LIFE LATELY

here do I begin? So many things have been happening in my life, and it's a bit overwhelming to even type out this post if I'm being honest. College here at Vanguard has brought many highs and lows, which results to me being acting like a crazy, off tack, and bumpy, roller coaster at times.

The question that pops up everywhere is how do you like Vanguard? Well...one day I love it, the next wishing I never came. It's hard starting over, learning a new city, and making friends. Yet, I'm loving the opportunity to explore, and learn more about myself.

Missing: Home cooked meals. I think this is a given for college students, but my hype for the cafe is now completely gone.

Loving: My classes are absolutely amazing. All of them are english classes, which focuses around discussion and it reminds me so much of my high school days! It's stretching my thinking skills, and sharpening the way the I analyze a text.

Listening To: Lots of Nick Jonas. I went to an Angels baseball game, and he provided a post game concert...truly the best!

Excited For: Fantasia! It's the concert choir's huge production for Christmas time, and the most elaborate event of the year for us!

Watching: Gilmore Girls for the third time through now...oh how I love that show! Just the theme song alone makes me happy.

Exploring: Many local coffee shops in Orange County. I've been to two so far that I love, so I hope you won't mind the overload of coffee shop type vibes coming your way this semester.

Busy With: My journalism course. Many interviews, news stories, and column pieces are due every week and it's keeping me on my toes. I love writing, and it's really the only class that showcases so much essay work, so I'm soaking it all in right now!

BLOGGING 101: 5 THINGS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR ABOUT PAGE

f your a blogger who needs some inspiration regarding your about page, your not alone! While putting mine together, I browsed other blogs, and Pinterest to strengthen my own layout and content. The great thing about blogging is that each blog is different, therefore create your own rules here, and have fun with it! Just keep in mind to have everything align with your brand, or overall theme of the site. Make your about section, jump off the page letting everyone know who you are, and what you stand for, and don't forget about these five little things.

1. YOUR BLOG STORY: 
How did your blog come to be? Tell your readers why you began blogging, when it was founded, and how it's transformed with time. Make this personal, as your readers really enjoy getting to know the blogger's heart!

2. PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT: 
Now that your readers understand the process of your blog, share a mission/purpose statement. Explain to your readers the whole focus of this blog, and state your branding well. Talk about what your readers can gain while following along, and what to expect seeing on a monthly basis. Provide information on what makes your blog or business so unique and different than the rest.

3. TELL US ABOUT YOU: 
Providing a clear photo of yourself, and personal information is key when having your readers stick around for years to come. I included a little ten facts about me on my page, or I've seen frequently asked questions. Adding little touches like this not only shares a side of yourself, but a peek into what holds your blog together.

4. CORE VALUES: 
Something I recently added in my about page, was a special part describing my core values. My values here express my overall goal to always maintain on the blog, and also a few things I remind myself while I blog and receive feedback. This is just getting deeper in providing my readers with encouragement, and also so express my faith which they will always see/read on the blog.

5. ASK AWAY: 
Your about page is almost finished! Something extra I love to include is a spot where my readers can ask me anything. Once they have read your about page, they may be left with some questions, in need of advice, or if you run a business than perhaps an inquiry, therefore provide your email where they can reach you, or provide a link that allows them to fill out a form. You've shared a lot of information, now let your readers be involved of the process!

SUNDAY MORNING READINGS 03

o happy Sunday is here!! I feel like I'm full swing into my classes now, and I have a pretty good schedule with figuring out how to be productive everyday. I thought it was about time for a 'Sunday Morning Readings' post, and share some articles I loved this week.

I've been out of this blogging world for a few weeks just adjusting to college, so it felt so good to play catch up with all my favorite bloggers and even YouTubers. Anything you've been loving lately?

The Blogger:
The Everygirl is a huge blog, filled with great resources. It reminds me of a magazine type of set up, and I love it. One post that was published a few days ago really spoke to me. It was titled "How to Be a Better Listener With Your Friends." LOVE! Everything was right on, and so important for a friendship to last, and become strengthened. I hate it when my girlfriends interrupt me when talking, so it was a good reminder to not do that either, haha.

Wishlist Item: 
One item I've had my eye on is a new phone case. Rifle Paper Co always has the cutest. I just upgraded my phone to a iPhone 6 plus, and so it's a legit purchase I can justify, haha. Needing to make a trip to Anthro soon.

The YouTuber: 
I loved watching Ashley's video of a Charleston travel guide. She gave such wonderful recommendations, and it made me want to visit myself. Her videos are always such high quality, so check it out.

Instagram Account: 
One account I recently followed is called Moral Revolution. I love the type of posts they do weekly. It's an account built for awareness towards Christianity, along with encouragement on how to keep the faith. They discuss myths, lies, and even truths to know via bible verses. Give them a follow!

THE CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL TAG

o, I've wanted to tackle this fun tag since my old YouTube days probably 3 years ago now, and yes I'm just getting around to it, haha. It's an older tag, you've probably seen it around, but I still love the concept. Answering questions on the blog to make a fun post is always up my alley, because it's the perfect way to share more of my experiences. That way you guys can get to know me a little bit better.

I use to be a fashion blogger and therefore apart of me misses my old roots of talking fashion. I follow many fashion bloggers, and even vloggers and I love learning about the new styles, or see how other's put together their wardrobe, yet it's like I never share my thoughts or personal style anymore.

Why? I don't know, sometimes I actually believe other's do it better than me. My style is simple, and classic. I don't jump on the next trends and then ditch them to buy more Forever 21 pieces. I stick with what I know, and like. You'll probably be able to tell that from my answers below! But below it was so fun to reminisce on some old pieces. It's funny how certain memories or people are connected through a piece of clothing.  How would you describe your style?

TAG QUESTIONS

1. What is the oldest item in your closet?
My oldest and favorite piece in my closet is my jean jacket! If you've been following my blog for a few years, you'd know which one I'm talking about. I use to wear it all the time! Just a classic.

2. What is the newest?  
I recently bought these super cute strap up sandals from Target. I love them so much, because I usually can't pull off any type of gladiator styles for my legs, but these one's are just short enough to flatter my feet and legs. I bought the one's in black, and they almost have a felt/velvet texture so it's makes them feel fancy!

3. What is the most expensive? 
A black leather jacket from Jennifer Lopez collection. It's seriously the best fit and overall quality of any leather jacket I've had in the past. I've worn it so many times on the blog, you can find it here.

4. Cheapest/most affordable item that you wear/use a lot! 
Perhaps it would be a plain black tee from Target. Can you tell I shop there a lot? Haha. Solid color tops are perfect for layering, and it's a simple go-to for me. 

5. What was the biggest bargain?
Just lately, I bought this beautiful black lace dress at Stein Mart and I found it on the clearance rack. This dress reminds me of a Nordstrom or Free People dress, so I'd say it was a major score!! I adore dresses, and honestly if I had a little more body confidence, they would be my only clothing choice. I can't wait to wear it for a special occasion. 

6. What was the biggest waste of money?
My royal blue high heels I bought to match my homecoming I attended my sophomore year in high school!! I actually can't even believe I still own them in my closet right now. I can't bring myself to get rid of them, but that's because they did cost like fifty dollars, and I only wore them one time. Such a waste, but they were my first official heels ever, so perhaps I also have sentimental reasons of why I'm holding on to them. I actually posted way back when about my homecoming outfit on the blog, check it out!

BONUS - Show us your three wishlist items right now! 

Right now I'm obsessed with graphic tees, and I love this one. Girl Power!!  It only comes in one size but something like this style is adorable.

Another wishlist item would be these pink sunglasses. How cute are they?

I love patches or pins on jean jackets, or in this case some faded ripped shorts! This pack is super fun for summer.

MILK & HONEY

sn't this coffee shop the cutest thing ever? Okay, I know I say that every time I explore new one's, but trust me Milk & Honey won't disappoint. Since being at VU I have collected a long list of recommended places to visit (thank you Yelp) and my friends picked this one as our first stop!

I have made some really sweet friends, Ineke and Melissa, who also enjoy mini-photoshoots like me! So they were so excited once I brought my camera out. It was so fun, and we all took portraits of each other! I'm so very thankful for their friendship, and love of adventuring.

So here's a few things about Milk & Honey you should know in case you visit one day. Go during a non-busy time, so around 1pm is ideal. Otherwise, you'll be taking your coffee to-go, as it's a very shop that has around two tables inside. They have an outside patio filled with hanging pots, and string of lights, darling marble little tables, and it honestly feels like an escape from the city. I ordered a peach iced tea, and it was so yummy. I'll definitely be back here soon!

SEPTEMBER SMALL GOALS | 2017

ey guys! I feel like I haven't blogged in such a while. Most of what you've seen has been prescheduled! I am so busy at college, and this site has honestly been so missed. It felt so good this Saturday afternoon to type my feelings/goals down for today's post. I hope all is well, and I'll be back later this week with a super fun post.

My August goals...

1. Soda Detox | I did this, but towards the end of the month I became more lose. Does that count? lol.

2. Make Time to Journal | I have accomplished more journal entries this month. Of course, I'd love to write more, but such is life.

3. Explore New Places | YES! I can cross this off my list. I explored so many new beaches, coffee shops, and even shopping malls since I've been at VU.

4. Eliminate Anxiety | Perhaps my grip is stronger, but it's something that just comes with change.

5. Lose 10 Pounds | I believe it's around 5-6, so not quite 10. But progress is wonderful.

September goals...

1. Go Somewhere New By Myself | There's so many awesome coffee shops to go to in Costa Mesa, I would love to venture off campus and have some alone time studying or blogging one afternoon. Sometimes I just need to clear my head.

2. Study Hard | Wow my homework is a lot. I'm an english major, so the volume of reading is triple the amount of a normal class, for all my classes! I want to keep my focus, and work hard for all my essays.

3. Blog Post on What the Lord Has Shown Me | The Lord has been showing me so many things these past three weeks, I would love to write a devo/heart to heart post on my feelings right now. Let's see if it ever becomes live though...

4. Schedule 5 More Posts | Oh my gosh! I literally haven't blogged at all since being gone. Going to work on this in September.

5. Attend Chapel | I'm not putting a limit on this one, because it's something I want to occur naturally. My faith has been strengthened so much while being at college, and the chapel is always a highlight of my day. So even when things become busy, chapel is priority.