tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39475434862958998012024-03-12T23:58:08.270-04:00Stay FabulousMelissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.comBlogger442125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-48243546846051780632016-05-05T01:08:00.000-04:002016-05-05T01:08:18.302-04:00A New Chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey y'all! It's hard to believe it's been over seven months since I've last written a blog post. So much has happened since October. Let's catch up!</div>
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In November, I was accepted to the University of North Georgia for the Fall 2016 semester and I couldn't be more grateful or excited. I am now officially enrolled as a Night Hawk in the Corps of Cadets and will begin my journey in Dahlonega this August.</div>
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In February, I graduated from AIT at Ft. Gordon. I became an official American soldier and claimed the title 25B, Information Technology Specialist. I headed back home on February 10 to re-start my life as a civilian.</div>
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Upon returning home, I got a job as a barista at Starbucks. I have fallen in love with the people and culture of Starbucks and couldn't be happier. Oh, and now I know all the best additions and modifications to my favorite drinks-- it's a win-win!</div>
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I'm in a really great place right now, and I'm so thankful to be where I am, doing what I do. Now that I am back to a regular lifestyle, I am anxious to return to the world of blogging and share my ideas with the world. I'm grateful to have been able to do that via Stay Fabulous for the last four years and I have come such a long way from the undecided sophomore in high school who started this blog as a completely different outlet one summer afternoon. I have met so many inspiring people and have made so many unforgettable connections. Getting emails and comments from all of y'all over the years and seeing the impressions that I made brought me such joy. It has been a blessing to say the least.</div>
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That being said, blogging is <i>definitely </i>not something I want to give up. In fact, I want to make it an even larger part of my life. Stay Fabulous has been great to me, but I'm ready for a fresh start. </div>
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On May 5, I'll be launching my new blog: Lilly & Lattes. It will have content very similar to that posted on Stay Fabulous, with a little more of a personal touch. I've been working hard to make it into something great, and I hope you'll consider reading along as I continue my journey.</div>
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Thank you again to everyone who has read Stay Fabulous over the years. I know some of the content, especially the tutorials, is still very frequently referenced. For that reason, I'll be leaving Stay Fabulous up until further notice. You can still contact me with the email address posted on the contact page, and I'll still do my best to help with any tutorial or general questions.</div>
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See y'all May 5 on Lilly & Lattes and as always, stay fabulous!</div>
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<b><a href="http://lillyandlattes.com/">lillyandlattes.com</a></b></div>
<br />Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-79774953985263096852015-10-17T10:42:00.001-04:002015-10-17T10:42:20.097-04:00Southern Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We made it y'all, it's Saturday! After an insanely long week, nothing felt more relaxing than sitting down to a big cup of coffee, some Taylor Swift, and a little blogging. Enjoy!</div>
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Last Saturday was the day I'd been waiting for since I arrived at Ft. Gordon... I finally got to wear civilian clothes! Being in nothing except for military uniform since June was getting complacent, so as you can imagine, I was pretty excited to finally get back in "proper uniform". I ordered a new Shep Shirt the week prior, and couldn't wait to finally pull out my long awaited navy Norts, Jacks, monogrammed baseball hat and {of course} pearls and monogram necklace! I did my hair in the cutest little side braid, got dressed, and headed out feeling absolutely incredible.</div>
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It didn't take very long before it all changed. I realized that something felt <i>different</i>. It all of a sudden hit me that the vast majority of people here have never seen gym shorts and a baseball hat paired with pearls and Jacks. Sure I was in Georgia, but everyone else here was from <b>all over the</b> <b>world</b>. What would be the perfect outfit for a fall afternoon in South Carolina now felt very out of place, almost tacky. Almost everyone else was in the typical jeans and a t-shirt, but there I was, standing proud in my bright green Shep Shirt and my "initials" all over everything. In a place where uniformity was everything, how did I manage to look so <b>unique</b>?</div>
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Then, it hit me. <b>That's the beauty of it all</b>. I love where I come from, and I love the lifestyle I have there. I love my Norts and I love my pearls, and having my monogram on everything is what makes my style <i>mine</i>. I love how we wear gym shorts with preppy designer sweaters, and I love how my one pair of silver sandals can match literally <u>anything</u>. </div>
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I'm out in the real world now, not just in my home sweet home of the Palmetto State. You can take me out of South Carolina, but you can <i>never</i> take South Carolina out of me. In all of this diversity, I am the representation of the place that I love so much. From my friendly personality to my prestigious manners to the accent I never knew I had, I'm showing the rest of the world what SC <i>is</i>, and that includes our unique sense of style. And I absolutely love it.</div>
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So I encourage y'all, each & every one of you, to show the world who you are. Show them where you come from, and show them what you're made of. You're not going to stay in your home town forever, because you're destined for bigger and better things. So wherever you go, go glowing with confidence and dressed to the nines, and never, ever, <i>ever</i> lose sight of who you are or where you come from, because that's what makes you <b>you</b>.</div>
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As for me and my crazy southern style, I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing, and I'm going to do it with pride. Today's outfit plans include my favorite Carolina spirit jersey, leggings, riding boots, and {of course} pearls and the monogram. That's my southern style, and I wouldn't have it any other way.</div>
<br />Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-23858123639948065912015-10-09T19:13:00.003-04:002015-10-09T19:20:13.187-04:00Gratitude, Humility, & a Revelation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey y'all! When I imagined sitting down to write my first post after returning home from Basic Training, I honestly did not imagine that it would be anything like this. It's taken me about a month, but I've finally got all my thoughts down and in one place, and I think the end result is <i>incredible</i>. I usually don't write posts like this, but this is something that I really, really, <b>really </b>want to share with you all. Enjoy!</div>
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GRATITUDE </div>
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When I left home for Basic Training, I though I had an insuperable sense of gratitude. I knew that God had blessed me so incredibly with unconditionally loving and encouraging family and friends, a lifestyle that I truly loved, and the privilege of serving my country, the career of my dreams. What I learned, however, was that these things were just the beginning of a never-ending list of things we all have to be thankful for. My father raised me to never take anything for granted, but I was always focused on thanking God for the big things {everything I listed above}. I never fully realized that even the smallest, seemingly negligible things that I think we all so often overlook were such incredible blessings. </div>
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Long and warm showers, my own bed with thick sheets and a fluffy pillow, a little mascara, coffee in the mornings, sleeping in, wearing comfortable clothes, manicured fingernails, name-brand shampoo and body wash, contacts, umbrellas, perfume, being able to call your family and friends, feeling important, being able to freely express myself, sleeping peacefully and uninterrupted, personal space, ... the list goes on and on. </div>
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Before Basic Training, I just considered all these things a part of everyday life. They weren't anything special to me, and they were almost meaningless. I almost considered them rights, things that I should never be denied or deprived of. When I had to give them up, I soon realized how truly blessed I was to have all of them when I did, and that they were surely not entitlements. Basic Training taught me to appreciate <b><i>every single thing</i></b> that I could, because finding something to appreciate, even in undesirable conditions, got me through. It got me <b>home</b>. </div>
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Laying in a hole I dug in the ground with nothing but my uniform, my rifle, and my sleeping mat, pulling security on a dark, rainy night, exhausted, wet, hungry, and feeling defeated, I looked over at my battle buddy, smiled, and thought to myself <i>"at least I'm not alone." </i>This thought led to more: "at least I'm not under fire", "at least I'm not overseas", and "at least I know that at the end of it all, I'm going home a soldier". This became a way of thinking for me: analyzing each and every situation that I was put in and looking for anything positive I could possibly draw out of it, and that's what made me realize how truly blessed I was and how much of a privilege it really was to be there. It helped me develop an invincible sense of optimism that I rely on even today to get me through the difficult times I am faced with. Not only am I now able to keep my own spirits up, but I am able to encourage and motivate my battle buddies too, and that is probably the greatest and most rewarding part of it all.</div>
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On my first Sunday at Ft. Jackson, I found Philippians 4: 4-9, which states "<b>Rejoice </b>in the Lord <b>always</b>. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is <i>any </i>excellence and if there is <i>anything </i>worthy of praise, <b>think about these things</b>. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and see in me. Then the God of peace will be with you." As y'all can imagine, that's <b>exactly </b>what I needed to hear, and that was just the first of many times over those nine weeks that He would guide me right to what I needed.</div>
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HUMILITY</div>
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In a place where strength and determination are everything, it is <i>so</i> important to remember that ultimately, our strength comes from God. Basic Training was the hardest thing I ever did, and it was where I learned that God did not give me this life to go through alone. Through all the trails and tribulations, I finally realized that <b>when we are at our breaking point, when we feel defeated, and when we finally admit that we can not do it alone, that is where we find our strength. It is in that moment when we step aside and let Him take over</b>. In humility, we learn to seek God's wisdom and knowledge. It is then that He picks up all our burdens and carries us to the finish line. It is then that we become strong, because we are no longer in it alone. We have the best battle buddy in the world, the one that will never leave us behind, never put Himself before us, and never let us fail. It is when we give God full control that we become invincible. 2 Corinthians 12: 10 reminds us of this, stating "Therefore, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong." And trust me, this could not have proven to be more true. It wasn't easy to admit that I couldn't do everything alone, that I wasn't capable of completing the mission by myself. However, once I submitted to His grace and generosity just one time, I finally realized what I was missing. Physical strength carried me a long way, but it was spiritual strength that carried me to the end, and spiritual strength that brought me home a soldier. </div>
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I learned that humility is necessary to be a faithful follower of Jesus and that we must lead by example as Jesus did. I learned that I should compare myself to nobody but Jesus, because He is all that I need. I learned that God will give me whatever I need if I ask humbly, acknowledging His power and strength. I realized that Jesus didn't want recognition and that it <i>wasn't</i> about <b>Him</b>. It was about God, and <i>that</i> is how I need to serve my country. </div>
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The uniform that I wear each and every day represents the fact that I am a part of something much larger than myself, and that's what it's all about. It's not about what the Army can do for me, it's not about me being comfortable or things working to my advantage. It's about selfless service, my brothers and sisters to my left and to my right, and about the American values of freedom, liberty, and justice. And most importantly, it's about doing it all for the glory of God. Without my battle buddies and without my God, I am nothing.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">And at the end of it all, I had an amazing REVELATION:</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">Not only did Basic Training transform me into a soldier of the United States Army, but it transformed me into a soldier of Christ. I have embraced the fact that I am called to a mission of serving the Lord and that prayer, reflection, and receiving the Eucharist provide the world-class training I need to execute my mission of living each day in accordance with the Gospel and going out in faith to share His glory with the world. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">Galatians 5:13 {my new signature verse} reminds me of my purpose, stating "</span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">For you were called for <b>freedom</b>, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather,<b> serve one another</b> through love</i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">." To me, this verse reaffirms my belief that part of living in the Land of the Free is understanding how blessed we are as Americans. It reminds me that our freedom is our divine right, but that we must use this blessing responsibly, remembering that God has given it to us to share with the rest of the world. It commands me to use this freedom as an opportunity to serve my country selflessly, with the best interest of my fellow Americans and my brothers and sisters in arms in mind.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">Not only has he assured me that this is </span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">exactly</i><span style="line-height: 1.2;"> what I am supposed to be doing in life, but He has fully armed me with everything that I need to complete my mission. Romans 8:28 states "</span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">We know that all things work for <b>good </b>for those who love God, who are </i><i style="line-height: 1.2;"><b>called</b></i><span style="line-height: 1.2;"><i><b> </b>according to his purpose</i>." This tells us that as we serve the Lord, He is always with us, watching over us, protecting us, and guiding us in the right direction. This has allowed me to have one hundred percent confidence in the belief that my <b>military career is teamwork between God and I</b>. I am serving Him through serving His nation and His people, and He is with me </span><span style="line-height: 1.2;"><b>constantly</b>. He will NOT let me fail, because I am not in this alone. Part of having faith in Him is having faith in the way that He works within me, and I am learning to understand and have come to truly believe that through Christ, I am <i>invincible</i>. If I come to Him humbly asking for help, doing everything for the glory of God, I <u>will</u> be successful. When He is within me, I will not fail.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.2px;">On my last Sunday at Ft. Jackson, I heard the Lord speak to me through Sunday Mass before He sent me off, my mission of becoming a soldier nearly complete. I was reminded of the importance of living from within and allowing the Gospel to work inside of me. The Gospel that day reinforced the importance of caring for one another, encouraging one another, and making it a daily commitment to recognize the need for God's strength within us. It directed us to let the Spirit shine forth through us, and <i>that's</i> what I am encouraging each and every one of you to do today. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.2px;">Take it from someone who knows, there is no feeling more incredible than allowing the Spirit of God to overcome you, opening your heart and allowing the Lord to work through you. It's the simplest thing that you will ever do that will change your life entirely. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.2px;">It's too easy battle, hooah.</span></div>
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Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-38196419967642532522015-05-28T21:55:00.000-04:002015-05-28T21:55:32.190-04:00Summer Uniform<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As much as I love my chino shorts, striped shirts, and monogram & pearl necklaces, I'd be lying if I said I didn't spend the majority of my summer dressed in a more comfortable, relaxed way. Here are a few of my must haves for everyday wear in the summer.</div>
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If it's sunny outside, I won't leave the house with a pair of wayfarer style sunglasses on a set of sunglasses straps, and Lilly Pulitzer is <i>always</i> my go-to.</div>
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I bought my navy monogrammed baseball hat from Marley Lilly last year and have worn it constantly since. I love not having to do my hair in the summer and it matches <b>perfectly</b> with my favorite pair of navy Norts.<br />
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I'm absolutely obsessed with pocket t-shirts, and I have one in just about every color there is. From coral to green to periwinkle to Carolina blue, you'll find me in a frocket nine times out of ten.<br />
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I've always said that there are two types of people in this world: people who think Jacks and Norts are an acceptable combination, and people who don't. I'm proud to say that I wear these together all the time. Judge me.<br />
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Finally, I <i>had</i> to throw in my pearl earrings. You won't find me without them on, no matter what the occasion.<br />
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And then there are my two favorite summer accessories: a trustworthy sunscreen and my skinny vanilla latte... couldn't survive the South Carolina heat without them!<br />
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What is <i>your</i> summer uniform? Do we have any pieces in common? Let me know!Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-77091555130523266002015-05-26T19:28:00.000-04:002015-05-26T19:39:41.570-04:002015-2016 Lilly Pulitzer Agendas: Large & Jumbo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's that time of year again, y'all! Lilly Pulitzer has released their new 2015-2016 agendas, available <u>now</u> for pre-order <a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/section/agendas/429.uts?currentIndex=0&pageSize=16&firstPageSize=16&sortByColumnName=&categoryId=429&type=section"><b>online</b></a>. Throughout my high school career, my Lilly agendas have been a <i>huge </i>part of my life. They have played an integral part in my academic success and year after year, my agenda has undeniably been the most important item in my back pack. There's no better way to stay organized or to remember everything in my busy schedule than with a color-coded agenda; and the bright prints, adorable stickers, and cute cover pages are among the many signature Lilly touches that make my agenda my go-to for just about everything. Here are the large & jumbo options for this year!</div>
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Large:</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/agendas/large-agenda-wild-confetti/c/429/8294.uts?swatchName=Bright+Navy+Wild+Confetti">Wild Confetti</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/agendas/large-agenda-tusk-in-sun/c/429/8295.uts?swatchName=Bright+Navy+Tusk+In+Sun">Tusk in Sun</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/agendas/large-agenda-scuba-to-cuba/c/429/8296.uts?swatchName=Turquoise+Scuba+To+Cuba+White">Scuba to Cuba</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/agendas/large-agenda-pink-lemonade/c/429/8297.uts?swatchName=Hotty+Pink+Pink+Lemonade">Pink Lemonade</a></b>,<b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/agendas/large-agenda-all-nighter/c/429/8298.uts?swatchName=Multi+All+Nighter"> All Nighter</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/agendas/large-agenda-lilly-s-lagoon/c/429/8299.uts?swatchName=Multi+Lillys+Lagoon">Lilly's Lagoon</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/agendas/large-agenda-covered-spiral-lobstah-roll/c/429/8300.uts?swatchName=Spa+Blue+Lobstah+Roll">Lobstah Roll</a></b> (Covered Spiral), & <b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/agendas/large-agenda-covered-spiral-bazaar/c/429/8301.uts?swatchName=Magenta+Bazaar">Bazaar</a></b> (Covered Spiral)</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/agendas/jumbo-agenda-wild-confetti/c/429/8309.uts?swatchName=Bright+Navy+Wild+Confetti">Wild Confetti</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/agendas/jumbo-agenda-scuba-to-cuba/c/429/8310.uts?swatchName=Turquoise+Scuba+To+Cuba+White">Scuba to Cuba</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/agendas/jumbo-agenda-red-right-return/c/429/8311.uts?swatchName=Spa+Blue+Red+Right+Return">Red Right Return</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/agendas/jumbo-agenda-all-nighter/c/429/8312.uts?swatchName=Multi+All+Nighter">All Nighter</a></b></div>
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I am so satisfied with the print choices this year! Right now, my favorite is Wild Confetti, but I really do love them all!</div>
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Everything else on the inside seems to be the same, except for the adorable addition of trip planning pages! I can already tell these will come in handy because of the packing list column, which is absolutely <i>essential</i> for everything from a day trip to a week long vacation. </div>
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What prints are <i>you</i> loving this year? What size is the best? Let me know what you think! Thanks for reading!</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-87755251572408352702015-05-25T11:10:00.000-04:002015-05-25T11:10:03.284-04:00Some Gave All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't think it's possible to put into words everything that comes to mind when I think about Memorial Day, but I think <b>grateful</b> is a good place to start. In America, we are <i>so</i> fortunate. We are blessed with guaranteed freedom, undeniable liberty, and a quality of life that cannot be surpassed, <b>all which come at a cost</b>. Some understand this concept better than others. Today we remember the gracious men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to support and defend our great nation and everything we stand for. It is not just today, but every day that we should honor these heroes and thank God that such men and women lived. </div>
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These men and women gave up their lives for something larger than themselves: for the United States of America, for their brothers and sisters to the left and to the right of them, for their families at home, and for you and I. We owe it to these heroes to not only honor <i>them</i>, but to honor <b>what they stood for</b>. It's time to set aside the politics of it all and honor our fallen heroes with gratitude and respect. Regardless of your views on foreign policy, your opinion of war, or your level of satisfaction with our government today, choosing not to support the men and women of our armed forces or to not honor their motives is unacceptable. </div>
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In an age when freedom of speech and freedom of expression are so liberally interpreted and frequently taken advantage of, it's time to stand up and do what would make our fallen heroes <b>proud</b>. Fly the flag righteously and with respect, be <u>fiercely</u> and courageously patriotic, and never be afraid to stand up for what is right. Freedom isn't free, and we owe it to those who understand this concept the best to do everything we can to preserve and promote what they have fought to guarantee us. </div>
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It is with the deepest gratitude that I say <i>thank you</i> to our fallen heroes. It's hard to articulate how truly thankful I am to live in the greatest nation on Earth and for those who have fought to defend it. I encourage you all to join me in participating in the #GoSilent campaign, during which we will observe a moment of silence at 12:01 pm dedicated in memory of a fallen service member.</div>
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<b>Some gave all, so we can all give some.</b></div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-34532146170518558782015-05-24T00:36:00.002-04:002015-05-24T00:36:50.883-04:00When You're the One Not Going to CollegeAs I mentioned in my last <b><a href="http://melissaaa-jo.blogspot.com/2015/05/invalid-excuses.html">post</a></b>, my senior year hasn't exactly been your cookie-cutter experience. I didn't go on any college visits, nor did I go through the process of applying for and selecting a college to attend. I didn't apply for any scholarships, I didn't check the mail every day for acceptance letters, and I didn't even write a <i>single</i> essay. I didn't stress out about my class rank or GPA. I didn't apply for housing, try to find a room mate, or choose a major. It's because this fall, <b>I'm not going to college</b>.<br />
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I think that after high school, college is just the <b>expectation</b>. In fact, I <i>know</i> it is, especially as a high honors graduate. I've heard it hundreds and hundreds of times this year. "Oh, you're a senior! How exciting! Are you ready to graduate? ... and where are you going to school?"<br />
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My response is always prideful, but somewhat shy: "Well, actually... I'm headed to Ft. Jackson for Basic Training. I enlisted in the Army Reserve. I'll go to Ft. Gordon for AIT after that and then who knows where I'll end up." And then, <b>nine times out of ten</b>, it's right back to where we started "Oh, you're going to get your school paid for! Nice!" <br />
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Ya don't even <i>know </i>how much this one gets to me because for me, joining the military is about <u>so</u> much more than the money, <u>so</u> much more than the benefits, and <u>so</u> much more than the pay. It's about serving a country that I love with my whole heart and her people. It's about promoting freedom, liberty, and everything that is America. It's about defending what I love and working for something greater than myself, and I love every aspect of it. <b>When I raised my right hand and swore to support & defend the Constitution, the Montgomery GI Bill was the last thing on my mind</b>. For some reason, I always throw in the "I'll be earning college credit while at AIT" bit. I shouldn't feel like I need to, but I do, and that's part of the problem.<br />
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And then occasionally, there's the one that gets me the most: an empathetic smile with a "<i>that's okay</i>". Why does it get me? Because I <i>know</i> it's okay. In fact, it's <b>more</b> than okay. It's absolutely <b>fabulous</b>. I don't <u>need</u> affirmation that my decision not to head straight to college is okay, because I know it is. I'm confident that what I'm doing is right for me, and at the end of it all, <u>that's</u> what's important.<br />
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And y'all, I'm not undermining the importance of education. I'm a firm believer in the fact that working hard and learning as much as you can is the way to get the most out of life. I admire every single one of my peers who has made the decision to engage in some form of post-secondary education. In fact, it's a part of my plan sometime in the future too. I know it's become the expectation for this generation, and I know it has it's benefits. But <b>there's <i>so</i> much more to life after high school than heading straight for a four year degree</b>.<br />
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<i>We're all unique, so our futures should be too</i>. How boring would life be if we all did the same thing? Please always remember that <b>expectations are not boundaries</b>. I know first hand that doing something different can make your feel inferior. Trust me, I get it. But don't let it stop you from doing what you want to do. Remember that.<br />
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I'd like to end by saying that I'm also indescribably blessed with amazingly supportive family & friends. For every person that has critiqued my decision, another has stood by me 100%, and it's those people who remind me why I'm doing what I am. I'll never forget when my dad told me to "<i>never tap out in life</i>", and I think part of tapping out is giving in and conforming to someone else's idea of right. I'll always fight on for what I stand for, what I do, and who I am, and that just reaffirms that what I've decided to do is the right thing for me.<br />
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I hope you make your future everything you want, and I hope you never let someone else set your path. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams, and the path less traveled will make all the difference. Go get 'em.Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-82677695197841407782015-05-17T18:13:00.003-04:002015-05-17T18:13:48.237-04:00Invalid Excuses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Here's a little Sunday afternoon moitvation for ya...</i></div>
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As my senior year is coming to an end, I've been thinking a lot about the kind of future that I want for myself. Granted, I haven't exactly been partaking in the typical senior year activities of choosing a college, applying for scholarships, weighing the differences of different majors, or even planning an exciting senior week trip. Instead, I've been doing lots of PT, going to training, and doing everything I can to prepare myself for the journey of a lifetime that is Basic Training. Trust me, it's <i>still</i> a lot of work. A different kind of work, but work.</div>
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Throughout the past four years, I've come to realize what it <i>really</i> takes to be successful. Thanks to my dad, I've understood the principle of hard work since I was very young. I've come to know that a sense of entitlement will get you nowhere, good work ethic is a must, and that hard work pays off. There's no substitution for a job well done, and a good effort will produce promising results. Those are just the facts.</div>
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As I prepare to take on the real world, I have compiled a list of invalid excuses that I think we all use a little too often. I encourage you to mark these off your list. It's easier said than done, but it's definitely rewarding.</div>
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No matter <b>what</b> the mission is, the best way to do it is to do it <i>right</i>. If we set aside everything that we <i>think </i>is holding us back, we can most definitely achieve whatever we set our minds to.</div>
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Best of luck on whatever your journey may be.</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-60700214795060794682015-04-05T18:43:00.002-04:002015-04-05T19:11:09.650-04:004 / 5 / 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Easter! I hope each & every one of you had an excellent day!</div>
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Oh... and welcome back seersucker. You've been missed.</div>
<br />Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-86000610387617383492015-04-04T14:43:00.001-04:002015-04-04T14:44:08.451-04:00Anything's Possible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A little motivation for ya today...</div>
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<i>-Lilly Pulitzer, duh!</i></div>
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It's almost unreal that it's already April. We're down to the second half of second semester, the most stressful time of the year. In all honesty, I think I'm more stressed than I have ever been right now. This past month, I've been waking up in the middle of the night, my mind racing with my never ending to-do list and worried constantly about not getting everything done right. </div>
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I've come to accept the fact that that's just the kind of person I am, and I think that's a good thing. There's nothing wrong with being 100% focused on finishing strong, doing things right, and having the satisfaction that you've done your absolute best on something. But of course, that's easier said than done.</div>
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It's so easy during this time of the year to lose focus, take the easy way out, or just plain quit before the race is even over. But it's not worth it, because at the end of the day, nothing's going to make you feel better than doing the work. The sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing strong is greater than the relief of taking a break, and the best way to do it is to do it <b>right</b>.</div>
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As I flipped my Lilly agenda to the month of April, there it was, plain as day: Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink. <i>Anything</i>. Not "anything easy", not "anything simple", not "anything fast". <i>Anything</i>. So I took that and ran with it, and here's what I figured out.</div>
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<i>Sunshine is energy. Sunshine is a spark of enthusiasm, an internal "I can" that motivates us to just get it done. Pink is elegance. It's that little personal touch, the perfect finish, the icing on the cake, the extra bit of desire to succeed that sets our work apart from the others. </i></div>
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Yes Lilly, you're right. Anything <i>is</i> possible with sunshine and a little pink. There's a reward in working hard and there's a satisfaction in finishing strong. So ladies, brew your coffee, take a deep breath, and work hard until it's not only done, but done right. And when it's all over, put on your big sunglasses and bask in the sunlight of success.</div>
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Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-70535603446526141012015-03-06T16:40:00.000-05:002015-03-06T16:43:02.224-05:00Spring Cleaning For Social Media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Social media plays <i>such</i> a huge role in our everyday lives. I don't know about y'all, but it seems like I can't let a day go by without taking a look at Instagram, Twitter, and most of all, Pinterest. Not only does social media provide excellent networking opportunities, but it makes communication faster than ever and in my opinion, it's a must have. </div>
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It's important to set high standards when it comes to connections online, and with that comes ensuring that you're only seeing what you want to. We spend enough time using these apps and websites already; there's no need to waste it scrolling through negative (or even just annoying) content. I "clean" my social media accounts about once a month, and using them afterwords is so refreshing. Spring is the season of renewal, and now is a great time to begin if you haven't refreshed your social media before. Here's how I do it!</div>
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<b>Unfriend and Unfollow: </b>Take the time to sort through your following on Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat, your blogging platform, and Instagram and your friends on Facebook. Who do you <i>really</i> want to see posts from? If you're not genuinely interested in what someone is posting, delete them. "Muting" on Twitter and "Unfollowing" on Facebook are great ways to keep users off your timeline without actually deleting them permanently from your account, so there are no hard feelings.</div>
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<b>Unsubscribe: </b>Scroll through all your email accounts and take the time to unsubscribe from any unwanted newsletters or mailing lists. It's usually as easy as clicking a link on the bottom of a message and keeps your inbox so much cleaner. While you're on your email account, delete any old contacts you don't use too.</div>
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<b>Clear Out Messages: </b>Clear out any old and unnecessary emails, DMs, or messages that you no longer need. This works for text messages too!</div>
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<b>Turn Off Push Notifications:</b> If you use a smart phone, turn off push notifications for all your social media apps. I turned mine off during a social media cleanse I tried about three months ago and still haven't turned them back on simply because if you think about it, you really don't <i>need</i> them. All your notifications will still be there when you open the app, but they won't pop up at distracting times.</div>
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<b>Take A Weekend Off:</b> As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, make an effort to really live out your days. Taking a weekend off from social media if you're a frequent user is a great way to focus on what's really important. Remember, nothing on social media is <i>that</i> important that it can't wait until Monday. If this is too much for you, start with just staying away for a day. Go out for the night with your friends and leave your phone in the car. Trust me, it's refreshing.</div>
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Aside from social media, there are plenty of great way to clean out your phone too. Delete old pictures on your camera roll, apps that you don't use, and contacts that you no longer need. Delete music that you don't listen to any more or just downloaded because it was free (guilty!). I'm constantly cleaning my apps and clearing my caches, but if that's not something you usually do, it's a must as well!</div>
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What do <i>you</i> do to clean out your social media? How frequently do you do it? Let me know!</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-23036293877758997052015-03-05T12:00:00.000-05:002015-03-05T12:00:03.083-05:00Playlist // March 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay y'all... if we're being absolutely honest here, up until about two weeks ago, I was still listening to 1989 <i>constantly</i>... not that I'm complaining about that. I've been a Taylor Swift fan since the beginning and, in contrast to a lot of people, I truly believe that her music is just getting better and better. I could go on and on here, but that's besides the point. Since I haven't created a new playlist since <i>at least</i> before the album was released, I figured it was time to venture out a bit. So, here it is: my March 2015 playlist!</div>
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What are <i>you</i> listening to this March? Let me know!</div>
<br />Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-53147764275670678302015-03-04T17:20:00.000-05:002015-03-04T17:20:16.162-05:00Lilly I'm Loving: Spring 2015I don't know about y'all, but when I flipped the page in my Lilly agenda to see the classic "Despite the forecast, live like it's spring" page, I couldn't have been more excited. The bright colors, warm and sunny days, and fun parties of Spring are just a few of the reasons I'm looking forward to it. I think these things perfectly capture the essence of everything Lilly. <br />
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Here are a few of my favorites from the Spring line thus far that I'm <i>Lilly</i> loving. Get it?<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/dresses/briella-fit-flare-cap-sleeve-dress/c/38/7833.uts?swatchName=Multi+In+The+Vias">Briella Fit & Flare Cap Sleeve Dress</a> // <a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/tops-bottoms/tops-tunics/ginny-strapless-silk-ruffle-tube-top/pc/243/c/45/7971.uts?swatchName=Partytime+Lilac">Ginny Strapless Silk Ruffle Tube Top</a> // <a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/dresses/mila-lace-detail-shift-dress/c/38/7965.uts?swatchName=Sunglow+Yellow+First+Impression">Mila Lace Detail Shift Dress</a> // <a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/accessories-shoes/bags/hot-to-trot-foldover-crossbody-bag/pc/61/c/67/7958.uts?swatchName=Resort+White+Finders+Keepers+Accessories+Small">Hot To Trot Foldover Crossbody Bag</a> // <a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/accessories-shoes/key-fob/c/61/7995.uts?swatchName=Resort+White+She+She+Shells">Key Fob</a> // <a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/accessories-shoes/printed-lilly-scarf-first-impression/c/61/7953.uts?swatchName=Hotty+Pink+First+Impression+Scarf">Printed Lilly Scarf</a></b></div>
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I'm absolutely in love with both of the dresses I featured. The Briella dress in In the Vias is a serious contender for my graduation dress, and the Mila dress seems like it was meant for Easter. I also can't get over how adorable the ruffled top is and am already imagining how great it would look with my monogram necklace!</div>
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Can we <i>talk </i>about how amazing the fact that Lilly is now making crossbodies is? I've been waiting for this for as long as I can remember and can not be more excited that the opportunity to get one is finally here. They have also released the It's A Date crossbody bag, but the fact that the Hot to Trot is a foldover makes my decision clear. I'm also super excited about the key fobs because I've been looking for the perfect one for a while now. And even though scarves are generally not the first thing to come to mind when I think of Spring, First Impression is <i>definitely</i> appropriate for bright days and sunny weather.</div>
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From the patio to the poolside, Spring is filled with such fun outfits. I can't wait to see what else Lilly has for us this season! Oh, and don't forget about <a href="http://melissaaa-jo.blogspot.com/2015/01/lilly-for-target.html" style="font-weight: bold;">Lilly for Target</a>, which lands in stores on April 19!</div>
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What are <i>your</i> favorite things from Lilly's Spring 2015 collection? What do you hope to see later this season? Let me know!</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-35146293833373242022015-02-15T11:20:00.001-05:002015-02-15T11:20:08.479-05:00See Ya, Starbucks: 5 Reasons I'm Giving Up My Favorite Coffee<div style="text-align: justify;">
I started out going to Starbucks because it was the glamorous thing to do. I'd go maybe once every two weeks, and at the time, it was a big deal to me. It was a privilege, ordering a specialty coffee and savoring each and every sip, discarding the cup only after I was sure I'd captured the perfect, social media worthy picture. Over time, it became more of a habit. Today, the barristas know me personally. They don't even have to write my name on my cups and have admitted my order of a venti Skinny Vanilla Latte and Birthday Cake Pop to memory. I make an average of around three trips to Starbucks a week and it's now become a part of my personality. And I've realized that <b>that's a problem</b>. I've decided to give up Starbucks for good, and here's why.</div>
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<b>1</b>. In a world where there are so many less fortunate than I am, it's really not okay that I can spend five dollars on a single cup of coffee like it's nothing. Without even thinking, I swipe my debit card, step to the left, and wait while a hard working barrista prepares my coffee. I don't even want to share how much I've spent on Starbucks in the last six months {I've added it up}, and I'm very shameful to say that sometimes I'm even impatient when it takes longer than usual or there's a little bit of whipped cream leaking out from under the lid. I've come to realize that it's become a <b>prodigal and unnecessary habit</b> that I truly want to break. {And yes Dad, if you're reading this... you <i>were</i> always right}</div>
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<b>2</b>. Although my usual Skinny Vanilla Latte isn't <i>that</i> bad for me, it's definitely not the only thing I get. Another one of my very favorites, the Caffe Mocha Latte {venti with whipped cream and whole milk} contains <b>490 calories</b>, <b>23 grams of fat</b>, <b>55 carbohydrates</b>, and who knows how much <b>sugar</b> and <b>caffeine</b>. An occasional treat definitely isn't harmful, but putting this into my body up to three times a week isn't exactly something I'm proud of. Imagine the effects of removing it from my diet completely.</div>
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<b>3</b>. Definitely not criticizing Starbucks here, but <b>they've somehow managed to glamorize and sensationalize little white cups of coffee</b>. Everyone loves Starbucks because it's just the thing to love. I think it's been accepted as one of the keystones of social media: something that everyone likes and something that's always provides positive feedback when you post about it. But think about it: social media is <i>so</i> powerful, so why are we {note the we, I'm the worst of all} using it so often to promote a coffee company? And it's not just Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and other social media. I can't tell you how many times I've had a conversation about Starbucks in person. Imagine if each time we were going to post about Starbucks or talk about it, we instead changed the topic of conversation to something with meaning. <b>There are so many issues or topics that deserve more attention today, and a cup of coffee or a cake pop gets all the hype</b>.</div>
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<b>4</b>. Being raised Catholic, I've celebrated <b>Lent</b> for seventeen years now. I've always been sure not to eat meat on Fridays during the Lenten season and to go to Mass during Ash Wednesday and Holy Week, but as embarrassed as I am to say it, I've never actually given anything up. I've always just been content with the pretext of <i>doing more</i>, but this year I really want to abstain from something I truly enjoy because I think I'm at a more mature point in my spiritual life than I've ever been. If I substitute time spent going for Starbucks during these 40 days with time spent with scripture or in prayer and reflection, I'm sure any loss I'm feeling will most definitely be filled with the wisdom and understanding of my faith, and that's a very comforting therapy.</div>
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<b>5</b>. It's fairly obvious that there's not going to be a Starbucks in the DFac at Ft. Jackson. Breaking the coffee habit before <b>BCT</b> has been in the back of my mind since June and I think this is the perfect way to start. Starbucks constitutes about half of my total coffee intake, so I'm hoping this is going to slowly ease me into eliminating coffee all together. I definitely don't want to wait until my first 0400 morning to find out that I really <i>have</i> become dependent on that daily cup of coffee.</div>
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So there you have it. I'm headed out today for my usual Sunday afternoon Starbucks trip, which will most definitely be my last. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't going to miss Starbucks, because even though it became routine for me, I did thoroughly enjoy each and every sip. I'm no doubt going to miss Friday afternoon stops with my best friend and even early morning lattes on the way to class. It was something that I really looked forward to constantly and something that I have an emotional connection to. But when Starbucks becomes a part of your personality, it's obviously time to take a step back and look at things from a different perspective. </div>
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What do y'all think about this? I'd love any encouragement or feedback anyone can offer!</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-56498903675592813072015-02-08T19:34:00.002-05:002015-02-08T19:35:38.020-05:00Sunday Pinspiration & Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm a firm believer in the fact that Sundays are meant for relaxation. I've gotten into the habit of coming home from church, changing into yoga pants and an over sized t-shirt, making a big cup of coffee, and spending the afternoon on Pinterest. It's the perfect way to unwind after a busy week<i> </i>or have one last little vacation from reality before it's time to get back to work. Here are a few of my favorites from today!</div>
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Like I said a while ago, I've been in the mood to <i>sparkle</i> lately. I don't know what it is, but I've been so attracted to glitter and sequins and I'm not the least bit apprehensive about it. #sorrynotsorry</div>
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I think I have a really good grasp of the concept of being grateful. I've been in a transitional phase in my life lately and I'm starting to realize what <i>really</i> matters. Looking around, I've come to the realization that there's just <i>so</i> much to be thankful for. I've got everything I need and have been blessed with an amazing family, genuine friends, and the opportunities of a lifetime and I'm so thankful that I'm able to realize just how fortunate I am. It's so humbling to see reminders like this and I couldn't help but repin this one.</div>
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It's no secret that I'm obsessed with Taylor Swfit. I've been listening to 1989 since its release date and believe on a spiritual level that she's the queen of the world. "Shake it off" has become my mantra lately because I've realized that life will throw some unexpected circumstances at you, but sometimes you've just got to do the best you can and forget about anyone or anything that keeps you from doing just that.</div>
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And for this one, I'm just going to leave it at that.</div>
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This is so important. Grace is a concept that I've become more and more familiar with as I've grown up. What a beautiful thing it is to be described as "graceful". It's definitely something I'm striving for daily.</div>
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Oh! And one more thing... have y'all <i>seen</i> the new In the Vias print from Lilly Spring 2015! I'm in love! Can you say graduation dress...? Maybe so!</div>
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Here's to another week... work hard, dress great, and let's take the world by storm.</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-74369272736182950752015-02-07T10:58:00.000-05:002015-02-07T10:58:05.102-05:00Cliniuqe Bonus Time: February 2015 ReviewWhen I posted about my <b><a href="http://melissaaa-jo.blogspot.com/2014/12/my-makeup-must-haves-and-skincare-story.html">makeup and skincare routine</a></b> in December, I mentioned that as my dermatologist recommended, my makeup bag was a mix of Clinique and Neutrogena products. That being said, I was so excited for Clinique Bonus Time. I headed to Belk, picked up a bottle of my favorite Even Better SPF 15 liquid foundation, and opted for the soft pinks instead of the bold lavenders in the bonus bag. Here's what I thought!<br />
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<b>Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips</b>: I usually don't use makeup remover, choosing instead to just wash and exfoliate my face, but I just had to try it. While it did an <i>excellent</i> job of removing my makeup, it has an oily texture to it and didn't leave my skin feeling fresh or clean, but rinsing with cool water afterwords helped a lot.</div>
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<b>Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +</b>: This was probably my favorite thing out of the whole bag, probably because I've been using it since the fall. I got it at my local Clinique counter when I went to get my shade re-matched after summer and have loved it ever since. My skin gets very dry very easily, especially during the winter, so a good moisturizing lotion has always been a must for me. It dries very easily and is the perfect step after washing but before primer.</div>
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<b>Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator</b>: Again, a miracle worker for dry skin. It's an oil-free cream gel that's great before bed after a shower. However, I would recommend the lotion if you're going to do foundation and powder just because it's lighter. Either way, the hydrator is great.</div>
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<b>Clinique Color Compact</b>: This compact comes with two shadows to wear alone or layered and one blush. Because I got the pink palette, I received the 14 Strawberry Fudge eye shadow duo and the 04 Pink Blush. The shadows are both great independently (I haven't combined them yet but have tried the brown one in my usual nude eye routine) and the blush is the perfect accent of a soft, pink glow.</div>
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<b>Different Lipstick</b>: I love this lipstick because of it's smooth, comfortable feel and its color. It's not too bold but is perfectly glossy. It's a little outside of <i>my</i> usual palette choice, but it's perfectly appropriate for both day to day wear and formal occasions.</div>
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<b>Lash Doubling Mascara</b>: I would say that aside from basic cleanser and moisturizer, mascara is my number one, go-to beauty product. Even if I skip the foundation or lip color, I'll <i>always</i> use mascara. It opens up my naturally tiny eyes and just makes me look more awake. I especially like this one because not only does it focus on length, but it also emphasizes volume. The brush is long and wide, but not too thick as to cause clumps. This is definitely one of my new favorites.</div>
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Overall, I was very satisfied with this bag. I think it offered the perfect range of products and was very happy with my choice of the soft pinks palette. As far as adding anything permanently into my routine, I'm definitely going to continue using the moisturizing lotion and just may switch from my usual Neutrogena mascara to the Lash Doubling Mascara offered in this bonus bag.</div>
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Did any of y'all take advantage of Clinique Bonus time? What did you think? If not, what skincare and cosmetic brand do you use and how do you think it compares? Let me know!</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-15385822869546361112015-01-24T22:27:00.002-05:002015-01-24T22:27:24.213-05:00Event Planning EssentialsI've always been a planner. I'm Type A, organized, and my day is scheduled down to the minute in my color coded agenda. I'm infamous among my friends for responding to invites with "let me check my schedule and get back to you", and my Staff class has become accustomed to receiving to-do lists on index cards with deadlines highlighted. When I start something, I don't stop until it's not only done, but done right. It's as much a part of who I am as a pearl necklace, and I love it.<br />
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Right now I'm in the middle of a <b>huge</b> event planning project. It's not my first and definitely won't be my last, but I'm really confident in the work I've done and the progress I've made. Here's how I'm doing it!<br />
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<b>Agenda</b>: Does this even need an explanation? My agenda is an essential for <i>everything</i>, but event planning especially! It's vital to record dates and deadlines when planning, especially when you're dealing with an event that's far out.<br />
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<b>Notebook</b>: When I'm planning something, I like to keep everything in one place. Phone numbers, addresses, layouts, meeting notes, to-do lists, etc. I <i>love</i> the Lilly Pulitzer mini-notebooks and for the past two years have devoted one to planning each Military Ball. Having everything in one place is also great for continuity purposes, because being able to look back at everything is very helpful.<br />
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<b>Highlighters and Pens</b>: Two words: color coding.<br />
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<b>Networking and communication skills</b>: These two are <i>huge</i>. Even though I'm not a big people person, being able to effectively communicate is one of the most important skills to have when planning an event. From booking a venue to working with a caterer, confident communication will make everything so much easier. Also, don't underestimate the power of networking, especially when you're working with a budget.<br />
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<b>Professional attitude</b>: When you're planning a major event, you're representing something larger than yourself. Whether it be an organization, a group, or even your family; it's always important to keep it professional at all times. Keep this in mind even after the big day (or night) is over... thank you notes are a must!<br />
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<b>Dedication</b>: Planning takes time! It's not going to be a one-day thing, and it's definitely not going to be an easy task. Don't quit until it's done right, because the final product will always reflect the quality of work you put in.<br />
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<b>Pinterest</b>:<b> </b>I'm always the first to promote Pinterest, but I can't stress enough how great of a resource it is for planning. From ideas for seating charts to placard designs, a world of craft and creativity is literally at your fingertips. Take advantage of it!<br />
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<b>Timelines</b>: Timelines are my biggest tool for event planning. In order to work under maximum efficiency, setting deadlines and meeting them is a must. I usually break my planning timelines down into months, then weeks when I get within a month of the event. Again, these are amazingly helpful for continuity.<br />
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<b>Budgeting and negotiating skills</b>: Planning on a budget isn't easy, especially when you want everything to look perfect. Put your money where it matters and don't be afraid to negotiate. You may be surprised how much you can save.<br />
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<b>Leadership skills</b>: Part of being a good leader is being able to trust your subordinates, which means not doing all the work yourself. When you're working on a large-scale project, it's so important to remember that you don't have to do it all alone. If you're given a committee to work with, do so. Always ask for input from others and develop a good relationship with your team. It will make everything much smoother and everyone will feel so much more accomplished and involved when it all comes together.<br />
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Although I've listed ten super important things, I've only barely touched on the event planning process. It's a rewarding challenge that definitely gets easier with experience and although it's a lot of work, few feelings are as amazing as watching it all come together!Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-32068583567973921242015-01-17T18:22:00.002-05:002015-01-17T18:22:26.573-05:00How to Sparkle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lately, I've been in the mood to <b>sparkle</b>. I've always considered it more of an external thing: wearing a dress covered in sequins or walking confidently in a pair of silver or gold glittery heels, complementing a genuinely healthy glow with subtle but glamorous makeup, and looking sophisticated enough to conquer the world. And don't get me wrong, I'm still all for it. But if you <i>really</i> want to sparkle, {and trust me on this one} it's best to start from the inside and work your way out.</div>
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Here's a list I've compiled over the past month or so that I've started to live by. Some of them I've taken from sources like Pinterest or Twitter, and some I've written myself. I think it's important to always remember these things, because in order to really sparkle, we must truly believe that we do. And you can quote me on that one.</div>
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In a time when it's not at all difficult to get away with doing the minimum, it's vitally important to remember the foundations of gratitude, kindness, faith, dedication, leadership, and class that we were raised upon. These are the things that make us truly sparkle. So many people will look down upon high standards and forget the gratification of going above and beyond. Often times, we will be so focused on seeking out what's bigger, better, and brighter that we overlook the glory of what's right in front of us, which sometimes shines brighter than we could ever imagine.</div>
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I hope you'll find something on my list that really stands out to you, and I hope you'll share something with me that makes <i>you</i> sparkle. So work hard, treat yourself well, and always remember what it truly means to sparkle.</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-91199970773089483632015-01-15T22:26:00.001-05:002015-01-15T22:27:46.215-05:00Top Beauty Products Under $15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{Ya let me go ahead and apologize in advance for the briefness of this post... I've had it scheduled since the beginning of the week but didn't have the time to further elaborate on any of the products. Some of y'all are probably actually pretty thankful!}</span></div>
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We're all guilty of it... scrolling through beauty blogs or Pinterest boards, spending hours admiring high-end beauty products. In all honesty, if I had all the money in the world, a good bit of it would probably go to makeup and beauty products. I love the occasional haul from Ulta or Avon, but my bank account doesn't always share my happiness. Thankfully, I've found a few trustworthy products under $15! Here are my very favorites:</div>
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True Blue Spa 60-Second Manicure Hand Scrub {Bath and Body Works} // Clean Freak Refreshing Dry</div>
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Shampoo {Drugstore} // <b><a href="https://www.avon.com/product/51043/avon-pro-foundation-brush">Avon Pro Foundation Brush</a></b> // Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control 3-in-1 Foaming Face Wash {Drugstore} // Covergirl Clump Clusher Mascara {Drugstore} // Mentha Pearl Mint Shimmer Tint Lip Gloss {Bath and Body Works}</div>
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What are some of your favorite beauty products under $15? Let me know!</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-78623137323018551032015-01-10T22:15:00.000-05:002015-01-10T22:15:45.746-05:00Welcome Back White: What To Order At Starbucks When Holiday Beverages Are GoneWe've all experienced that moment... the first trip back to our favorite Starbucks after the holiday season has ended. Peppermint Mochas and Chesnut Praline Lattes are no longer on the menu, and people grab their coffees with disappointment as they realize that red cups have devolved back to white {which don't look <i>nearly</i> as good with French manicures, am I right?}. Then, it hits us. Ever since PSLs in the early fall, we've grown attached to our holiday favorites, which are no longer available. What are we going to do now?<br />
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Thankfully, I've compiled a little list of back up plans for when it's too cold for Refreshers or frappes but the seasonal drinks are out of season.<br />
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<b>{Skinny} Vanilla Latte </b>// The first time I ordered a Skinny Vanilla Latte, I never knew I'd eventually become so attached. I ordered it on a whim but ended up loving it, and it's been one of my favorites ever since.</div>
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<b>Cinnamon Dolce Latte </b>// This is my mom's personal favorite! I love the Cinnamon Dolce topping and it's essentially just espresso, steamed milk, and flavored syrup. So delicious.</div>
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<b>Hot Chocolate </b>// Let's not forget our favorite coffeemakers are also pretty talented in the art of hot chocolate. If you're not already aware, <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/chocolate/salted-caramel-hot-chocolate?foodZone=9999"><b>Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate</b></a> <i>is </i>a thing, and a delicious one at that.</div>
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<b>White Chocolate Mocha</b> // This is my best friend's very favorite and, although I've never tried it this way, she says it's pretty great with a shot of raspberry. </div>
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While it's easy to complain about holiday beverages coming to an end, I have to admit... there is something pretty special about the big day when PSLs kick off the season, and what better way to initiate the holiday spirit than welcoming back Peppermint Mochas? </div>
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I won't be able to enjoy my holiday favorites next year thanks to AIT at Ft. Gordon, so I'm super thankful to have been able to drink a ton of Starbucks these past couple of months.</div>
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What's your go-to drink at Starbucks during the off-season? Let me know!</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-92204234387244397442015-01-07T20:38:00.000-05:002015-01-07T20:38:29.792-05:00Surviving the ColdWhen you live in South Carolina, freezing temperatures and the occasional snow day are about as big of a deal as a brand new dress and a string of pearls. It's not often that we get below the 32 degree mark, but when we do, things get pretty exciting. I've never been a fan of cold weather, but when winter sets in and it's time to bundle up, here are a few of my favorite ways to stay warm!<div>
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Knit Scarves // I'm so obsessed with these this season. They're warm and stylish!</div>
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Navy Pea Coat // Navy is my go-to neutral, and you can't go wrong with the classic pea coat. I just got mine on sale at Old Navy and can't wait to break it in.</div>
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Starbucks // Is an explanation even necessary here? Now that the holiday beverages are moving out and the red cups are all gone {tragic, I know!}, I'm back to my typical venti Skinny Vanilla Latte.</div>
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Fuzzy Socks // Again... need I even explain? Fuzzy socks are <i>such</i> a necessity for me throughout winter because they're just so adorable, but actually having a purpose to wear them is even better. I layer them under boot socks and my favorite riding boots to stay warm and comfy.</div>
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Some of my other favorites that I've posted about before are my <b><a href="http://melissaaa-jo.blogspot.com/2014/01/friday.html">monogrammed ear warmer</a></b> {ears warmer... <i>whatever</i>}, <a href="http://melissaaa-jo.blogspot.com/2013/10/bubbly.html" style="font-weight: bold;">monogrammed bubble vest</a>, and Old Navy pajama pants.</div>
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I'll be waking up to a chilly 17 degrees tomorrow! What about y'all? What are <i>you</i> doing to survive the cold this winter? Let me know!</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-9034708704618285522015-01-06T20:14:00.001-05:002015-01-06T20:14:09.338-05:00Lilly For Target!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ordinarily I wouldn't be posting about the same thing two days in a row {or even posting two days in a row for that matter}, but to say I'm happy right now would be an understatement. And being happy never goes out of style, right? So here it is: </div>
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LILLY IS COMING TO TARGET Y'ALL!</div>
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When I first heard the news on Twitter, I couldn't believe it. Naturally, I had to do a little research to verify. Thankfully, somehow by the great grace of the good Lord above, it's true!</div>
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So, of course I had to look into it further! Here's a picture of the Instagram account for the collaboration. I'm so excited to see all of the 250 pieces across everything from clothes to accessories to home and beauty. </div>
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Unfortunately for us, the collection won't officially be in stores until April 19, but what better way to welcome Spring? I can't wait!</div>
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What pieces do you hope to see in the Lilly For Target collection? Let me know!</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-21560542040745520922015-01-05T19:06:00.002-05:002015-01-05T19:06:41.233-05:00Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale PicksHey y'all! Even though it was my first Monday back after a long, relaxing break, I decided to take Lilly's advice and "Get crackin'" on a little online shopping I've been dying to do. Lilly lovers everywhere are going to sleep happy tonight after all the fabulous deals of the After Party Sale, myself included. It started at 8 this morning, but thanks to classes and after school commitments, I didn't have time to actually start shopping until about 6:30 tonight. Since the sale had already been going on for like 10 hours, I didn't really anticipate there being much to choose from. {Which actually may have been a blessing thanks to my inability to stay on budget.} However, I was actually pretty satisfied with my options. The clothing variety was pretty tiny, but thankfully I was able to add a few cute accessories to add to my collection!<br />
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My first {and favorite} find were these <i>adorable </i>Gold Metallic Bow Tie Earrings. I was able to snag them for an outstanding price and can't wait to pair them with the new gold, sparkly dress I found this past weekend for a few different events this spring. I'm usually the first person to choose silver over gold and was really anxious about finding accessories for the dress because I don't usually like gold metallics, but these earrings eased my worries!</div>
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After I recovered from the excitement of my earrings, I decided to browse the sale one last time before calling it quits. I must have overlooked this perfect make up case in Up Your Sleeve the first time through, and couldn't resist adding it to my tote. I'm becoming more and more infatuated with makeup lately and can't think of a better way to store all my favorite products!</div>
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While I wish I would have been able to shop a little earlier, I'm thankful for zero wait time, no picks disappearing from my tote, and the opportunity to pick up these two goodies! Did any of y'all shop the After Party Sale? What did you get?! Let me know!</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-64604375654217343342015-01-01T10:14:00.001-05:002015-01-01T10:14:30.008-05:00Cheers to 2015<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Happy New Years y'all! I hope everyone had an enjoyable, safe, and sparkly NYE. Although I wasn't popping the champagne last night, I was reflecting on 2014. It has undeniably been the biggest year of my life and one <i>crazy</i> ride, let me tell ya. </div>
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Thinking about everything that has happened this past year was a great reminder for me that God really does have a plan. At the end of the day, He will always take care of us. No matter how much we think we know what we want, He knows <u>exactly</u> what we <u>need</u> and has a vision for us greater than we could ever imagine. If that's not reassurance, I don't know what is.</div>
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Cheers to 2015! I hope you buy that Lilly dress you've had your eye on, wear that sparkly eye shadow you've been apprehensive about, and dance to every song you know you want to. Enjoy every moment with your family and friends, and let's make this year one to remember!</div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947543486295899801.post-45597241742316890782014-12-30T12:00:00.000-05:002014-12-30T12:00:06.673-05:00Surviving Senior Year {Guest Post!}<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hey y'all! I'm doing a little post-holiday traveling with my family this week, so I'm super thankful to have Kadasia from <a href="http://lifeslittlebitsofhappiness.blogspot.com/">Life's Little Bits of Happiness</a> guest posting for me today. She's sharing some awesome tips for Surviving Senior Year that I definitely found helpful and hope y'all will too.</span> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi! I'm Kadasia from Life's Little Bits of Happiness, I'm here to guest post for Melissa while she's away having fun on her vacay! Pretty intense rhyming there haha. So today, I would like to share some tips on surviving Senior year (only because I'm a senior!) but these tips can be used simply just for school (the organizing), but it's never too early to start practicing and researching for the future!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here we go!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pflKninSxk/VKDDnweVe2I/AAAAAAAAFMQ/HU94WMnNAno/s1600/Surviving%2BSenior%2BYear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pflKninSxk/VKDDnweVe2I/AAAAAAAAFMQ/HU94WMnNAno/s1600/Surviving%2BSenior%2BYear.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, this is my last year of High School and is it stressful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">like...I can't even. rofl </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I would like to share some tips that I think will make Senior Year much less stressful and much more smooth! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It will probably be a small sporadic series so watch out for them!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Get a head start on college apps. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">College applications can be a killer if you don't give them their proper attention. So during the summer of Junior Year go ahead & make an account with the Colleges or Universities you would like to attend & if you want to go ahead and start filling it out, that's great too! If you have no idea where you want to go, take time to research, look at some schools in your area and maybe a couple out of your area as well(:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Get Connected.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spend some time getting to know your Counselor and the person at your school who handles information about colleges and universities and scholarships. Creating a good relationship with them is important, in my opinion, because they know that you're serious about your education and being successful and plus the more they know about you, the more they can help!(:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Be Yourself.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Its scary. I get it. But- I have a strong feeling that colleges and universities want to see you, the person who is eagerly wanting to attend their school; not someone who is trying to write what they think the school wants to hear. So my advice, just be yourself and write when you're in a good place-have fun with your applications and show the real you.(:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've just noticed that there's smiley face at the end of my sentences haha- just trying to give hope and positivity!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Get an agenda & stick with it.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Agendas are sooooo important during this year. I cannot stress enough, like it could save your educational lives. Writing down due dates and then giving yourself a time frame and also seeing that time frame is super helpful (at least for me). I can see if my goals are set too close or if I've planned something after school but I also have something to do that day. With everything that is going on this year I just can't see myself doing it without my planner...all of my scholarship dates, projects, big tests...sigh. It's just the #realmvp. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Have Funnnn!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I almost forgot this to be honest, which is kinda what happens throughout the year haha. But just remember Senior Year is your last year, so make it extra fun, take all those fun pictures, engage in a new club or sport, and have fun with your class. *whoop whoop class of 2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I hope that these help with organizing your senior year or even getting ready for it (or just help organize your year in general)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">See ya in the next post (;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">p.s. If you would like to see more of these posts or any fashion, food, exercise, reviews & more please check out my blog for more! Just simply click <b><a href="http://lifeslittlebitsofhappiness.blogspot.com/">here</a></b>, hope you enjoyed this post!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><b>If you liked this post and want to read more from Kadasia {I highly recommend it}, head on over to <a href="http://lifeslittlebitsofhappiness.blogspot.com/">Life's Little Bits of Happiness</a>! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><b>I'd like to thank her for helping me out this week and extend an invitation to anyone else who wants to guest post for Stay Fabulous! Thanks y'all!</b></span></div>
Melissa Bergeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224417488018644538noreply@blogger.com1