Get Ready for the day in Under 30min!

It may sound cliche, but setting things aside the night before an early day will save you SO much time and help you stress less! Here are the steps I take in order to save every minute that I can:

-Outfit: I always include every last piece of clothing I will wear the next day from my underwear to any accessories. I'll hang my shirt and skirt/pants on a hanger. I usually put my sweater over that and hang necklaces & undies off of the top of the hanger. It seems like such a small step, but it saves me so much more time than you'd think! This step just makes getting up at 7am a heck of a lot easier.

-In the Bathroom: I set aside a pair of my daily-use contacts the night before so I don't have to go searching through my drawers to find a pair for each eye! (I have two different prescriptions for my eyes and I always tend to have more contacts for one eye versus the other.. so frustrating when I'm in a rush!) I also like to put my beauty blender by my sink the night before so I don't forget to dampen it. I do my makeup in my bedroom at the vanity, so it's easier to have the beauty blender by my sink so I don't have to go back and forth too many times.

-The Most Important Meal: I'm the type of person who prefers a giant breakfast in the mornings. Ideally, my breakfast would include eggs, bacon, and potatoes. However, I never have a huge appetite early in the morning. If I know I'm going to be up super early the next day, I set aside a granola bar and banana for breakfast. These items are easy to take with me in the car and save me a lot of time. I used to do Eggo waffles, but I find it easier to not have to fuss with microwaves or toaster ovens early in the morning. I also used to do smoothies in the morning, which is very healthy, but not exactly time friendly. I cut that out of my routine for super early mornings and stick to the portable options instead. I also pack a snack the night before for when I get hungry during work (because I know I will!). I like to put these things by my purse so I don't forget and can simply run out the door in the AM.

-Makeup, Keepin it Simple: I choose to do a quick and easy makeup style for my early morning work days. I'll simply use what is necessary. Mosturizer, face primer, foundation, concealer, and setting powder for the face. I brush a bit of bronzer on and blush to liven up my skin. Ocassionally I will skip brows all together because I feel like this looks super natural and pretty with a simple eye look. If I must, I'll use a tiny bit of eyebrow pencil and brush it out. For my eyes, I always use a good primer. Then I stick to matte brown colors in the crease and a bright white in the inner eye to make me look awake. Then all I do is mascara and eyeliner on the water line! I'm hoping to post a tutorial with pictures of this simple look soon because it only takes 10 minutes and I get tons of compliments at work.

If you bring your lunch to work, make sure to have it packed and ready the night before! I work at an Assisted Living Facility so I always eat at work. I also have a dog, so I need to make sure I have at least 10 minutes set aside to take him outside. This is why I do some much prep work the night before! I'm up by 7:00am and out the door by 7:25. Hope these tips help you get out the door quicker as well :)

September Favorites

Accessories: 

1. Bracelet from Madewell in LA- $28. It is true love with this bracelet. It is adorable on it's own, or with other gold bangles. It also looks great with my gold rings. My favorite part is that it doesn't slip off my hand (I have teeny wrists! Most bangles don't fit me.)  

2. Dog Bone ring from Brandy Melville- $4. Such a bargain for such an adorable piece of jewelry. I started calling it my "Harvey Ring" (AKA my dog's name.) I linked the silver version because I couldn't find the gold one that I own. 

Beauty Products: 

1. Sonia Kashuk Liquid Light Concealer- $8, Target. I love this product because it brightens up my under-eyes and leaves me without any bags! I was afraid at first that it wouldn't last throughout the day because of how liquid the product was, but it is one of the most long lasting makeup products that I have tried! 

Nail Color: 

1. Butler Please by Essie- $8.49, Target. The most perfect shade of blue. You will get many compliments with this color :). 

Scents: 

1. Pear Cassis fragrance by Fresh- $28, exclusive to the Fresh boutique. It literally makes me so, so happy! I could sniff this scent all day long and never lose my smile. It's a mixture of sweet and warm, I can't get enough. 

2. Leaves scented candle by Bath & Body Works- $22.50. I don't know how to put my love for this candle into words... It reminds me of home, the holidays, good times, family, good food, fall; Basically everything I love!!!! Leaves my entire apartment smelling amazing. 

TV Shows: 

1. 19 Kids and Counting- AHHH. I watched a few episodes on the plane ride home from LA, and it's safe to say that I am hooked. Unfortunately, my cable company and plan does not provide me with TLC as a channel option. I also can't find any full episodes on the interenet. Excuse me while I cry. 

2. 7th Heaven- lol. Reliving my childhood. Found the episodes on Hulu while I was searching for 19 Kids and Counting. Not gonna lie, it's 100% cheesy, but that's fine by me. 

Songs:

1. Lost in the Light by Bahamas- There is nothing like a relaxing, soothing, beautiful song. It is a great change from my usual country music. I've been listening to it nonstop lately because I have been so stressed! It relaxes me and helps me think more clearly. It also helps me fall asleep lol. 

5 Important Tips for College Freshman

1. Learn to study!!!!- NOW! Before it's too late. High school does not prepare you for the long hours you are bound to spend in the library. Find the perfect study technique as a freshman (Unlike me. I didn't find out my secret - studyblue.com - until my senior year! You can make online flashcards and the site will also generate practice quizzes for you. This was super convenient because I could study on my phone in bed or while walking to class. I could also utilize the site on my laptop in the library instead of carrying around tons of flashcards and notes.) If you learn how to study effectively, it will help you stress less and will help you boost your GPA! Part of learning how to study is also learning what environment suites you best. I have learned, after 4 years of college, that I just cannot study with my close friends. All we end up doing is giggling or talking and nothing will get done. However, if any of my friends are in a class with me, I found that it is very helpful me to review together and discuss the class topics. This has been very benefitial for me. I know that I study best in the morning/afternoon at a one person desk with my headphones playing quiet music. I also know that there is no way I can study in my room at home. I find too many distractions, and in all honesty, I always end up cleaning my room instead of studying. Everybody studies differently, so try a few different locations as well as group vs. individual studying during your first year. You are bound to find out what is going to keep your grades up!

2. Learn how to manage your schedule- college is so much busier than high school! It can be overwhelming, so sit back, take a deep breath, and grab yourself an agenda! My sorority basically forced me to become GREAT at time  management (one of the many benefits of going Greek.) With all the meetings and events, you are unable to procrastinate on school work the way you might without being a member. I had to plan hours between events to spend in the library studying. Take your syllabus from each class and write down dates of exams, quizzes, papers, projects, and assignments. During my freshman year, I failed to do this, and I ended up missing so many assignments! It is just too much to handle in your head. You are going to have to write it all down somewhere. I would also write any events or holidays that will cause you to be busy or out of town. Don't forget important birthday's too! I like to ahve any potential nights out in my agenda so I can study extra the days before ;) If you have a break between classes, try spending it in the lib instead of running home to eat. Pack yourself a snack instead. Don't forget to have free time for yourself! With everything going on your first year at college, you don't want to get burnt out. Pencil in some 'You' time or time with the girls to do some shopping or get your nails done. Don't forget to leave time during the week to exercise! This will help you stay healthy and fit which will help you feel better during your busy schedule.

 3. Tequila is not your friend- For any girls out there who had semi-strict parents and didn't do much drinking in high school, please pace yourself. You have 4 years to drink and have fun, so don't over-do it in one night. Always try to stick to one type of drink per night and avoid the sugary mixed drinks (this will help you from getting sick! For example, only drink beer - or wine - while going out. Also, try to drink water in between. I always bring a bottle of water in the car on the way out.) Try to avoid taking shots. You will regret it! You can have fun without taking shots, trust me. There's nothing worse than getting sick at a party and letting it ruin the night. Don't forget to drink a big glass of water before bed too! Don't wanna be hungover for the library in the AM :p 

 4. Make friends- College is where you will most likely find lifelong friendship. I had somewhat of a hard time making friends my freshman year at USF because I lived in an apartment style dorm, but I still had a great group that I hung out with. If you are in a similar situation as I was, try not to spend your time cooped up in your dorm watching netflix; there is so much out there for you to do on a college campus! Grab your roomie and head out to an on-campus event, I know there are tons each week at USF. I found it easiest to make friends in my smaller classes. Introduce yourself to a classmate (they won't bite) and ask for their number that way you can try to meet up at the dining hall. This way you both won't have to eat alone! Or you can join a sorority and have hundreds of sisters to spend your time with! If you do rush, don't forget to put forth effort to make friends outside of your organization. It is great to have friends in other organizations or in your classes so that you can study together or spend time together when you are not busy with sorority events. You may even be able to invite girls' you know from outside your sorority to different functions that way they can see how awesome your sisterhood is and they can feel more included in your life! 

 5. Spend your money wisely- College can get super expensive, so make sure to budget all of your expenses. Make sure to set enough aside per month for food, fun, and emergencies. A useful tip my mom taught me is to always put 10% of my paycheck into savings right when I get paid. This has saved my butt so many times, I can't even tell you! I have plenty of money in savings that I do not touch unless I absolutely have to. If you want, you can try putting a certain percentage aside for sorority expenses as well. You don't have to buy every T-shirt they offer, but chances are you will want to! So save yourself by saving a bit each month to splurge when something cute catches your eye. Try to get your friends to go out to eat when there is a good deal. In Tampa we have Taco Tuesday's and half-price apps at Applebee's. These are the best times to go out with friends' to eat. Otherwise, you are better off eating at the dining hall to save your money. Another useful tip is to create a Wishlist. I just have mine on a Word document and anytime I am lusting over anything at the mall or online, I add it to my list. This way I can wait until I've saved up or until there is a sale/coupon so that I get the best deal. Yes, I'll admit I am an impulse buyer, but I have been able to help my wallet by putting things on a list and being patient. You can also use this list as your wishlist for the Holiday's! Some things are worth the wait :)

Palm Beach Outlets Haul

I am visiting home for the weekend and decided to stop by the Palm Beach Outlets with my mom. I love this outlet mall because they have some of my favorite stores including Francesca's and J.Crew! My main motive was to go to J.Crew to pick up some more "paper bag skirts" which I adore. I only own one (until now that is...) and it is bright green, which is cute, but it is not the most practical color. I decided to pick up two more, and I absolutely love them! They are so practical.. I can wear them to work, shopping, dinner dates, anything! And they can be dressed up with a fancy top, jewlery and nude heels, or dressed down with a regular v-neck Tshirt and flats! Here are the two that I purchased:

I also purchased a beautiful green dress that is work or event appropriate! I am seriously so excited to wear it. It fits fantastically and has a silky material on the inside so you feel great while wearing it! (Which is a must for me during those long work days.) 

From Francesca's, I purchased an adorable pink work appropriate top. The style is unique and girly! I think it will be a very versatile top for me.. And I can pair it with so many cute necklaces or earrings! I'm thinking with a pair of jeans not tucked in, it will be a perfect casual outfit for me. And it was a bargain too!!! Only $14, and if you love Francesca's like me, you know that you can't find anything for that price in there!

Last but not least, I found myself in Saks Fifth Avenue. The only thing I picked up here was a brand new pair of Sperry's. They are the most unique pair I have seen and can honestly go with most of my clothes! The market price was $110, outlet price was $99, and with my coupon I got them for a total of $74! Totally worth it in my opinion. 

I'm always down for a good deal! And outlet shopping is the best way for me to get my favorite styles at a more affordable price. Safe to say I'm in love with my new purchases! :)