FALL BUCKET LIST | 2017

t's no secret that I am fall's biggest fan! I come alive during this season mostly because it's a time when my weeks become more relaxing as daylight savings happens, I'm able to bundle up in cold weather, and delight in pumpkin treats!! For some reason it's like my whole world is able to take a moment and slow down.

Every year I put together a list of activities or moments I'd love to do during this season. My typical "fall" here in Southern California looks so different than for those in New York. Our leaves won't turn red until late November, if we're lucky! It doesn't snow here, so hunter boots are useless. Last year even a leather jacket became too warm!

So as I put this list together, I became very intentionally of how I have to view "fall." Nevertheless, I am so happy autumn is here, and I can't wait to start celebrating by crossing off my bucket list! What are some ways you want to engage in fall this year?

1. Throw a pumpkin carving party.
Pinterest has given me enough ideas for my pumpkin to last a lifetime, haha. Come October my hope is to throw a mini fall party with festive snacks and drinks, along with pumpkin crafting in my dorm with friends!

2. Fall photo-shoot. 
This can be said come every holiday or season for me! I've never done one at a pumpkin patch, so I'm hoping this will be my year!

3. Eat a caramel apple.
I didn't do this last year, and it was so sad, lol. Up at Riley's Farm they have the best, so a trip up there over the weekend is ideal.

4. DIY a halloween costume. 
Being at college I'm sure there will be some type of event, and I've heard it's a blast. So, I want to actually dress up something super fun, but simple!

5. Watch the sunset at the beach. 
I'd love to visit Crystal Cove here in Orange County and capture some beautiful sunset photos. Right now at Vanguard they are so beautiful, and I keep saying imagine the view at the beach!!! Curling up on the sand with a jacket is my type of beach visit!

6. Bake a fall treat. 
Baking something with my mom during this season is always so much fun. I love experimenting, and trying new recipes! This year I'm thinking either spice muffins, or a marble pumpkin loaf.

7. Decorate my dorm room. 
Simple decorations are a must. I picked up some string lights, and window decals and I already love the fall inspiration. Now I need my glitter pumpkins, cozy throw, decor banners, and a few fall scents for my dorm (since candles aren't allowed).

HOW TO BALANCE COLLEGE WITH YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE

know all too well how difficult it can be to balance the college lifestyle, and social life, along with running a blog. It's a lot to handle, and figure out, and I'm sure you've noticed my blog isn't as consist as it was just a year away, since I've moved to Vanguard.

Well, I'm still figuring it all out, but I have learned a few things here and there to help the entire process. Here are a few tips that hopefully can help you if your a college gal like myself!

1. Wake Up Early: 
Nah, college students aren't known for rising before the sun, but to really be able to have my cleaning and homework done in order to come back and spend time on social media, emails, and this blog. It's actually helped me so much, and who knew that extra hour would allow some fun time at night?!

2. Make Priorities:
This is something every girl has to do, not just for college. To balance out my load I try super hard to rely on my day planner and bring it with me everywhere that way I can see what assignments are due on what time, and time. The one's that are further in my week, I save until the next day. I also have to prioritize my specific times through out the day. Lunch is something I can't go without, therefore it's something I have to make priority above social gatherings, or last minute homework assignments.

3. Carve Out Time For Everything: 
It's a lot like making priorities, but this one relies more on my calendar/day planner skills. For social groups, homework, class time, snack breaks, choir practice, etc, all needs it's own divided attention. I know when I work best writing a paper, or reading my book therefore I carve out those times in my day to do that. It's weird, but reading a book at night makes me sleepy, so instead I swap that hour out for cleaning and to tidy up my desk and bathroom.

4. Create Boundaries (A.K.A. Say No): 
Something I'm slowly learning is when and how I need to say no to certain events, activities, and trips. My first month was critical to making new friends, and it was needed and wonderful, I don't regret my busyness, but I also made me tired and I felt burned out after awhile. Now, I have my group of friends, know my roommate, comfortable in classes, and finding my way around I don't feel the pressure or desire to constantly say yes to everything that comes my way! There is power in saying no.

5. Ask for Help: 
This one is something that really saves a person. The first month, I missed my family more than anything, home sickness was beyond real, but my parents made the effort to come see me and spend a whole day with me, and that helped SO much. Their help was through company, and it was needed. Another form of help is with classes. Don't be afraid to take up tutoring sessions, or private sessions with your professors. People are willing to help, all you have to do is ask.

6. Have Fun: 
Above all, have fun! It's something I've loved about college. The freedom, and independence. It's so fun to have my dorm room decorated to my liking, performing in choir, and making so many wonderful friends. College is an amazing experience, and I'm so grateful to be able to have this opportunity to grow and to have that type of fun I had back in high school!

The Heart Of It | Transitions

ife is full of adventure, personal growth, laughter, new experiences, and connections, but most importantly transitions. We all come from different backgrounds and own a set of worldview from growing up. As a 20 year old girl who has just entered this University life here at Vanguard University of Southern California as a transfer junior, the life altering concept of transitions is something that's shaped my every being all within a matter of two weeks.

It's a special time to break free from the life I once knew, to explore new desires and passions. I have the opportunity to start fresh and say goodbye to the habits, friendships, and environment that challenged my faith with the Lord like no other. This new chapter in my life has been longed for ever since I placed my tassel on the left side of my graduation cap in high school.

Even with this rush of excitement to feel settled in, and be apart of this community on campus it comes with a flood of emotions as I'm trying to figure out who I am and all that I hope to gain through these next two years.

Our community is diverse and filled with hundreds of different backgrounds, and personal testimonies. It's easy to leave behind all we know, and come from growing up with our families. However, as wonderful as it is to begin with a clean slate, it's daunting.

Who am I suppose to trust? When should I feel comfortable letting lose? Will other's judge me? Am I enough? Am I lacking in self confidence? All of these questions are one's that silently screamed in the back of my mind before starting college, and I often wondered if such anxiety would peek through on the outside.

This transition hasn't been all that I expected, or even hoped in both good and bad situations. The friendships I've made have been a true comfort, but yet I've had to face obstacles I didn't know I would, especially at a Christian University.

As I have leaned on the Lord for comfort he has pointed me to a verse over and over again, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them" - Genesis 1:27.

So as I have dealt with identity questions about who I desire to be, I remember that my worth comes from Him.

I am a child of God, and he has fearfully and wonderfully made me. I can feel loved, accepted, and beautiful because of Him.

The Lord has been showing me so many things during this time of transition, and truly creating this type of transformation within me.

Transitions aren't easy, and it's interesting to see how much I craved it, especially when I cringe at the thought of change.

Yet, this new change for me will take time, and hopefully soon I'll be able to call Vanguard my home, rather than my college. 

AN OCTOBER SUNSET

ewport Beach was so incredible the other night, and I'm so happy I brought my camera to prove that! My best friend, Emily, came out to Vanguard for the weekend to spend time with me, and see my dorm! It was literally the most perfect girls weekend. Completely needed on my end. 

We decided on a quick and easy dinner to eat at the beach, and behold pizza came to our rescue. Don't ask how long it took for us to find it though, because my GPS gave me a few wrong turns. I am just so happy we didn't miss the sunset altogether, because it wasn't looking bright!! Haha. 

Newport Beach is honestly my favorite place in Orange County. On my fall bucket-list, I really wanted to watch a sunset, and this night the sky lite up with bold orange, and red colors. Couldn't have been more of a beautiful October night! 

OCTOBER SMALL GOALS | 2017

t's October 3rd!!!! Thought today would be appropriate time I upload my monthly goals, in honor of Mean Girls Day, haha. My friends at college filled me in on the concept, and keep showing my video clips of their favorite scenes and I couldn't stop laughing. Any Mean Girl fans out there?

In all seriousness, fall it here and I couldn't be more happier. It's truly my favorite season. Fall scents, pumpkins, and all things gold glitter are all over my dorm, making it feel like my room back home! I have so many ideas to enjoy this season, relax, and be festive. So stay tuned for a fall bucket-list soon!


Septemer Goals...

1. Go Somewhere New By Myself | I will drive around, or pick up some take-out for dinner, but coffee shops, not yet.

2. Study Hard | YES!

3. Devotional Blog Post | I haven't done this yet...did you all know PicMonkey changed their 'free' subscription to a monthly service now? This is the reason for my absence.

4. Schedule 5 More Posts | I have around five posts ready to go, but missing photos!

5. Attend Chapel | Chapel credits are hard to earn when my week fills up so quickly. But I'm doing it, and I have around 13 out of 30 completed, so that's something.

October Goals....! 

1. Take Photos of my Dorm Room | My room is finally completed, and I love the set-up. It's time to give you a tour :)

2. Have My Friend Emily Out | This is already in motion, and I can't wait to show her around Costa Mesa and my university as she's never seen it! Talk about the ideal girls weekend.

3. Go to a Pumpkin Patch | I have always wanted to do this, mostly for the blog but also to be festive. I have the perfect go-to fall outfit this year, and I want to show it off.

4. Share a Playlist | I've always wanted to share a musical playlist, and perhaps this month I will! Let me know if you'd be interested.

5. Create a Twitter | I think I may be the very last person to ever create a twitter account, haha. But nevertheless, I think it'd be fun. Plus, I'm tired of being in the dark during conversations around campus, because it was on twitter. *face palm.