcohol is bad because I really enjoy drinking now. It was a personal choice to wait to drink. But really all I'm trying to say it's possible.
For anyone who isn't comfortable drinking in college or in high school, you don't have to if you don't want to. I went on numerous date functions, social and events while sober and it's no big deal. It's way cheaper and you don't have to worry about the chance of getting sick. All I really want to say, you have a choice and no one can decide that but you!
Anyway, stepping off my soapbox to get back into a recap of my birthday fun. On my actual birthday, my best friend and her gbig took me to brunch (hashtag mimosas!!!!) We went out to dinner that night with my friends to a restaurant that does those drinks with the sparklers in it.
Yes, I did it for the Instagram.
And like every 21 year-old in college, I finally got to host my very own sign night. Quick refresher for those who don't know the lingo or don't go to a school in the South: a sign night is basically where your friends make you a sign with 21 tasks that you complete at bars.
So naturally, my best friend and little made me a Drake/Disney themed sign and I'm still crying over how perfect it is.
I had never really went "out" before my sign night. Basically, drinking is an expensive hobby, so I don't recommend making it a habit. I got the full experience of Gainesville bars. But I had so much fun. I recreated 21 vines, made $42, had to get out of a sketchy uber, and ended back at the Pink Castle (aka Phi Mu) after a long night.
*If you are having a sign night, make sure to collect $21 as one of your tasks. It's the best move*
Wearing: Altar'd State T-shirt, Forever 21 Jeans, Forever 21 Jean Jacket (similar), Preppy Park Ears, Ray Ban Sunglasses
Finally, I ended my celebrations at Epcot for a "Drake Around the World Tour" with my best friends and my sister. We stayed at the Beach Club which is my absolute favorite Disney resort. If you plan on drinking around the world, it is SO SO convenient to stay at the Beach Club or one of the surrounding hotels because you just have to walk back to your room after drinking!
It turned out to be so so cold, but we managed to have so much fun. We even snagged reservations the next morning at Trattoria al Forno, where you eat breakfast with Ariel, Rapunzel, Flynn Ryder, and Prince Eric.
Honestly, what's better than meeting characters and drinking mimosas???
But so far, 21 has been the best age yet. I can't wait to see what this next year entails and I'm so thankful for the people in my life that made it the best weeks of my life.
Now that I'm back to blogging, what kind of posts are y'all looking for? I'm excited to do more style and lifestyle posts, but let me know if you like these recap posts!
Until next time!
B
Outfit details: Shirt (on sale!), Skirt (similar), Shoes (on sale!), Pins (Disney Parks), Bag (similar), Sunglasses, Earrings, Watch
Okay, let's try this again. And by this I mean blogging. I sincerely apologize for not blogging very much on here. I'm trying to get in a schedule of posting, but it's hard when summer is so much busier than I thought it would be!
Back to the regularly scheduled blog post: this is one of my all time favorite OOTD's because Dolly Parton is literally an icon. I bought this shirt as a "you survived another finals week" treat and I'm OBSESSED.
So now that I'm picking blogging back up: let me know what kind of posts you want to see on here!!!
As May is ending, I'm going to share my favorites from the month.
1. Harry Styles by Harry Styles
Ok. I love Harry Styles. This isn't anything new.
But what is new is his debut album. I stayed up until 3 a.m. the day it came out because I just kept replaying it. It's everything I could have wanted and more. I even ordered the vinyl because I'm that committed.
My favorites from the album (can I say all of them???):
- Carolina: This was my first favorite. It just sounds like the Beatles and I'm obsessed with it. I have no other words.
- From the Dining Table: It's moody and a song that hits you in the feels. I cry every time. 10/10, would recommend.
- Meet Me in the Hallway: I don't know why I love it, because I normally don't like the first track of any album but I love this one.
- Woman: The la la la part. 12/10, would always recommend.
2. Dad Hats
I am OBSESSED with baseball hats, otherwise known as dad hats. I think I own at least 15 and I keep buying them. I think the obsession started my last couple weeks of college when I would go to bed with wet hair and couldn't manage my hair the next morning. And now I can't stop. They're perfect for Disney trips and rainy Florida afternoons.
My favorite places to buy them:
As an annual passholder, I go to Disney World often. I go just about every other weekend now that's it's summer. Recently, I picked up pin trading. I'm not very good at it, but it's fun to buy mystery packs at the park and trade the ones I don't want. I'll occasionally use some of my Disney pins in my outfits, but I am obsessing over enamel pins to add to my backpack or my outfits. Linked below are some of my favorites.
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