Spring Cleaning For Social Media

Social media plays such 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.  

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!

Unfriend and Unfollow: 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 really 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.

Unsubscribe: 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.

Clear Out Messages: Clear out any old and unnecessary emails, DMs, or messages that you no longer need.  This works for text messages too!

Turn Off Push Notifications: 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 need them.  All your notifications will still be there when you open the app, but they won't pop up at distracting times.

Take A Weekend Off: 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 that 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.

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!

What do you do to clean out your social media?  How frequently do you do it?  Let me know!

Playlist // March 2015

Okay y'all... if we're being absolutely honest here, up until about two weeks ago, I was still listening to 1989 constantly... 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 at least before the album was released, I figured it was time to venture out a bit.  So, here it is: my March 2015 playlist!

What are you listening to this March?  Let me know!

Lilly I'm Loving: Spring 2015

I 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.

Here are a few of my favorites from the Spring line thus far that I'm Lilly loving.  Get it?

Briella Fit & Flare Cap Sleeve Dress // Ginny Strapless Silk Ruffle Tube Top // Mila Lace Detail Shift Dress // Hot To Trot Foldover Crossbody Bag // Key Fob // Printed Lilly Scarf

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!

Can we talk 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 definitely appropriate for bright days and sunny weather.

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 Lilly for Target, which lands in stores on April 19!

What are your favorite things from Lilly's Spring 2015 collection?  What do you hope to see later this season?  Let me know!

See Ya, Starbucks: 5 Reasons I'm Giving Up My Favorite Coffee

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 that's a problem.  I've decided to give up Starbucks for good, and here's why.

1. 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 prodigal and unnecessary habit that I truly want to break.  {And yes Dad, if you're reading this... you were always right}

2. Although my usual Skinny Vanilla Latte isn't that 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 490 calories, 23 grams of fat, 55 carbohydrates, and who knows how much sugar and caffeine.  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.

3. Definitely not criticizing Starbucks here, but they've somehow managed to glamorize and sensationalize little white cups of coffee.  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 so 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.  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.

4. Being raised Catholic, I've celebrated Lent 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 doing more, 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.

5. It's fairly obvious that there's not going to be a Starbucks in the DFac at Ft. Jackson.  Breaking the coffee habit before BCT 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 have become dependent on that daily cup of coffee.

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.  

What do y'all think about this?  I'd love any encouragement or feedback anyone can offer!

Sunday Pinspiration & Reflections

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 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!

Like I said a while ago, I've been in the mood to sparkle 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

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 really matters.  Looking around, I've come to the realization that there's just so 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.

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.

And for this one, I'm just going to leave it at that.

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.

Again, nothing more to say here.  I'll just let this one speak for itself.

...

Oh! And one more thing... have y'all seen the new In the Vias print from Lilly Spring 2015!  I'm in love!  Can you say graduation dress...?  Maybe so!

Here's to another week... work hard, dress great, and let's take the world by storm.

Cliniuqe Bonus Time: February 2015 Review

When I posted about my makeup and skincare routine 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!

Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips: 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 excellent 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.

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +: 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.

Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator: 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.

Clinique Color Compact: 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.

Different Lipstick: 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 my usual palette choice, but it's perfectly appropriate for both day to day wear and formal occasions.

Lash Doubling Mascara: 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 always 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.

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.

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!

Event Planning Essentials

I'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.

Right now I'm in the middle of a huge 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!

Agenda: Does this even need an explanation?  My agenda is an essential for everything, 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.

Notebook: When I'm planning something, I like to keep everything in one place.  Phone numbers, addresses, layouts, meeting notes, to-do lists, etc.  I love 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.

Highlighters and Pens: Two words: color coding.

Networking and communication skills: These two are huge.  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.

Professional attitude: 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!

Dedication: 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.

Pinterest: 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!

Timelines: 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.

Budgeting and negotiating skills: 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.

Leadership skills: 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.

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!

How to Sparkle

Lately, I've been in the mood to sparkle.  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 really want to sparkle, {and trust me on this one} it's best to start from the inside and work your way out.

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.

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.

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 you sparkle.  So work hard, treat yourself well, and always remember what it truly means to sparkle.

Top Beauty Products Under $15

{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!}

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:

True Blue Spa 60-Second Manicure Hand Scrub {Bath and Body Works} // Clean Freak Refreshing Dry

Shampoo {Drugstore} // Avon Pro Foundation Brush // 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}

What are some of your favorite beauty products under $15?  Let me know!

Welcome Back White: What To Order At Starbucks When Holiday Beverages Are Gone

We'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 nearly 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?

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.

{Skinny} Vanilla Latte // 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.

Cinnamon Dolce Latte // 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.

Hot Chocolate // Let's not forget our favorite coffeemakers are also pretty talented in the art of hot chocolate.  If you're not already aware, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is a thing, and a delicious one at that.

White Chocolate Mocha // 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.  

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?  

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.

What's your go-to drink at Starbucks during the off-season?  Let me know!