2016 Goals

I do not like to use the word "resolutions." Most people who start the beginning of a new year make resolutions, but hardly keep them. A goal is the result of an ambition or desire. I've created a list of goals I have for 2016.

1. Grow in my faith and mend my relationship with God 
2. Spend more time with family and friends
3. Eat healthier and workout more
4. Focus on school and improve my grades
5. Put effort into meaningful relationships and friendships
6. Read and write more
7. Travel and go on more adventures
8. Go with the flow, but stay organized
9. Be kind
10. Become more involved in my sorority and other organizations

What I Learned During My First Semester of College

     College has definitely, by far, been the best time of my life. Fortunately, it is just beginning! I've learned so much about myself. My interests, likes, and dislikes have changed so much throughout my life. I've made a few mistakes along the way, but you pick them up, learn from them, and move on. This is what I have taken from my first semester...

• Stay healthy

     Exercise is not only something to keep you healthy and you body feeling good, it also relieves stress. You may dread the workout, but after it is over you are leaving the gym refreshed and confident. Eating fast food all the time is unhealthy and not only bad for you, but creates a feeling of regret. I promise the better you eat, the better you feel.

• Open up & make friends

     My mother use to say, "You'll meet your life-long best friends in college." I never believed her until I did. The friends I have now know more about me than anyone. They have seen me at my best and worst and still love me. We are incredibly close and would do anything for each other. I could not imagine life without every single one of them. Do not be afraid to venture out and meet friends!

• Get involved

     Not everyone has to be athletic and play a sport to be involved in college. Being involved consists of stepping up and putting yourself out there. Greek Life may not be for you, but if you are considering it, do it! Going to study groups help you learn and make friends. Students who are involved on campus tend to have higher GPA's then those who are not. Most majors have organizations based around them, which will provide you with more opportunities. Student governments are at every school, personally, it is something I wish I would have joined. The possibilities are endless!

• Talk to your professors

     I never studied in high school, I made straight A's and never put in effort, time, or hours of studying. I don't even recall picking up a book. I struggled in the beginning of school, I never had to study, therefore I did not know how to study. Talking and meeting with your professors provides a great teacher/student relationship, the teacher will know you care about the class and will help you learn the material and develop study and test-taking skills.

• Go to class

     Get out of bed and get to class. If your professor does not take attendance, good for you, go anyways. You can miss out on simple test questions and answers and important information for the class. It's expensive to go to college, take advantage of what a privilege it really is.

• Make time for yourself

     Stress and worry will flood your mind. Take a few steps back, unwind and relax. Watch netflix, get a massage, go eat with friends, or take a nap. Do whatever you have to do to make time for yourself and relax!

Southern Belle Collection

If you are absolutely obsessed with Vineyard Vines, Lauren James, or the Southern Shirt Co. I have a new line of shirts that are perfect for you.

"A Southern Belle is known for her refined beauty and exclusive style and this Southern & Classy tee shows just that."

Southern Belle Collection has authentic, comfortable, and affordable tees! These tees are perfect Christmas presents for loved ones.

The designs are crafted for all tastes and styles. To order www.southernbellecollection.com

I love these shirts and hope you all enjoy them as well. Like them on Facebook or follow them on Instagram for updates on the collection and upcoming styles.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernBelleCollection/timeline
Instagram: shopsouthernbellecollection

Solving Horrible Mondays

Sunday night, you have that dreadful feeling: tomorrow is Monday. Monday can either be fabulous or horrible. The decision is up to you.

Choose to have a lovely Monday, here are some ways I do.

1. Eat breakfast. Run by Starbucks, McDonald's, Panera Bread, Hardee's, or even your own kitchen. With a full stomach, you can conquer the world.
2. Plan a lunch day with a friend. Nothing beats catching up with an old friend or new.
3. A cute outfit can turn my Monday around quickly. When you look good, you feel good.
4. Jam out to music. As soon as I wake up, till I get to school my iPhone battery is 85% because I've spent my battery listening to music.
5. Organizing your things Sunday night that you will need for Monday, the chaos will lessen in the morning.
6. Have something to look forward to.

Bad Day Blues

It has happened to me, it has happened to you. We all have had a bad day once in our life. For some it's once a month, others maybe once a week. Did you show up late to class and forget something too? Did your boss have a disagreement with you? Waking up on the wrong side of the bed can also get us in a sour mood.

How to get over having a bad day?

• Realize you are not the only person having a bad day. They happen to us all, as I stated before. God gives them to us to appreciate all the other days in our lives. Learning a lesson comes from bad days, I know for myself, I learn through situation or days I struggle most. Growing and depending on God is the way to surpass this bad day.
• You have someone to talk to. He is your best friend, so he is there through the ups and downs. God wants you to lean on him. Pray. Pray. Pray. Believe me, he knows what you're up against. Remember, he was nailed to the cross, spat at and made fun of, and died for you and me.
• Think on the amazing things. Blessings, salvation, and prayers turned to praises. Think about it and you will feel your spirit lift.

Philippians 4:8- Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if the be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Play Ball

 

Today I would like to share an outfit idea for anyone who loves a comfy, casual look.

Baseball tee's are perfect for: a baseball game ;), picnic, shopping day, or just hanging out with friends.

 

This outfit is affordable and trendy! I paired the tee with shorts, a baseball cap with a monogram, and white converse.

Simple jewelry tops off the outfit.

 

Where I got my outfit:

 

Baseball tee: Brandy Melville

Cap: Etsy

 

Brandy Melville is perfect for necessities for all closets. You can find Brandy Melville at Pac Sun or order online.

 

 Photos by Sarah McAffry

 



Moving On From Past Mistakes

All of us in this world have made mistakes...
present mistakes currently
future mistakes to come
AND
past mistakes that we continually dwell upon.

These mistakes come with going through life as well as growing up and changing. Eventually, it's time to let these past mistakes go and bury them. Accept them and get over it!

There isn't a time machine out there, you can't go back and fix it, so why worry about it? The thing I absolutely adore about mistakes is you LEARN from them. Everything happens for a reason. Your past mistake has made you who you are today.

Sadness, fear, depression, and hurt are some emotions we go through when digging through the bad. No one wants to feel these emotions over a past mistake. When these emotions are present, if you are not careful they will begin to control your life and place a grip on you,

How to stop beating and tearing yourself up over these mistakes:

• Count your blessings
• Know that you will make mistakes in the future, do not get upset over them
• Realize you have learned a lesson out of this experience
• Understand you must move on to start on something new
• Talk about it to someone you can trust to get it off your chest.