Confine Yourself To The Present

o you ever find it difficult to live in the present? Truly soaking in every moment of the day? I've been finding it to be a challenge. I tend to reminisce on the past or worry and plan for the future. This summer, though, I don't want to be guilty of this.


I am home from college now and my summer has been so relaxing. Yet, at the same time I've spent my time reflecting on things that aren't the most important for my time right now. When you have so much pilling up around you it's hard to put things in perspective. For myself, it's finalizing everything with my new university online.

During whatever season I find myself in requires adjustment. It can be exhausting learning a new routine or schedule. Come August all my courses will be online, and I'm already sensing a part of me not feeling ready for that change. Because once it comes, I'll need to learn how to be present in my everyday.

So, why not start now? I hate it when I can't relax while watching a tv show, doing chores, or reading a book outside without thinking of all the things I have to do later that week or even in a few months. Obviously productivity needs to be kicked into gear in order for a sense of 'staying present' can take over.

In order to stay present this sumner, I am going to incorporate a few new habits into my daily routine. I really want to keep a gratitude journal, spend more time outside reading or walking, dive into the Word, and surround myself with uplifting people.

What does your day look like? Do you have time to dream about the future or are you focusing on what lies before you right now?

Everyday Jewelry Wears

ewelry is my favorite way to dress up an outfit look. Over the years, I've finally found my go-to pieces that make me feel comfortable and cute. Growing up, I never thought I'd have a love for gold jewelry but boy was I wrong. Other than a wedding ring perhaps, you'll never see me in silver pieces.

You'll find that my pieces are dainty, gold, and simple. Much like my outfit choices, I enjoy my jewelry to look timeless. No matter the latest trends they will always seem to match beautifully. Layered necklaces or bangles are the pieces I reach for daily. Other than hoop earrings, I never seem to wear anything else. I'm also a lover of knuckle rings (mostly because my fingers aren't a size 6) so thanks to Forever 21 my collection now offers a variety.

Anyways, here are a few items + brands that I adore! What are your favorite pieces of jewelry?

1. Knuckle Rings // As I mentioned I buy them from Forever 21, because they are super cheap. I'm very self conscious of my hands and fingers, but if I throw on a few knuckle rings I'm good to go! Here are a few I really enjoy and recently picked up! { solitaire midi ring set, ornate midi ring set }

2. Alex & Ani Charm Bracelets // A new find has been the brand called Alex and Ani! Their pieces are so simple, yet fun! I love wearing bangles, (again big wrists) so for a long time I wouldn't find any that flattered my hands. Everything from Alex and Ani, though, fits wonderfully. I have so many items left on my wishlist. Take a peek at the one's I currently own. { thankful, rocker beaded, march birthstone }

3. Kingsley Necklace // I've talked on the blog before about my all time favorite jewelry brand, Miranda Frye, because her necklaces are so dainty and elegant. Her pieces are the most expensive pieces in my collection, however, they clean beautifully. I know I will have them in my collection forever, as they are excellent quality. The Kingsley necklace comes matching with a bracelet, and I love pairing both. Literally, all my necklaces are from this brand, so be sure to take a look at them all (unfortunately a lot aren't up on the site anymore, so here's what I could find)!! { Kingsley, arch necklace, Ashleigh }

4. Watches // I love wearing watches and layering them with my charm bangles or Kingsley bracelet. I'm super picky when it comes to watches, and literally have only found a few at Francesca's. They have the best selection, especially for a gal who loves the big face on a clock (their website also lacks watches similar to mine, but here's one that I have my eye on). { Vanessa classic minimal watch }

5. Gold Hoops // Again, earrings are always a second thought, but my one pair of gold hoops from Free People are my favorite. Anthropologie also has a few favorites that are on my wishlist, so I'll include those as well! { fine gauge hoop, spring surprise, slender hoops }

My Favorite Movies

v shows to binge on Netflix are always the best, but for me nothing beats a classic movie! Summer is obviously perfect for the outdoors, but it is also the time as a student that I relax. Isn't summer all about those me-time afternoons while reading magazines, painting your toes, and eating chocolate? For me, it's complete with my favorite movie! So, if you are like me who loves a day out of the summer heat, than be sure to give these movies a peek!

1. Anne of Green Gables // This will forever be my favorite, (no matter what new Nicolas Sparks movie comes out) because it is a filled with beautiful characters. The love story of Anne and Gilbert is just so sweet. I love how they grew up together and have funny memories to look back on! This movie also reminds me of my grandma, as it's our go-to film.

2. Sweet Home Alabama // Reese Witherspoon stars in this movie, and honestly it is the only film I enjoy her acting in. This movie has some classic lines I use all the time in conversations, haha. It's a great laugh and I have so much respect for both men she has interests in.

3. Safe Haven // Nicholas Sparks is literally contains all my favorite chick flicks ever. But, Safe Haven is a sweet love story. Julianna Hough is a wonderful actress and I've been following her on Instagram which makes me adore her all the more. It's a sad movie yet with a happy ending, which is something Nicholas Sparks isn't always known for!

4. The Proposal // Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock are absolutely perfect together for this comedy love story!! It's about a controlling boss who forces her assistant to marry her in order for her to keep a visa status in the U.S. to avoid being deported to Canada. You must watch this film if you're up for a good laugh.

5. How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days // Best movie ever!! My sister and I can recite this entire movie together. Andy Anderson (Kate Hudson) and Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) are paired together in order to win a beat within their journalist careers, yet either one knows about each other's secret plan. Bottom line, it's a classic!!

6. Singing In The Rain // Oh yes, I am a lover of old classics. Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly are amazing actors!! The soundtrack is beautiful and makes me want to tap dance along with them all. This movie showcases how the Hollywood industry began and the way celebrities were viewed in the 20's.

7. Stepmom // This is a heartwrenching movie, but I love every minute of it. Julia Roberts will probably be my favorite actress ever! She can make me cry like no other. It's all about a divorced family, the mom deals with a health issue, and the stepmother to-be creates conflict among the two children. This may even beat my love for Anne of Green Gables, haha!

8. Sabrina // My first Aubry Hepburn movie was Sabrina, the black and white version (much more romantic that way). I mean, does it even matter what the movie is about? We are talking about Aubry here. I love the sound of her voice, and her sense of style. If you love the 20's, give this a go!

9. The Intern // A newer film selection here with Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro. It's about a 70 year old man who becomes a senior intern for an online fashion company. He creates a special bond with the founder of it all who tends to be very private. It's neat watching the generational gap of technology in the workforce, however, this film honored the old fashioned gentleman lifestyle.

10. Made of Honor // Patrick Dempsey is great in this film. He plays the role of guy who is scared of commitment, lives by his own dating rules, and also begins to fall in love with his best friend, Hannah. With one trip to Ireland, Hannah comes home with a finance. Patrick Dempsey has to win her heart by being the best made of honor ever. It's a sweet and funny movie!!

May | Let's Catch Up

t feels so good to be typing right now. It's been a while since my last post, and nothing sparks my creative outlet more than blogging. I am officially home now from college, and I couldn't be happier that it's summer. I've been up to so many things, so I figured a life lately styled post would be just the thing.

Loving: My bedroom. I finally decided on having a desk in my bedroom. I'm still in the process of finding the perfect chair, but I already love the space it provides me. I hope to share a mini office tour soon.

Watching: I just started watching Parenthood, and OMG it's the best. I secretly only gave it a chance because of Lauren Graham, but the entire show is amazing so far. I'm on season 1 right now, but I betcha I'll be on season 2 by the time this post goes up! Haha.

Listening: You guys, Charlie Puth's album just came out and I'm pumped. It's about time my car is filled with some new music!!!

Summer Plans: This June, my family is going on a vacation to Santa Barbara, and I can't wait to blog all about it!! If you have any recommendations for cute coffee shops or photoshoot locations let me know!

Excited About: Officially being home! I have decided to finish my degree online since I'm entering my senior year of college, so that way I can say goodbye to that big chunk of debt I would have otherwise had to stomach. Hence why I wanted a desk in my room so badly!

Wishing: I didn't have to start summer courses in July! My new schedule is going to be more time consuming (I'm guessing) but I'll be online, so I'm hoping that will balance it all out.

Figuring Out: A schedule! Now that I'm back, I have to try new things and have a routine. I want to be busy like I was at my university, rather than bored in front of my computer screen. This whole balance of working at home thing may be the case for this college gal!