Finding Happiness

We're a couple weeks into the new year already, but I wanted to share one goal of mine that I've found to be quite helpful. This was a resolution of mine last year as well, which was to do more things that made me happy. Vague, yes, but it is something that I think is so important.

I've realized that I'm in a huge transitioning period of my life. I'm constantly trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I'm constantly taking new classes, living in new places, finding new part time jobs, etc, etc. I'm someone who doesn't always take changes easily... so this leads me to a lot of worrying, a lot of stress, and a lot of focus on the future instead of what's happening right now.

What I have to do, and what many of us surely need to do, is constantly remind ourselves that we deserve happiness. Whatever your worries are in life are assuredly valid, important reasons to stress about-- but we can't live with just the worries. We deserve to be happy. We deserve to do what it takes to find that happiness.

So do something that makes you happy. Start small-- take a walk, read a book, talk to an old friend, make cookies, donate your old clothes, or watch that movie you've been wanting to see. Then maybe move onto something big-- finally set a date, go on a mission trip, move, let go of a bad influence, lose that weight, or find a new job.

The thing I've realized about the typical New Year's Resolutions is that they're usually all things that will bring you happiness. Things that will better yourself. And remember that taking those steps to find happiness isn't a selfish thing... it's actually kind of necessary. You really deserve it.

Let me know one thing that you'll be doing to find happiness. I'll definitely be sharing some the things I do on here with you guys.

I hope you have a happy weekend.

♥ 

image via Pinterest

Beginning

Today, I wanted to talk a little about resolutions. This time last year I think I came up with 4 New Year's resolutions... and I successfully reached 2 of them. So, because of my imminent failure I've made the decision not to make any resolutions. There are still goals I want to achieve of course, but labeling it a "resolution" just puts that weird pressure on it. I haven't finalized what those goals are, but I'm sure I'll share some sort of list on here soon.

Are you guys resolution makers? Let me know them in the comments! And I'd like to officially wish you all a Happy 2014! Even though I'm still dealing with the fact that Christmas is actually over, I'm very excited for this new year.

Happy Monday.

photo via Pinterest

Don't Stress

Today I'll (hopefully) be finishing up my last bits of Christmas shopping. I've spent the past few days out shopping, and as much fun as it is, it can be a very tiring process. It's so easy to get bogged down in the "obligations" that come at Christmastime-- remember to send this, buy this, decorate this, etc. I think what is keeping me positive is, well the fact I love Christmas so much, but also that the gifts and the decorations and everything else doesn't really matter. Whaaaaat? I know, I know, but it's true.

It's great if you find that perfect present, but really whatever you get will be great. It's honestly the thought that counts. Don't worry about the card you forgot to send to so & so. They won't really mind. Oh, you burnt the cookies? No worries. 

So in the next couple days, don't stress too much. Just have fun, stay positive, and be merry & happy... because Christmas is almost here!

COUNTDOWN: 5 DAYS of BLOGGING!

Image via Pinterest here

DIY: Christmas Pocket Tee

I am so excited to share today's DIY project! For some reason people love t-shirts with pockets. I'm not exactly sure why a pocket makes a t-shirt 10x better, but it does, and I love it. So, if you have a little bit of time and a few products, this is a really easy, inexpensive gift to make for Christmas! I'm really happy with how these turned out. Here's the step by step process of how I made these.

Step 1: Gather your supplies. You will need: blank t-shirts, fabric, scissors, pins, rulers, and preferably a sewing machine.

Step 2: Cut out squares of fabric as well as a template for your pocket. You can print one or trace it for yourself. This will help to fold your pocket.

Step 3: Wait for your dog to move out of the way. Really, she insists on sitting right where I need to be.

Step 4: Use the template to help fold the fabric into the form of a pocket square. Then, pin the fabric into place.

Step 5: Sew along the upper part of the pocket.

Step 6: Pin your pocket square onto the t-shirt (as seen above) to prepare it for the sewing machine. It also really helps to have a pocket t-shirt or button down shirt next to you so you can position the square onto the t-shirt in the right place. Do not pin the top of the pocket!

Step 7: Sew the square onto the shirt. It would be possible to sew this by hand, but using a machine is a bit more practical. My mom graciously helped me during this part, because although I can sew, it would've taken me ages. (Thanks, mom!)

Voila! Now all you have to do is wrap these up & you have the perfect Christmas present! It takes a bit of extra time, but I think the result is worth it. My friends really liked this present, & now my mom even wants one for herself!

COUNTDOWN: 10 DAYS of BLOGGING!

(WHAT? 10!)

Pinspiration: Christmas Everything

I love getting lost in all the snow covered photos that come around this time of year. So, if you follow me on Pinterest... my apologies for the Christmas overload. If you don't follow me on Pinterest, and you love some Christmas inspiration, go check out my board here! It is solely dedicated to all things wonderfully festive and sparkly and Christmasy. Let me know if you have a Christmas board, and leave a link below! I'd really love to follow.

He's coming to town!

COUNTDOWN: 22 DAYS of BLOGGING!

Special Announcement!

First of all, Merry Christmas! I can finally say that without any judgement. I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving, but it is time to get in the Christmas spirit! So, as a way to countdown to Christmas, and celebrate my most favorite time of the year, I am happy to announce that I will be doing 25 Days of Blogging! Monday to Sunday, everyday, for 25 days you can come here and find a new post all about Christmas. I have some fun videos planned, a few gift guides, and so much more fun stuff. I am so excited, and I hope you are too! Today marks the very first day, so stay tuned for more!

COUNTDOWN: 25 DAYS of BLOGGING!

all images via Pinterest (first picture edited)

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I hope today brings you happiness and very full tummies. I have sort of taken a break from blogging this week, but I have very exciting news that may or may not involve Christmas (hint: it does)! However, today is about giving thanks... and although we may be decorating our tree tonight, I'm going to try to focus on this great holiday. Go eat some turkey! And remember to count all of the wonderful blessings you have. Have a wonderful day! 

image via Pinterest

Fit Bit: Starting Simple

I've come to the conclusion that battling with weight and eating healthy and having a healthy routine will always be a big struggle for me. I always have that "Monday" theory-- I start to have a good week, slip up once, and start over again when it's convenient. That method really doesn't work, because being healthy requires a lifestyle change, and I just want it to happen over night. So, I want to start doing these Fit Bit posts every so often, to share with you guys, and honestly (hopefully) just to keep me on track. To start out, here are a few tips that I'm starting to incorporate in my life.

There is no secret. Eating right and exercising daily is the answer to a healthy lifestyle. It seems so simple, but simplicity is the key.

Find a buddy. If working out is something you struggle with, try to have a friend who will keep you on track. You can help each other along the way. (Thanks, Vicky!)

Don't completely deprive yourself of what you love. I've set a rule for myself that I won't eat sweets or drink sodas during the week. I have a huge sweet tooth, so if I didn't allow myself to indulge, I'd be an unhappy camper. With that being said, don't overdo it. Remember, it's a lifestyle change.

Start a routine. I'm in college, so my gym is a two minute walk from my dorm room. It's easy for me to go, but easy for me to ignore it. So, having a set time of day to go to the gym or attend a fitness class will help you stay on track.

I'm sure these are tips you've all heard before, but that means they've got to work, right? Let me know some of your healthy living tips below!

all photos found on Pinterest

Oh Monday.

We've come to the most challenging day of the week... again. Oh how lovely Mondays are.

The weekend is over, but I didn't even catch up on sleep.
Whyyy do I have to go to class.
There's so many things I still need to do.
Oh man, I forgot to do that one thing..
Work could not be more boring.
Is it nap time yet?
Is it Friday yet?

Basically Mondays are the worst. I'm sure though, there is someone out there who is having the most incredible day of their life. Even though that may not be you, there's going to be some amazing moment today. Maybe something made you laugh or smile or think or reflect. Whatever it is, remember it when the not so fun parts of the day roll around. Mondays are the absolute worst, I agree, but don't let that spoil your day. Have fun today. Enjoy!

Image via Pinterest

Pinspiration: Dorm Life

Everybody loves Pinterest right? I go back and forth with it-- sometimes I'm obsessed, and sometimes I don't go on it for weeks. Since I've been at college, I've loved looking at dorm room inspiration. People on Pinterest are so clever. Tomorrow I'll be sharing a couple ways I've incorporated some of these ideas into my own room. I haven't quite finished decorating, but a full dorm room tour is definitely in the future. Stay tuned for all the dorm room goodness!

 

 

 

Do you have any fun dorm room tips? Also, you can follow me on Pinterest here!

DIY: ♥ Collage

For this Thursday's Theme, I want to share a few back to school tips with you all. This DIY would be perfect to fill up an empty dorm wall, or add a little life to any room. About a month ago I rearranged my room and took down what used to be a big, fluffy, hot pink headboard. Oh, it was glorious, don't get me wrong, but it was definitely time for a change. I've been wanting to do this in my room for a while and finally got around to doing putting it up. Here are the steps I took:

1. Find yourself a nice open wall. I chose the space above my bed, but anywhere will work! (& yes, that is my teddy bear...)

2. Gather a bunch of photos & something to hang them with. I had some painter's tape, which isn't the best option, but it works. I used 19 photos in total-- 5 portrait & 14 landscape.

3. Lay out your photos in the order/arrangment you'd like. Add more or less photos depending on the wall space you are filling.

4. Apply tape to the back of each photo.

5. Recruit a cute puppy to help you hang them up. I'll admit.. I didn't do any proper measurements & just eye-balled it. I had to move the photos around 2 or 3 times before I was happy with it.

6. Voila! A fun, super inexpensive way to decorate your walls.

Be sure to look out for another Back to School post next Thursday! Have a lovely day & happy August!

Inspired: Cloth Headbands

I've been seeing these cloth tied headbands everywhere, and I think they're so lovely. Also, I can be very, very lazy and they seem awesome for nasty hair days. I've been wanting to buy some, but they're just so dang expensive! I can't justify spending 17 dollars on a little piece of cloth. So, hopefully within the next week or so, I'll figure out a way to make my own.

all images are from Pinterest!