NYE 2016

Today is the 31th if you haven't looked at your calendar yet. This means that you only have today appreciate 2015. Wow a year come and gone. In a way it's sad because so many things have happened and there are so many good memories. BUT there is another way to look at it. It is a chance to start new and improve yourself. It is a time that is inspiring and shouts "I'm going to be better than what I have been." That part is amazing.

I love New Years because I love to celebrate and accept what has happened. When graduating from high school I chose to appreciate that period in my life along with the people who impacted me and the experiences I had instead of wallowing in the sadness of it being over. For New Years I like to accept the ending of the year and hope for an even better one.

On another note, New Years resolutions are tricky. There is the type of person who makes a ton of resolutions to only break/ give up on them within a few days. AND there is the type of person who surprises everyone for 2 or 3 months, but then fades into the background and ends up breaking it. I've never really heard of many people who keep their resolutions even when there is good intention. Last year my family wrote lists of things we wanted to accomplish in 2015. When we read them again, only 2 or 3 things were completed. Yikes.  How can we do better at sticking to what we say we will accomplish? Good question.

Here are my resolutions for the year. I took a different approach this time around. I decided to pick parts of my life that needed more mental work than physical.

1. Increase my confidence and self-worth
2. Be more content with my life and my friends and the things I am blessed with
3. Concentrate on creating relationships and making better ones with friends and family
4. Go on more adventures (down the road or in another country)

These things will be everyday struggles, but will pay off so much more in the long run. The only downside is that there is no tangible indicator that I have reached my goal, so it will be up to me to decide this. I only hope that there will be moments when I can realize how far I've come or when I realize just how far I have to go.

I hope you take time to really think about your resolutions. Make them really mean something to you, and then truly fight to get to where you want to go. You are beautiful and amazing and worth every struggle. Keep your head up and never stop dreaming and working to be a better you.

Enjoy and make the most of this last day before you get a chance to change the way you live for the next 365 (not that any day isn't a great day to change)! Happy New Years! Take time to appreciate and know just how blessed you are to be alive.


What do your resolutions look like? Are you excited to get started?

It's Just Cake

I'm a weirdo if you haven't realized it yet, and I can just see Anna looking at her computer screen thinking "ya and I have to live with her." Well anyway, I was just about to doze off into a deep sleep when my crazy brain decided to come up with a blog post idea. SO here I am at 1:30 in the morning thinking about cake. Not because I'm a fattie and eat cake all the time (although I do love cake) but because over the holidays I worked at Piece of Cake. It's the best cake company ever, and the cakes are literally to die for.

I walked into my first day of work very nervous. I didn't want to be late, and I wanted to make a good first impression to hopefully secure a holiday job for Christmas breaks to come. Ann one of the workers there showed me around, handed me a red t-shirt, and made me feel right at home. Then she explained that especially around the holidays things can get kind of crazy and people can be very rude, but the thing she said next stuck with me enough lie awake thinking about cake. She said "There's one thing you have to remember about it all, is that it's just cake."

Wow, I realized what she meant after a couple of rude and cranky costomers came in complaining about cakes and blaming it on the workers (when clearly it wasn't us). People get really heated about cake. Like really upset. It got me thinking about what the cake was in my life…or the things that I get worked up over and the little things I make into huge deals.  My cake is definitely what others think of me. My cake is the things I cannot control like others people actions. My cake is trying to make everything perfect when that is clearly impossible. These things matter, but aren't the end of the world by any means. They are parts of my life that I should be making joy and love and happiness, but instead creating problems.

It's just cake... So I should take a deep breath, remember the things I'm thankful for and the amazing things that I have in my life, and realize that cake isn't the end of the world. Take a second to think about your "cake" and all of the little things that mean so little in the long run. Enjoy the rest of the break or enjoy this holiday season because it's not over yet!

I'm so excited for New Years and starting new. Thanks for reading! Have an amazing day. Plus there will be new posts about my break travels!!! Keep checking!

 What was your favorite part of Christmas?

10 Things to do on Christmas

It's official…I'm the worst. I haven't blogged in 2 weeks. Wow how can I call yourself a blogger if I don't blog. Yikes. Well I apologize, but if you just bare with me, I promise it is coming. I'm planning some new and exciting things that will put me more in tune with the blogging world. I want to change the look a little and start connecting more with others.

Essentially, the past couple of months have been a test run. To 1) see if I could do it…which has turned out good, but has allowed me to realize that I MUST keep on top of posts AND 2) to see if blogging was worth my time and energy. I love it. I really do, but I know it will take a lot of time and I know I'm spreading myself thin next semester. I'll have to plan ahead (something I'm not good at) and really just keep trusting myself and my content.

So I was making a gift guide, but after a couple days without finishing it I stopped because christmas is a 2 days away. At this point if you don't have a gift…you most likely are exactly like me and will homemake something OR add your name to someone else's gift. Then you will probably swear to yourself that next year you are getting a head start on your shopping only for it to happen again. Someday I'll be ready for Christmas. This is one of character flaws for sure. I have some amazing ideas and I love being creative, but the execution is really tough for me.

To finish off this post here are the TOP 10 THINGS YOU MUST DO ON CHRISTMAS AND CHRISTMAS EVE:

1. Wear Christmas PJs preferably matching with the fam
2. Leave Milk an Cookies for Santa (I don't care how old you are!)
3. Read the Christmas Story…you must remember the REAL reason for the season
4. Get in bed early…only to lay awake anticipating the next day's fun
5. Build a Fire (i'll in Florida so this probably won't happen)
6. Family card game
7. Be the one that hands out all of the gifts in the morning
8. Dress up in a Christmas outfit for a special lunch or dinner
9. Text or call friends wishing them a Merry Christmas
10. Watch It's A Wonderful Life and hug your mother when she cry (shoutout to my mom)

I love Christmas and it's ability to bring people together. My family is crazy, but I love them and the time I get to spend with them especially now that I'm away at college. I also have seen a lo of my high school friends which is amazing. I love catching up and realizing that it doesn't even seem like we've been apart. I'm headed down to the beach where I will most likely be wearing shorts and walking on the beach due to the extremely hot weather…then I'm headed to the mountains with my camp friends. I'm pumped to be in colder weather and brush up on my skiing skills. Stay tuned. I promise I'm still blogging.

Have a wonderful Christmas! Enjoy every moment!


 What are your favorite Christmas traditions? One of my friends always sleeps in the same room as her siblings on Christmas Eve…How fun!

Finals...Gross

Hey Friends,

If you are in school, finals are probably killing you. I know I'm either stressed out because of all the work and studying I have, or procrastinating which stresses me out even more. Well there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even if your grades don't turn out the way you want them too, Christmas break is so close you can feel it and your cozy bed at home is in reach.

I'm taking a study break right now, in between studying for Psych and finishing my English portfolio. Man oh man, I hate studying, and I think the holiday season is kinda bummed down because everyone is too busy trying to save their grades to celebrate. I thought I'd make a list of study break ideas that could help you from burning out and letting finals get the best of you.

1. Exercise or take a walk
         I spent 5 hours studying in the student center today, and after that I definitely needed a break to clear my mind. I went to the gym and worked out which made me feel so much better, and gave my brain a little rest. Plus today was beautiful in Athens and perfect for a stroll.

2. Catch up with a friend
       Yes everyone is in the same place as you, and they also need a break. Text a friend that you haven't seen in a while and have lunch at a dinning hall or coffee at Starbucks. It will take your mind off of your tests, and it will be nice company.

3. Send encouraging texts and letters to your friends.
       Again everyone is in the same boat as you, and saying some nice words to a friend not only makes them feel special and loved in a tough time but it also make you feel good. Take the time to encourage those in your classes and on your hall.

4. Blog...or Journal
     In my case, blogging is my study break, but you can still write even if you don't have a wildly successful blog like mine (ha. ha.). Take out that journal sitting in your drawer, and write about you whats going on in your head and your heart. Getting things on paper can help you fee relieved and ready to take on new challenges.

5. Think about what makes studying worth it/ your goals for the future.
     Right now it can seem that your (well my) Human Geography or History class have no significance what-so-ever in your life. It is so hard to relate the minimal things in your life to the dreams and aspirations you want so dearly. Take time to really think about what you want in the future and realize that achieving that goal starts now with the classes you are taking. Everything is leading towards your future so make it count.

On this same subject about future, my small group leader showed me this video today. It is bouncing around Facebook too, so you may have already seen it. It is Stefan Vandenkooy (cool name) reading spoken word. He mentions that although we are taking finals now, later we will be faced with other finals, and God is there to help us. It is really powerful and convicting. Check it out. It is totally worth it.

VIDEO HERE

I hope your week is going great, and I'm putting together some gift guides on a budget because I definitely do not have the money to spend on expensive gifts for the fam. They will have to just do with my love and my awesome taste. Thanks for stopping by as usual.

How do you take a study break?

Style Crushes

Hey friends! So I hope your week has been good so far. I hope it is full of christmas carols and cheery decorations. I love christmas music so much (especially Michael Buble)  but it isn't cold yet here in Athens so it is throwing me off just a little bit.

I was talking to my mom today, and she seemed a little concerned about me after my last post. Well let me explain. First of all, I'm totally fine. I had just been thinking about that topic for awhile and how true a statement "Life is Hard" really is. I'm not just talking the big deep emotional stuff...but i'm talking about the day to day things. It's just not always easy, but it's always worth it. If you missed the post you can find it here. 

So to change the subject and talk a little more light heartedly, I wanted to share the clothing items I am crushing on for this winter. I hope you enjoy!

                                                 

                                        Red  Bow Dress //  Funky Crop Top // Black Skirt 

Red Dress- Well isn't this just the best dress you've ever seen? It's so simple yet so pretty. The bow sold me.. and it was love at first sight. Perfect for a holiday party where you want to stand out! The shoes on the model are so cute as well!!!

The Crop Top and The Set- Okay so this is the major style right now: Having an outfit set usually a involving a crop top. This one was found on the Nordstrom website and is just so cool. The pattern stands out and the best thing about it is that it can go with so many bottoms like jeans, high waisted shorts, or a...

Black Skirt - Yes, the crop top will go great with this skirt, and there are so many skater skirts out there that are shorter than this one. I live and breath my black skirt (which you will definitely be seeing in outfit posts soon)! It is just so simple to throw on for any occasion. I also have the ability to create any outfit possible with such a plain but stylish skirt!

I hope you liked my holiday crushes. I definitely have my eye on a lot of things this season, but these are some main pieces I look for when I shop. Hope the rest of your week goes great! Keep on keeping on and Happy Holidays! Stay tuned for more!


 What is your favorite part about the Holidays? Do you have any style crushes of you own?

Life Is Hard

Hey guys! I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with love, appreciation, family, and friends. Mine definitely was, but don't be fooled...my family is just as crazy as yours. Finals are coming up which actually stinks. My first semester at college is also coming to a close which is even more scary. I can't imagine being anywhere else, and I don't want to see freshman fly past.

The name of this post is Life is Hard, because more and more I've realized just how accurate this statement is. It is not an easy thing... and as Kid President points out sometimes we just need a high five for making it out of bed in the morning. Life is hard because you are thrown into situations that seem like there are no solutions, or you are hurt in ways that don't seem fair, or you may lose yourself for awhile. Life is hard when you have no motivation. Life is hard when feel alone. And life is hard when you can't imagine what your next move is. It's just hard, and IT'S OKAY to struggle. It means your human. I need to remember that sometimes because I'm doing the best I can and that's okay.

So you, person reading this from across from your computer or phone...its okay because life is hard. You don't have to pretend that you are flawless and don't have troubles. It's okay because we all do. Life is hard, but it is worth it. The experiences and the memories and the relationships are all worth it even when it's hard. So keep on keeping on. Wake up. Breathe. Live. Give Thanks.

One thing I've been struggling with lately is this blog. I really enjoy blogging, but sometimes I feel like I don't have the time to put into it and to make it really great. I start comparing myself to other bloggers who look like they have everything together with their blogs. They have amazing pictures and wonderful travel adventures. I'm just a college freshman sitting on the floor of her dorm writing about how hard life is...wow (i'm actually siting on the floor when there are two beds and a perfectly good futon to sit on...why I have no idea. Haha. I have to remind myself that I don't have to be blog famous. I don't have to have the perfect blog look. As long as I am writing and enjoying it..it's all okay. Maybe someday I will have more to share, and maybe someday I will have the confidence to share my blog with the people in my daily life without feeling judged or intimidated.

On that note, I'm going to keep sharing, and I hope you'll keep reading. I am going to play dress up with my closet over christmas break so be looking forward to that. I'm actually so excited because I want to see how I put my outfits together and the kinds of pictures I can take. Sydney gave me her word that she'd help me and I'm holding her to that by calling her out on the blog...sorry Syd. Love ya.

Anyways. Keep on trucking because you are worth it and life is worth. Have an amazing Tuesday because you'll never get this day back. Thanks for reading. Also It's December...which is crazy!

Friendsgiving Fun

Hey guys!

Okay, okay so I haven't posted in a week, and I think that's okay. Everyone needs a break, and I needed one while I had 3 papers to write. I felt like I had to do a lot of writing and the blog was just going to push me over my writing limit. Anyway, I'm back and as I look at all of the posts I have written since August I feel so proud and accomplished. This little corner of the internet is mine and has been an amazing place to just be me. I hope you have enjoyed what I have written and any support though sharing it with friends or commenting would be great!

Today is Thanksgiving and I am spending it home with my fam! It has been wonderful being home this past week and getting to see high school friends, but it makes me miss Athens and my new friends. My high school friends all have other friends, new inside jokes, and new funny memories...it's all just so different. It makes me realize that I really am in a new stage of my life. I loved my high school times, but I am in a new place with different people. I love it, but it feels weird.

In honor of this time with old friends and new friends I hosted a FRIENDSGIVING! Yay! It is one of my 101 in 1001 days that I will be able to cross off! I decided to do a brunch because I don't think my body could hold 2 full turkey meals in 48 hours. Everyone brought an item, and it worked out so well. We all got to chat and just spend some quality time together. There were 11 of us at 10 different schools so getting everyone in one place was wonderful and rare.

I would really recommend hosting a get together with old friends or new friends or any friends. Being with people you love reminds you just how important they are over materials and surface life. We can get too caught up in a routine and forget the real reason we keep going (love of our friends and family)! I love you guys! Thanks for always being there!


  What is your favorite thing to do with your friends? Do you keep in touch with you high school friends?

Don't Hate, Appreciate

Hey guys! So I'm definitely getting into the holiday spirit, but I do like to take my holidays one at a time. There's just something about Christmas songs and decorations before Thanksgiving that really gets on my nerves, but I am so excited for the season. In honor of Thanksgiving and rekindling love with the fam, pumpkin pie, and large amounts of stuffing here's a post about what I have come to appreciate more now since I've been in college.

TOP 10 THINGS I HAVE COME TO APPRECIATE EVEN MORE

1. My Parents Alone
     I am one of 3 girls in the family, and it is so rare to have my parents all to myself especially now that we live and hour apart. Those moments where I just get to chat with them about life are so precious. I love calling them while walking to class because it gives me something to do, and it keeps them in the know (as much as I want them to know). Parents weekend for the ADPi was amazing, and I can see our relationships getting closer and closer.

2. My sister's hugs
      Lele, My twin, gives the best hugs. They are so genuine and pure and hold her whole heart in them. Every time I come home she runs and hugs me like she hasn't seen me in years and it brightens my day instantly. I miss her so much and those hugs help me to realize that life will go on and that there are way more important things in life than what I am stressed about.

3. Getting away
    I love Anna so much, but sometimes I need quiet time to myself. There is so much going on at UGA all the time. You really can't escape it even if you think you can. The dorm is great because it is like your own little space, but it is not the same as a quiet room in your house with a shut door and no screaming neighbors. I miss this.

4. Seeing my friends everyday
    High school wasn't the best all the time. I mean there were mean girls, 7 classes a day, harsh teachers, but it was all made easier because you had your pals. I have met so many amazing people in college, but I don't see them everyday. In high school we were forced together. We had to go to school and see each other, but in college you really have to put in the effort and time. I love sorority meetings and socials because I get to see all of my friends.

5. Atlanta
   Oh man I loved Atlanta, but I have a much greater appreciation for it now. Don't get me wrong Athens is amazing. I have just realized how much is in Atlanta and how important it is to people who live in other parts of Georgia. I miss the malls. I miss the concerts. I miss the endless opportunities of things to do. I'm glad I live in Atlanta and get to come home to it on breaks!

6. WiFi
   Brumby WiFi isn't good. At all.

7. Home cooked meals
     The dinning hall gets old. Just remember that high school seniors who are waiting for endless food options. I get so tired of the food and long for roommate dates where Anna and I go out. I made a list of meals I want to make with my mom over Thanksgiving which include Quinoa with chicken and veggies, squash casserole, and chili lots of chili! I'm excited to start writing down the recipes for the cookbook on my 101 in 1001. 


8. Schedule
    I appreciate the college schedule I have. I love having two classes a day and having so much free time to nap, workout, study, nap (again), eat, and really whatever I want. Don't let me fool you though. I don't workout that much, but I do love my kickboxing on Thursdays. I think it would be hard to go back to a 8-3 school schedule. I'm just loving the freedom.

9. My own room with my large bed
    Again, I love Anna and living with her makes life so much more interesting, but I miss my queen size bed and my own room. Even though Anna is so chill and cool with about anything, I still have to think twice about when I go to bed or watch tv. I have to be careful about where I put my stuff and being loud when I wake up.

10. Showering without shower shoes
      This is a big one!!! Folks be thankful you don't have to wear 2 dollar shoes in the shower to keep your feet from touching moldy stained floors that have probably been there since before I was born. I take considerably longer showers at home just taking in every moment of bare feet I can.

Fall In Love With Color

Hey guys! Hope your week has started out great! The forecast says sunshine for tomorrow so I'm keeping my hopes up for an amazing day! Also in my church service today we talked about choosing joy. I challenge everyone to choose joy over sorrow and comparison (read my post "Let's Get Real" here)!

I don't know about you, but I love my neutrals. Black. White. Grey. Tan. And all that jazz. They are great because they can go with anything, but right now I'm loving this magenta color for fall. It is so pretty and a different fall color than the usual oranges and reds. I have rain boots similar to this color, and you know I've been wearing those a lot recently.

Another thing that really makes this outfit is the jewelry you see me wearing. It was handmade by my very own sister, Lucy! She has been making such beautiful and trendy items inciting huge statement pieces like this. Check her out on Esty at Lucy Stone Designs!

Well thats all I have for today! I hope you're loving this color as much as I am. I can't wait to pair this with black jeans and maybe a skirt!!! Oh and it's from my favorite resale shop in Atlanta, so you won't be able to find the exact shirt, but keep your eyes out for this amazing color. See ya thursday! Remember to CHOOSE JOY!!!

 

What's you favorite pop of color for fall?

Let's Be Real

Hey guys! I always feel like I'm talking about gross weather, but that's what Athens has turned into. On the bright side I finished my test for the week and get some time to relax. I hope your week has been great and that you are making the most of every minute.

Now it's time to get down to business. Let's get real. I really have a love-hate relationship with social media. I've grown up in the texting, snap chatting, Instagram, Facebook world and being able to stay connected, but I also find these things having negative impacts on my life. I start to compare myself to others "perfect lives" and my worth and self esteem decreases. Snapchat is a big one for me. I see other people's stories and see how much fun they are having and negativity sets in. Truthfully I've stopped looking at snapchat, and feel more relieved. I don't need to see what others are doing, I need to be living in the present with the people I am around.

Being a blogger can make social media seem so necessary. I found all of my favorite bloggers through the media and have loved following them, but trying to keep up the perfect image of being a perfect blogger is tiring and a little fake. I find myself getting upset that I don't have the perfect picture or the time to find the best clothes, but really I made this blog to be me. I and a lot of people fall under the trap of trying to put on an image that their lives are perfect when truthfully life is perfectly imperfect.

Recently a story of a girl who turned away from social media has been buzzing on the internet. Essena O'Neill, a teenager form Australia, was a social media sensation and like many others (me included) feel into the trap of displaying the "perfect life". She has such confidence and radiates joy. Watch her video! It is so inspiring!!!

Like Essena says in the video she has created a new website called Lets Be Game Changers! It is a place for inspiration and community. Check it out and let me know what you think. Social media is so prevalent in our society, but sometimes it can take over. It's so hard to remember that not everything is true in the media and it distorts real lives, but realizing that is key to your happiness.

Time

Hey guys! Oh my has it been a crazy couple of days. St. Simons was a blast…the game was a lot less of a blast. I loved seeing my friends and tailgating, but being the only UGA fan in a section of Gators along with watching the football team make a total fool of themselves wasn't really a highlight. Being back in Athens is a little bitter sweet. I love the Classic City, but the theres nothing like a sunny day at the beach. Oh and it's raining in Athens and is projected to be raining all week. Woot Woot!

Today I want to talk about time for a quick second. I feel like I'm so busy all the time juggling school work, my social life, this blog, keeping up with friends, volunteering, and trying to stay sane. I feel like I have no time in the world, but I don't know what else I would be doing with my time. I love everything that I am doing, but sometimes I don't get to spend as much time on things that really matter to me.

The blog. I've been loving posting here and sharing parts of my life, but I feel like I am not putting enough time that is needed into it. Here I am trying to write a blog post in the wee hours of the night after finishing my homework and not finishing studying for my test. I think my posts have so much potential and I lose some of that when I can't spend the time I really want to writing them. Sorry guys.

Time is precious. I also find myself running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. There are so many things that I have to get done that I never feel like I have time for myself or for the others around me that deserve it. Yes, I get to see my friends and hang out, but sometimes
I feel like I am unable to invest the amount of time I would love to in them. This includes my friends from back home. I love them to death, but trying to juggle new and old isn't always the easiest thing.

It has already been 11 weeks of school (I think, I'm being lazy and not fact checking myself, oops) and I feel like I have done so much, but I find myself feeling sad that my first semester of college is almost over. I ask myself so many questions like: Have I done all that I have wanted to? Have I gotten involved enough? Have I put myself out there? Have I made quality friends who I love? Have I had the freshman experience? Time seems to be flying by and I don't want to be stuck missing it. I don't want to look back and regret the time I didn't spend to it's fullest.

I finish this post at 1:47am wishing I had spent my time more wisely in studying for my test and writing this post. I know that my sleep has suffered and tomorrow may be a bit more of a struggle. I sit here thinking about the time I want to spend doing things I love with the people I love. My questions for you is: What do you do with you time? Do you spend it how you want to?

Thanks for reading! I have some amazing ideas for posts coming up, but I need to find the time to make them exactly what I have pictured in my mind. Bare with me and my college student lifestyle. I'm doing my best (I promise). See ya Thursday!

Kick'n it

Hey guys! So today I'm headed down to St. Simons to hangout with a ton of UGA fans getting ready for a huge game! I'm so excited to have a day off of school and to escape this rainy weather for some serious sunshine!

If I wasn't going to St. Simons I would be in the gym kickboxing. I do it every Thursday and need to find other times to squeeze it in. I really enjoy it. It makes working out fun and more interesting than 30 minutes on the treadmill. I also love it because I'm so small and usually called small fry, nugget, lil' monkey and any other name for short (fun sized) people. Kickboxing empowers me and makes me feel strong. I love it. It gets my anger out and allows me to feel bigger.

I got started kickboxing because a friend invited me. I met her on the first game day when our dates pretty much stuck us together. I asked her to go to diner with me, and she asked me to kickboxing. Now we are really good friends, and I love getting to catch up with her every Thursday!

I would encourage everyone to find a way to exercise that makes you feel good, is fun, and doesn't seem like exercising. In my class we learn punch sequences, work on our kicks, and still do abs and pushups. It's like all you need in one place at one time. It really is amazing and I feel amazing after it.

WARNING: Do NOT mess with me. I'm small but pack real punch! Here are some pictures I got Audrey to take. Yes, I look so ridiculous trying to look intense but I thought they were kind of fun.

Have an amazing weekend! Root for the DAWGS! Be thankful for everyone around you!

How do you workout? Walk? Hike? Run? Bike? Swim?

Wish I May Wish I Might

Hey Everyone! Thanks for sticking with the blog, and if you are new WELCOME to DEARLY BEAUTIFUL! Check out my other posts, especially my favorites 10 Things Female Sports Fans Go Though and my 101 in 1001 List!

Okay so I got to go home this weekend to see my beautiful family! I was really getting in the fall mood and the dorm doesn't let me do many fun fall things, so I decided that I wanted to carve pumpkins and bake with pumpkin too. I set out to make an adorable face for my odd pumpkin and these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. It was great just taking the day off and doing things that aren't possible in a shoebox.

The best part though is that Saturday night my sisters and I went to TAYLOR SWIFT! It was amazing, and we had the best time with 57,000 of our closest friends. I have to say that Taylor is so good! She is such a great role model, encouragers, and performer. She puts on a show, and stays true to herself. Love, Love, Love her and all that she stands for!

Now onto the real post: Today I want to compile a list of things I have my eye on in the fashion world. These usually end up in a note on my phone just wait to be checked off. They are making an appearance on the blog today and I hope you love them! Also one item that recently got off of the list and into my closet was this bucket bag from LuLu's for 25 dollars. I had to snag this because it is a trend that I am not willing to spend a fortune on, but wanted to add it to my collection! I'm trying to find affordable pieces of the styles on my list to share with you because as a college student on a budget I want to look my best but no break the bank! ENJOY!

1. A leather tote!

Madewell //  Nordstrom 

 

2. Pointed toe flats & heels (maybe in a fun color or pattern?) 

Madewell // Nordstrom

3. Ripped boyfriend Jeans 

Topshop // Forever 21

4. Black ankle boots

Frye // TopShop

5. Gucci Bag (As my "only in my dreams" purse) BUT Fossil has a more affordable one! They both come in many different colors and styles!

Gucci // Fossil

I also have my eyes on a felt hat, a black jumpsuit, a fur vest, a leather jacket, and a long pastel coat! Let me just tell you…It was hard finding all of these pictures because it included online shopping and dying over shoes and bags! Help! I hope you have an amazing day and week! I also hope the weather where you are is a lot better than the weather here!

 P.S. It's Florida hate week so… GOOOO DAWGS!

My 101 in 1001 Days

Hey Guys! So If you haven't heard of a 101 in 1001 you're in for a treat! It is essentially a bucket list, but in a shorted and more attainable amount of time (about 2.75 years). Mackenzie Horan from Design Darling create the concept and has been inspiring so may bloggers to write their own! It was hard coming up with 101 things but I think I have the perfect list! Stay tuned because I can't wait to blog about crossing things off! I hope you enjoy it! I'll also be keeping an updated list on the 101 in 1001 tab at the top!

Start: October 22, 2015 & End: July 19, 2018

For the Blog (0/16)

1. Share my blog with my world

2. Guest post for a blogger

3. Learn how to use a camera properly

4. Invest in a camera

5. Buy photoshop

6. Learn how to use photoshop to help the blog

7. Join a blogging community

8. Create 3 new blog series

9. Meet 5 blogging friends

10. Have 10 guest blog posts

11. Make 3 DIY for the blog 

12. Get my own domain name 

13. Make a blog Pinterest 

14. Get the Blog look perfect

15. Get sponsored

16. Host a giveaway

For Fun (0/27)

17. Learn to cook a go-to date meal

18. Host a "friends giving"

19. Host a brunch 

20. Visit the high museum

21. Start painting and drawing (create signature piece)

22. Read 20 new books

23. Learn and use record player

24. Find 5 records of oldies to love

25. Go to a fashion show

26. Make an investment in a staple fashion piece 

27. Become friends with 5 senior ADPis

28. Organize pictures 

29. Organize my personal Pinterest 

30. Create a scrapbook

31. 10 new restaurants

32. Watch 5 classic films

33. Create something awesome to sell

34. One month without shopping

35. Go to 3 concerts at the GA theater

36. Get a blow out for a special event

37. Go to a ball/ nice event with a pretty dress 

38. 5 new styles for my hair

39.Bake 3 deluxe cookies batches 

40. Make a multilayer gourmet cake (more than 4)

41. Calligraphy Workshop

42. Sewing class

43. Plan a surprise party

For my Future (0/7)

44. Minor in a passion

45. Take a random class that interests me

46. Find a mentor

47. Befriend 3 teachers

48. Have a summer Internship 

49. Figure out my major

50. Pick out a dream job

For my Family & Friends (0/12)

51. Go to 10 home Bball games with dad

52. Send granny flowers for no reason

53. Talk to her (granny) on the phone more often 

54. Plan a fun day with my sisters 

55. Get the parents all to myself for a day (3x)

56. Create a cookbook of favorite recipes with mom

57. Care packages to 5 friends in college

58. Write 10 letters to people who I love

59. Find my best (true) friends

60. Section hike the GA app trail with pop

61. Explore family history 

62. Write down granny's stories 

For adventure (0/11)

63. Get away with camp friends

64. Randomly visit a friend 

65. Spontaneous getaway

66. Travel to a new continent 

67. Scuba dive 

68. Visit a national park 

69. Camping trip

70. Road trip to 3 or more states

71. Visit 5 new cities (Maybe...New Orleans, Savannah, Boston, LA, San Fran?)

72. Go skydiving 

73. Go on a mission trip 

At UGA (0/11)

74. Sneak in the stadium

75. Go to a girls soccer game

76. Go to a girls club lax game

77. Go to a baseball game

78. Go to a hockey game 

79. Join a fun and weird club 

80. Be on the exec board for a organization

81. Do 3 Athens classic things 

82. Jump in the fountain

83. Drive up movie

84. Water tower

Health & Fitness (0/6)

85.  Try a juice cleanse 

86. Try hot yoga 

87. Run in a half marathon 

88. Make kick boxing a regular thing (weekly for 3 months)

89. Find a new workout class that is awesome

90. Meatless for 2 weeks

For Good (0/9)

91. Save change in a jar for a year

92. Journal everyday for 2 weeks (cont)

93. Donate my own money to a cause

94. Tip someone 50 dollars 

95. Be brave enough to give blood

96. One month without fast food

97. Help out rising freshman coming to UGA from Marist 

98. Meet 5 new random people and have a meaningful convo with them 

99. Pay for someone's meal

100. Finish my list of 101 things (including 101)

101. OPEN 

What are some things that you have always wanted to? Did I leave anything important off my list? 

Football is a Girl Thing Too

Hey guys! In honor of it being fall and football season, I asked my bestie Anne Arden to guest post. She is the biggest football fan I know, and thought she would write an amazing post. She delivered! I also had to put the Georgia Stadium at the top because GO DAWGS!

Hope you like it:

If you are a girl and you love football just as much as I do, then you know the struggles girls such as ourselves face every single day. You’re never taken seriously, and even if you are, that respect did not come without doubt in the beginning from boys who think that they know everything. I’m Anne Arden and am currently a Freshman at the University of Florida and when Allison asked me to write a guest post for her blog, I knew immediately what I wanted to write about. I want to talk about the TOP 1O THINGS every female sports fan goes through, and how you KNOW if you’re a true female sports guru. #GIRLPOWER

1.) Most girls hate the ending of summer because it’s the end of going to the beach everyday and no school, but you’re secretly crazy excited for Fall because that means one thing…FOOTBALL IS BACK! Yes, tanning on the beach and having little responsibility is fun, but there’s no denying the truth that College Gamedays are the best days.

2.) Your friends laugh at you every time you get an ESPN alert on your phone (which is quite often). My friends are constantly annoyed when I get an important ESPN buzz and just HAVE to talk about it (or most likely rant) to someone right then and there. Either someone got hurt, or suspended, or fired, or a team lost and I am physically required to rant about said alert. Usually they have no idea what I’m talking about, but they let me rant and they listen anyways and that’s why I love them.

3.) You feel as if you have a personal connection with every player on your fantasy football team. Like when a player is listed as “Questionable” for a game, there is nothing you want to do more than to just call him up and ask how he’s feeling. Even further you just want to bring him something or do something to help him feel better. Those motherly instincts come out even when you least expect them, you did draft him after all.

4.) You go to as many football games as you can because watching it on TV just isn’t the same. I know when I’m at a game, I’m either screaming or praying. I’m ready in the stands whenever coach decides he needs me with loads of advice like, “How about you try throwing on first down?” or “Why don’t you try the Bubble Screen against this defense?”. I feel like I play a vital role in the outcome of a game while in the stands even if I’m just 1 of tens of thousands.

5.)Your best friends text you begging to send them snippets of sports knowledge so that they can impress a boy. I feel as if it’s my duty as their friend to give them more knowledge. It is actually embarrassing the number of times a friend has texted me something like, “Quick give me some facts about the Steelers” or “Please tell me some Broncos players” because they want  to impress a guy. Whether they like it or not, I know my friends know more about sports because of me than they would have otherwise, and I know that they’ll thank me for it later.

6.) You’re convinced your future husband is out there somewhere in the same stadium you are at every game you attend. I mean he has to love football, right? Both of my sets of grandparents met through UF Football and It’s a little terrifying to look around my campus and think, “Guess I have to meet my future husband here…”. TERRIFYING. Well it was a totally different world back then, but I’m still waiting for Tim Tebow to get back to me. One of my goals is to visit every SEC football stadium before I’m 21 (So far I’ve been to half, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Alabama), he’s out there somewhere!

7.) There is no better shopping than Gameday shopping. It’s no secret that I have a major shopping addiction…major being an understatement. My friends know better than to try and stop me whenever I find something in my school’s colors. Planning out gameday outfits is somewhat stressful, but also way too much fun. I have a designated section in my closet specifically reserved for gamedays and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

8.) You cry more over a bad loss than over a breakup. Yes, boys suck and they will break your heart, but true pain is evident in the tears that come after a horrible close game loss to your biggest rivals at your home stadium.

9.) Sunday is a day of rest…or in my case a day to relax on the couch watching NFL Redzone with my Dad with my laptop opened up to my fantasy football lineup, refreshing every 5 seconds (at least).

10.) You have a major girl crush on Erin Andrews. She has been my role model since..well…forever. From College Gameday to NFL Sunday and reporting on Professional Baseball she has taken the sports world by storm. She graduated from The University of Florida and is so smart and crazy gorgeous, it’s hard not to love her! She is an incredible journalist and I aspire so much to be like her (if getting paid to talk about sports while being given designer clothing to wear while doing it isn’t the dream then I don’t know what is).

I love football, but I also have a passion for basketball, baseball, and golf. I love the Gators, Jaguars, Celtics, Red Sox, and the Reds, and nothing can come between me and my love for my favorite golfers Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson, and Adam Scott! I have no idea what the future holds for me. All I know right now is that whatever my future job is, if it has nothing to do with sports then it isn’t the job for me. I hope you find whatever it is you’re passionate about and pursue it, life shouldn’t be boring and you should spend your time doing something you love every single day! My favorite, Tim Tebow, said it best: “I don’t know what my future holds, but I do know who holds my future”.

P.S. Always remember to love God, Sweet Tea, and the SEC <3

 xoxo, Anne Arden 

Love, Love, Love this list and how true it is to her personality! I couldn't stop laughing!
Who is your favorite team? And if you aren't a sports fan…what is your passion?