Tips for Inspiration

We've arrived to that time of the semester where the levels of motivation AND inspiration are at an all time low. I thought this might be a good time for me to share my 12 Tips on Staying Inspired that I found on pinterest at some point and have found very helpful in my own life. 

Stay Healthy

1. drink a glass of water- you know what they say, 8 8oz. glasses of water a day does the trick... um, hello! Who really wants to pee 50 times a day. Here is my outlook on staying hydrated, find a cute water bottle that will make you want to carry it around all day. Keep it with you at all times, it will inspire you to take a giant swig every time you see it!

2. move and sweat- as you have seen me say before, exercise is awesome. what girl doesn't want to feel better about herself and have more energy during the day?

3. get some zzz's- we all know that 8 hours of sleep is the recommended amount, yeah, that just doesn't happen in college, but be conscious of possibly shutting those eyes a bit earlier than normal. 

Plan Your Day

4. top 3 tasks- every morning I try to either make a mental "top 3 task to-do list" or physically put it on my phone so I can check them off as I get them done. we all know nothing feels better than crossing a completed task off a list, no matter how long the list may be. 

5.the 50/10 rule- I have actually heard this from multiple places and I think everyone should live by this rule. work for 50 minutes and then take a brain break for 10. simple. 

6. reflect daily- you know all those fake scenarios you make up in your head when you lay down to sleep at night... replace those with a little bit of daily reflection. helps wrap up your day with a bow, and who doesn't love bows. 

Keep Learning

7. reading- yes, i know us college kids think we will never see the day again when we will have time to read a book for fun, but try your best to fit even a little bit of reading time into your day. this could be another great thing to replace that scary night thinking!

8. browsing- research something cool, even if it's an interesting link you followed on pinterest during your afternoon binge. 

9. brainstorm- I constantly have a notebook/post-it notes on hand just in case I have a burst of inspiration or the occasional light bulb moment. It is always fun to go back and look through your little "ah-ha" moments. 

Focus on What Makes You Happy

10. express gratitude- I know, it's november so everyone is becoming oddly thankful for the things around them. I think if we are constantly thinking of at least ten things we are thankful for we will be much happier about what we have and where we are in life. 

11. clean your desk- this is your space. make sure you keep it tidy and worth of inspirational moments. 

12. indulge in your favorite things- whether your favorite thing is hershey kisses or dancing around your room to your classic backstreet boys CD's... do it, let yourself have a moment and indulge. (mine is painting my nails)

what are your tips for inspiration?

xoxo

Fall Photos!

Boy oh boy! This week has been so busy that I haven't been able to blog... Super sad about it! I thought it was about time to introduce my fabulous roomie and amazing photographer Lindsey! Lindsey has been taking pictures for a very long time and is quite good at her craft, if you don't believe me here is the proof: Awesome! She even grabbed me for an impromptu fall photo shoot for her own blog. So here are some of the fantastic shots she got and I definitely think you should stop by and show her a little love! 

Recognize this one from anywhere? :)

 A spot on depiction of me... 

What I'm Wearing

Orange tank top from Gap

White boyfriend cardigan from Old Navy (SO COMFY!)

Jeggings from Forever21

Outlaw riding boots from ZooShoo.com

 

Outfit of my Dreams

I came across this simply amazing outfit on pinterest the other day and just knew I would have to share it with y'all! If I didn't have thunder thighs from so many years of dance and could pull this outfit off, I am pretty positive I would wear it every day of my life. 

Please please please let me know if you know of any budget items that could make an outfit similar to this!

#ootd

Due to being a future teacher some days my style seems to reflect my major more than others. Some of my main go-to outfits tend to look like I just walked out of the classroom. Here is what I wore yesterday!

What I'm Wearing

Pink polo oxford 

Navy Blue kakhi's from American Eagle

Nude ballet flats from Charlotte Russe 

Study Habits

As a senior in college I have to say I have been pretty darn blessed to have lived in a HOUSE since sophomore year. Even though I absolutely adore our library here at school I find that some days I am just meant to study at home. Either place I choose I still tend to dress the same way for the event of cramming my brain. Here is what I am sporting today!
Just in case you are just starting out in the whole college scene here are a few study tips that I live by...

1. Alternate your study space- don't always sit in the same corner at the same table in the library, unless it works for you.

2. Flash cards are your best friend- I know they have definitely been mine!

3. Sleep!- I know you hear this one all the time, but seriously... leave room for those zzz's.

4. Don't categorize yourself- sitting in the library chanting "I'm not a good test taker" over and over in your head, probably not a positive choice. Change it up and say something positive, don't ever categorize yourself.

5. Manage your time- as my mother always says "Victoria, time on task!!" She knows how easily I get distracted, but now she is not here at college with me to be my voice of reason. Break out that super cute agenda you probably paid the big bucks for and USE IT!

Happy Studying!

5 Ways to be Happier

To go along with my previous post, "Pre-change Jitters", I thought I would put together a little something as sort of a self reminder, hope y'all enjoy and remember this in a time of need. 
xoxo

Pre-change Jitters

Any change is scary right...? I am a marine girlfriend and we have found out that my boyfriend will be leaving for his 7 months of deployment in the Mediterranean in early March. So now the game for me is preparing for this time apart. I have a few fun things up my sleeve for Austin and plan on filling you all in a little bit at a time. I will be keeping you all updated on each care package I pack for him and some of the things I will be doing at home while he is gone. Even though I can absolutely wait and put the brakes on the deployment date, I can't wait to fill you guys in on some of the crafty things I have floating around in my head. 

For any of you ladies that have been through this before I would LOVE if you would leave some suggestions for girlfriend survival! 

xoxo 

Monday Madness

Mondays are dreadful and I never feel like getting dolled up in their honor.

Here is what I consider a quick and easy outfit for the Monday blues.

what i'm wearing

classic chambray button down-old navy

infinity scarf-old navy

black yoga leggings-target

outlaw riding boots-zooshoo.com

on my nails: white on by sally hansen and disco by color club

Pesto Ranch Chicken (for the crock pot)

I just don't think it is normal to be 21 and get as excited as I do when putting together a crock pot meal... yet, I do every time. Today I thought I would share my favorite (and easiest) crock pot meal in my repertoire, and of course a few pictures to go along with it. 

**Here is what you need to go out and grab**
-6 to 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
-6 oz. jar of pesto 
-Original Ranch seasoning packet (P.S. this is near the salad dressings, not the seasonings)
-Box of chicken broth (1/2 cup, but I use enough to cover the chicken)

Here is the part where I amaze you. All you do now is throw it all into the crock pot... 
Set that puppy on low for 4 hours or high for 6 and PRESTO (or should I say pesto, haha)

 --yeah, I know it may look kind of gross in the crock pot, but this stuff is heavenly!--

--now grab a few sides that you like, I made kraft mac and cheese and a broccoli steamer bag--

*make sure to pour yourself a glass of wine and soak in the feeling of not having to do anything for this outstanding meal*

October Favorites

1. It always seems like as soon as the calendar says fall, boom my lips are chapped. I have been loving the new moisturizing line of chapstick from Chapstick brand. I literally take it everywhere.

2. As you may have read in one of my previous blogs I think the first minute out of the shower is the most important for your skin. I have been so addicted to using Vaseline Repairing Lotion that my bottle is almost empty. (sad day!)

3. It's fall, so of course everyone needs a go-to candle fragrance! I have been loving the Mainstay's Pumpkin Spice candle from Walmart. It's cheap, but smells so yummy.

4. I am almost positive that by now all of you have tried the Sharpie pens, but if you haven't, please do. I have been cruising through my latest pack of these babies!

5. So I have always found it a tiny bit unfair that I was blessed with man calves... yes, I only made them worse with so many years of ballet. I have the hardest time finding riding boots that fit my tree trunks, but I came across zooshoo and found my wide calf boots for a steal (and free shipping!) I wear them all the time & it actually makes me a bit sad to take them off at the end of the day.

6. My old navy vest has become a fall favorite VERY quickly. I got it as a budget version of the  J.Crew herringbone vest and have fallen in love with how cozy it is!

7. Since I am a serious nail polish lover I thought I would fill you in on my fall favorite: Essie's Mink Muff. 

8. Not everyone has the time to run to Starbucks in the morning to grab their daily pumpkin spice latte, and if that sounds like you I have found a wonderful home remedy to this horrible problem. International Delight: Pumpkin Pie Spice

9. Even though post-it notes are a favorite of every month for me I seemed to use them even more than normal in October. I guess I was a bit more forgetful than usual. Thought I would pay them a little respect. 

10. Yes, I admit I wear my yoga cut offs year round, but October was the perfect month for them this year. Some days were quite chilly and I would pair them with my riding boots to fake long leggings, but some days were warm and I would throw on some tennies to run errands!

--What were some of your October favorites?--

The Sunshine Award

First off, I just want to give a huge shout out and thank you for my nomination for the Sunshine Award to Jessi! Go check out her own nomination at the link. Thanks Jessi!

{The rules}

Post a pic of the award in your post
Post 11 random facts about yourself
Answer the 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you
Nominate 11 bloggers
Write 11 questions for them to answer
Let them know they're nominated! 

**11 Facts About Me**
1. I love to dance. I danced from age 2 and up!
2. I have a passion for singing and music, I also play guitar. 
3. monograms-- yeah, obsessed. 
4. I really enjoy cooking and baking!
5. Obsessed with excellent smelling candles. 
6. I really love wine... 
7. I want a teacup pig as a pet when I get older.
8. I MUST have coffee in the morning.
9. I want to travel the world... but who doesn't.
10. I love my house, and I don't even care that I act like a housewife at age 21. 
11. My dream is to own a farmhouse that I modernize. 

**Answers to Jessi's Questions**
1. Top reason for blogging? Well I started off blogging freshman year in college because it seemed interesting and I thought it would give my friends from home a way to keep up with my adventures. I stopped for a while, but I am now a marine girlfriend (hoorah) so it is always nice to have something to do when he is away. 
2. Red or White Wine? Am I allowed to love both! It is just such a tough decision. My favorites are moscato and sweet red. 
3. Football Fan? Team! So here is a fun fact about me: I love football, but I am a trader. I love the Ravens and the Redskins due to location/family tie reasons. 
4. Man Crush? Celebrity: currently ooo'ing and ahhh'ing over Charlie Hunnam from Sons of Anarchy. Non-celebrity: I'm gonna have to go with my marine (super cheesy, I know)
5. Woman Crush? Jennifer Aniston (of course.)
6. What would your dream vacation consist of? I want to escape to somewhere tropical and sip on umbrella drinks and lounge in the sun all day long!
7. Do you have any fur babies? Does it count if I am obessed with my fur-niece? Her name is Gracie Lee, three words... lab/mastiff mix!
8. If someone was to describe you in one word it would be? loud (oops)
9. What is your favorite holiday? I'm absolutely 100% a Christmas kid. I love everything about the holiday! (come snuggle with me and my hot chocolate while we open gifts!)
10. What is your favorite book? (I'm looking to start a new one) I'm a huge fan of the Sarah Dessen books (I know they are for teenagers, but they are quick and fun reads... "bubble gum for the brain" as my mom would say)
11. Best advice for a young girl? Never settle. Plain and simple, keep pushing yourself, strive for the best, and never think that unhappiness is your end. If everything is not alright in the end, it is not the end.

**My Nominations**
Rachel--makeshift munch 
Frannie-- the blonde prep
Hunter-- prep on a budget
Caroline-- citrus and style
Sarah-- classy girls wear pearls
Mackenzie-- design darling
Gracey--stripes and peonies
Mallory--just get inspired
letters, lilly, and lattes
Jane--see jane.
Kristinasimple but real

**Questions from me to you**
1. Why you started blogging?
2. Favorite fall activity?
3. Favorite nail polish?
4. Favorite meal to make?
5. Favorite clothing staple in your closet?
6. If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
7. Favorite inspirational quote?
8. Your order at Starbucks?
9. Weekend activity of choice?
10. Favorite item of make up?
11. Guilty pleasure?