I can’t say I am 100% a morning person, but I tend to love the feeling of a fresh start and a new day. I have my own morning routine, and I thought I’d share with all of you today.

1. Wake up around 5:30 a.m. 
Ideally I give myself about 30 minutes to wake up, brew a cup of coffee in my Keurig, and either write or read blogs posts. I also love to read my “Jesus Calling” devotional in the morning and I will journal my prayer for the day. If you don’t write your prayers, I strongly encourage you too! It’s a great way to start my morning.

2. Shower. 
I always shower in the morning (and at night). It helps me to wake up and I just feel refreshed and ready for the day.

3. Moisturize & Make up. 
In total, my moisturizing and make up routine can take between 10 to 20 minutes. If I am doing lighter make up that day, then it can take closer to 10. I wash my face in the shower, so I don’t have to worry about that. I moisturize with Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar and that always does the trick for me. I have very oily skin, so a little moisturizer goes a long way. If I have a blemish or break out, I will apply the Clean & Clear Rapid Clearing Gel on my problem areas and then moisturizer. I always apply primer by Becca since it helps control oil throughout the day. I will then apply my make up.

4. Hair.
After my shower, I brush through my thick curly hair and wrap it in a towel. If I am straightening my hair that day, then I use a blow dry balm by Tresemme, Moroccan Oil by Garnier Fructis, and then blow dry and my hair and use a flat iron. If I am going curly that day I add a bit of mousse to the ends. I am in desperate need of a hair cut lately, so my hair is usually up by the end of the day anyway.

5. Get dressed.
I don’t plan my outfits ahead of time, but I rarely have trouble putting something together. This probably takes the least amount of time.

6. Out the door by 7:20 a.m. 
I carpool with my roommate to work, or sometimes we’ll drive separately if one of us has to work later than the other. We have about a 40 minute commute. We have A LOT of school traffic in the mornings, so we try and head out early to beat the traffic and delays. We also won’t get a parking spot at the college if we run too far behind.

7. Breakfast. 
Sometimes we will leave early enough to run by Starbucks first, or we’ll go by Krispy Kreme, Chick-Fil-A, or McDonalds. It’s not the healthiest breakfast, but we don’t do it everyday. Sometimes I am happy with a bowl of cereal at home, or some instant oatmeal.

That is my morning routine, folks! What did you think? Too much? Too little?

Happy Friday, xx!

WRITING HOME

I have always loved stationary and I have always been a fan of a hand-written note. There are so many things to be thankful about and when I feel the gratitude in my heart, I take it to the paper. Whether it’s a friend, co-worker, child or family member, saying “Thanks” never goes out of style. That is why I absolutely LOVE these thank you cards from Tiny Prints. Not only are they obviously beautiful in the outside, but they perfectly showcase the thankfulness I feel on the inside.

 Tiny Prints was so gracious in sending me a pack of their thank you cards, envelopes, envelope inserts, and mailing labels.

When I opened the package, I nearly squealed with JOY. Tiny Prints never disappoints!

These gold polkadot envelope inserts have an adhesive strip that you can easily peel so it will adhere to the envelope with ease. When your friend, or co-worker opens the envelope it’s like a little surprise inside. It’s details that really show someone you care!

The gold foil stamp is TO.DIE.FOR. and I cannot get enough.

Now, let’s talk about this floral. The colors are gorgeous and it’s perfect for any season. If you are in the market for beautiful stationary, go to Tiny Prints and place your ORDER! You will not be disappointed. You can customize your stationary with your name or monogram, which hello, is super adorable. You will never feel like buying regular stationary again!

Here is how to make your stationary more personal:

1. Include your name or monogram.
2. Purchase mailing labels to beautifully showcase your name and address.
3. Use envelope inserts to give your card that extra POP!
4. Use high quality beautiful pens, or maybe even take a calligraphy class to elegantly address your envelope.
5. Always include something from the heart. Being kind, showing gratitude, and expressing thoughtfulness is always personal!

Now, go get your stationary and write some notes!

BACK TO SCHOOL

If you have been around these parts for a while, you may know that I work at a University. Being in a learning environment everyday can be inspiring. Young people learning and chasing their dreams can make me want to re-evaluate my own dreams on occasion. Since I was young I have had an interest in Psychology. I am fascinated by how the mind works and how our minds affect literally everything about our day to day life. How we think affects how we behave and how we behave affects our environment around us. It can literally go on forever...

Lately, I have really been thinking about going to school to pursue my Ph.D. I am thrilled at the thought of being a “doctor”, but more than that, I am thrilled with the thought that this would lead to what I have always wanted to do - counseling. Counseling families and couples would be right up my ally. I have always had a significant interest in relationships, the dynamics of the relationships, and how they function. All of us are flawed, no doubt, but helping better relationships just makes my heart pitter-patter.

I know the sacrifice would be worth it, but it would also be hard. Working full time and going to school full time is no easy task. There is so much reading, studying, and writing that would need to be done. How can I find time to do it all? How can I be a woman who wants it all, and still get adequate sleep?

I have gone over the reasons why I want to, but I have to be honest in saying that there are some cons on that list. The amount of debt that I would accrue alone makes me cringe. But, I also have to be realistic about the fact that a terminal degree would lead to a higher pay grade. I could actually supplement my income by teaching and counseling. If I get licensed by the state, I could start my own counseling practice, whether it be inside or outside the church.

If you have any tips, advice, or thoughts at all, please leave them below! I am so torn, it would be nice to have some feedback!

Enjoy your Saturday, xx!

UNWIND

It’s no secret that my busiest time of the year is summertime. The amount of long hours, combined with less sleep, and more caffeine than ever can wreak havoc on my body. I know that if I go too hard for too long, I can end up with some serious burnout. Stress for me is a natural response to these longer days, but I do have some ways that I like to unwind. These may be helpful for you too!

1. Binge-watch a funny or light-hearted show. I started watching The Office again this Summer, not because I want to know what happens (trust me, I know every episode inside and out), but because it’s familiar and just funny all around. I also tend to go for mindless TV shows like Bachelor in Paradise, which is over-the-top ridiculous this season!

2. Journal. When I feel overwhelmed or stressed, journaling really allows me to get some things off my chest. Maybe I felt mistreated one day, or felt like I couldn’t stop messing up...Whatever I have endured that day, I let it out on the pages. The only ones who know what I have written are me, my journal, and God.

3. Cry. I love a good cry, but sometimes it’s necessary. I am an emotional being and sometimes letting it out helps me to feel lighter inside. Trust me, just from exhaustion alone my emotions are on edge. If I don’t let them out, they can build up, and cause more stress on my body.

4. Talk to a friend or family member. No one may understand what I am going through, but they can certainly listen, and that can help a ton! If you feel stressed or overwhelmed and need to vent, do it with someone you trust.

5. Drink some water. It’s scientifically proven that water can help hydrate and can alleviate fatigue. When I get stressed from working long hours, you can bet I have probably OD’d on caffeine as well. Sometimes I am working so much, that I forget to drink altogether, which isn’t good. Drinking more water can help hydrate, calm, and rejuvenate your body. If you feel stressed, take a minute and drink some water. Don’t chug while pumping out 20 emails. Just stop, breathe, and drink water. Sometimes the break can do wonders!

6. Take a walk or exercise. I am one of those people that doesn’t “enjoy” exercise per se, but when I am stressed and I have a good sweat sesh, I can almost feel the stress leaving my body. Cardio is best for me during stressful days, so I try and get in some form of exercise. I plan to kick it up once these crazy days slow down, which is hopefully SOON!

I hope these tips can help you no matter what situations you are tackling right now!

Happy Monday, xx!

AUGUST GOALS

Forgive me for being a little behind with my August goals. I work at a University and it’s that crazy time of year again! I always get so excited for a new school year. It also reminds me that Fall is soon coming, and that is my favorite season of the year. I am ready to get out of these 90+ degree temps!

For this month, I tend to take a little easier and give myself grace when it comes to goal setting. Because so many goals are already established at work, it feels overwhelming to stack on some more goals in my personal life. For most of my days in August, I am just trying to keep my head above water.

So, this month, I only have one goal - to make it count this month! That means I want to really set this school year off right. I want to be more helpful with students, more patient with others, and myself, and more conscious of the fact that students and parents don’t know as much as I do. It took me time to learn to get there, so I need to be helpful, courteous, and understanding. It can be really hard during these long days, but it’s absolutely essential!

On another note, I cannot believe it’s August already. This summer has flown by and now our offices and hallways at work are flooded with students. I can’t believe that some of most favorite students are seniors! That just seems crazy to me. Also, this year has flown by so incredibly fast! This year has had its challenges, but I feel much more together this year than last year. This year has been far better in so many aspects of my life.

I hope to get back to blogging more regularly after things slow down. I feel like I have such a new perspective on so many things in my life, and I cannot wait to share with you!

If you are feeling a little down right now, overwhelmed, or just tired, I am right there with you. Know that I am praying for you, and that even if I don’t know you, I care about you! I am appreciative of all of my readers and I cannot wait to get back to sharing a little bit of my life with you.

I hope to be back soon!

Happy Monday, xx!