Growing Apart

It is so easy to blame the other person for a relationship grown apart.

This break has taught me that these things happen.  That the pieces will fall back into place with ease if the relationship is worth saving.

That time spent together is not the same as quality time spent together.

Love you all.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Ah!  Back to blogging regularly.  Finals week was crazy and I didn't have a lot of extra time to blog, but thankfully it paid off!  My GPA turned out to be a 3.71! 

Now that I'm home, it's an interesting transition from my school life to my home life.  At school, I kind of set my own schedule whereas here I have to do what my family is doing.  Nevertheless, there's no place like home for the holidays, so I thought I'd share one of my favorite family traditions with you all: Christmas tree shopping!

I feel like an authentic Christmas tree is the main ingredient for the holidays.  Every year we go to a local tree farm and search for the perfect tree.  We don't have the highest ceilings in the world, so we can't get one that's too tall, but I love this year's tree. 

I put up two pictures-one from 2007 followed by one from this year.  The man in the first photo is my extremely goofy dad.  What's funny, though, is that my sisters and I are standing in the exact same spots both years.  My youngest sister has grown about a million feet, and Kaci (the consistent blond) looks so much less awkward.  My hair is a totally different color!  Toby, our golden, looks exactly the same though.  He still never looks at the camera. My how things have changed, yet stayed exactly the same.

What about you?  What are your favorite traditions?

Room Tour

I absolutely love looking at "house tour" photos on people's blogs.  One day, I will have a beautiful little home of my own to share with all of you!  However, I currently live in a sorority house and only have one little room to make my own. Nevertheless, I adore my space and have a few tips for those of you that may be decorating with limited square footage.

1. Utilize paper!  

Especially when living in a temporary room such as a dorm, paper is your best friend.  It's cheap, easy to change, and adds a touch of originality!  This year, my room came with hideous closet doors, but after covering them with scrapbook paper, they look great!

2. Details

I find ways to use almost everything.  This bow came off of a Victoria's Secret gift box last year, and the blue chain draped across the bottom is a broken necklace from years ago!  If you love something, use it!  It'll add so much personality to everyday things.

3. Display your things while storing them

I believe that everyday items can be decorations as well.  This bag holder slips right over my door and stores all of my bags in a way that also feels like a decoration!  When I'm in the mood for a change, I just switch up the organization.  Too easy.

 4. Christmas lights are a year-round option

When my roommate suggested adding these lights to our room, I thought she was crazy.  They seemed so unnecessary and out of place.  But the moment we hung them up, I fell in love.  These lights draw attention to the focal point of our room (the beds) and set the scene for a cozy atmosphere.  Before going to sleep or when watching a movie, I love to turn off the overhead lights and let the Christmas lights shine.  

5. Photographs.

Everyone knows that photographs are a great addition to a room. The tricky part is figuring out how to display them.   We strung these up with a simple strand of ribbon tacked to the wall.  We then hung the photographs from the ribbon using fun-colored mini clothespins.  I can't tell you how many compliments this gets.

6. A big, nonwhite rug

Last year, I had a white rug.  I couldn't help myself-it was so pretty and clean looking in the store.  However, by the end of the year, it was dirty and disgusting.  So, this year i opted for this simple cream rug, which I love just as much and know will not look abused come June.  In any case, a rug is an absolute must.  Because really, who has nice floors in college?

Whatever you do with your space, make sure it reflects who you are right now.  Remember that the little touches of flair make all the difference.

How would you decorate a small space?

Surviving Finals: Part Two

How many of us swear to ourselves that we will study 8 hours for each of our finals?  How many of us actually do it?  Realistically, there are only so many hours in a day, and assuming that you have been paying attention all term, eight hours per class is usually unnecessary.  I only study exactly as much as I need to, and I am generally quite happy with the grades I receive.  Here's my secret: GRADE CALCULATORS.  I swear by these things.  They let you easily figure out what grade you currently have, and what you'll need to get on the final exam in order to earn an A, B, C, D, or F.  This can save so much time, and it's a nice reality check.  For example, if you need to get 110% to get an A or 54% for a B, you know not to study as much for that particular exam.  I'm telling you, it's all about budgeting your (very precious) time!

Happy studying, and good luck!

Organization Station

With finals, sorority craziness, and an upcoming job change, sometimes it can be hard to keep everything organized.  Somehow, though, I've managed to maintain my composure and battle through it all fairly stress-free.  Here are my secrets:

1. Take care of yourself!  I cannot stress this enough.  Evaluate what you're doing with your time and cut out toxic actions.  Spending 8 hours a night Skyping your boyfriend?  That's probably not a healthy relationship.  Taking three hour naps each day that prevent you from sleeping at a reasonable hour?  Those are most likely hurting you more than they help.  Once you identify your negative habits, cut them out!  Then replace them with productivity, sufficient sleep, healthy meals, and a reasonable amount of leisure time.  You really can do it all!

2. Start somewhere.  Really, that's all there is to it!  Stop complaining about everything you have to do, and do it.  Sometimes a huge to-do list can seem overwhelming, but the sooner you get to work on it, the sooner you'll be done!

3. Smile.  Whatever you do, do NOT let your busy schedule foster a negative attitude.  If you believe in your abilities and appreciate your opportunities throughout the process, things will be a million times easier.  Negativity seriously accomplishes nothing.

4. Use your resources.  Go to office hours.  Ask people who have been in your classes what their finals were like.  Delegate tasks to committees and assistants if you have them.  Chances are, you have a ton of helpful resources at your fingertips, so take advantage of them to maximize your time.



Oh, and above all....

Before you complain....

STOP.
Remember how lucky you are.

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Christmas List

Christmas List by kbean3 featuring kitten heels

Mango long sleeve shirt
£30 - mango.com

Blazer
$29 - romwe.com

Alice In The Eve mini skirt
$80 - generalpants.com.au

Steve Madden over the knee socks
$10 - buckle.com

Frye kitten heels
£239 - farfetch.com

Tory Burch leather pumps
£220 - harrods.com

Hunter wellington boots
$175 - net-a-porter.com

Tahitian pearl necklace
$3,400 - tiffany.com

Yves Saint Laurent chain link bracelet
£510 - net-a-porter.com

Faliero Sarti silk scarve
£234 - farfetch.com

Forever21 flower hair accessory
$5.80 - forever21.com

Cyber Monday Picks

Necessary Objects Contrast Lapel Cropped Blazer

Nordstrom, $30.90

Why it's a must-have: I've been obsessed with this blazer ever since I saw my very fashion-forward friend wearing it a few weeks ago.  It's a classic staple blazer, but the red spices it up and makes it suitable for dressing up as well as dressing down.  I love it paired with a patterned banded skirt and black flats for a night out.  For a sleeker look, try it with high waisted black shorts and tights.

Side Pleats Pencil Skirt

Forever 21, $10.99

What I love: A sorority girl at heart, I'm always looking for tasteful yet cute clothes that I can wear to chapter.  This skirt is completely appropriate for chapter, work, or an internship.  Its light color and adorable side pleats ensure that you'll stand out in a crowd, and not to mention it's a total steal at $10.99!

Lace Corset Bra Top Dress

Victoria's Secret, $39.50

Reasons to love it: Does this even need explaining?  The built-in bra and corset shape make this dress flattering for any figure.  It's so perfect for a holiday dance party, New Years Eve, or just a night on the town.  It can also be dressed down with a cardigan and boots! Obsessed.

Merona® Wool Toggle Front Coat - Assorted Colors

Target, $41.99

Why It's a Steal: Trust me, you will never regret owning a red winter coat.  Red is a classy yet bold color that stands out among the blacks and grays that are so common in the winter.  Pair it with black jeggings and combat boots for a trendy style.  For a more classic look, try it with dark denim, staple brown boots, and a cozy scarf or winter hat.

Happy shopping!

Weekend Update & Study Music

I fell asleep quite early last night after driving from Portland to Eugene at 6:30 am to watch the UO civil war game.  It was worth it though!  I love standing in the student section, screaming cheers, and watching my Ducks run the show.

Now, I'm enjoying a quiet Sunday back in Eugene.  I'm catching up on homework, movies, and girly music!  Here are a few of the songs I'm enjoying:







Enjoy!

Today, I am thankful for the beautiful people in my life.  I would not be who I am today without the continuous love and support they give me on a daily basis.  Today I give thanks:

To my parents, who have modeled what it means to be in a supportive relationship.  Thank you for teaching me how to love.

To my younger sisters, who have been by my side through everything, and who I know will be a huge part of my life until the end.  Thank you for being my best friends.

To my sorority sisters, who have inspired me to grow in one year more than I could have ever imagined.  Thank you for the late night laughs, early morning snuggles, and lifetime of sisterhood.

To Grace and Maxine, who remain my two best friends despite the miles between us.  Thank you for being my rocks.

and the boy who treats me like the absolute princess all girls want to be.  Thank you for demonstrating what I deserve to receive and what I am capable of giving.


I love you all and could not live without you.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Reminder

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. -Plato