Tips to Surviving a LDR

Hello my loves! Sorry for the absence, but I am back! My boyfriend will be heading back to school, nearly 12 hours away from me in a few days so I have been trying to soak up every possible minute I can get with him. And that is the inspiration behind today's post: Tips to Surviving a Long Distance Relationship. My relationship has been LDR since day one, and my boyfriend and I are quickly approaching two years together. It hasn't been an easy ride, but here are a few tips I'm going to share with you all that has kept us going:

1. You must have trust. And you must communicate.

This is an obvious given for any relationship, but it is especially important for a successful LDR. Being miles away from each other, you're both going to be having nights out without each other. You also may not know your boyfriend's friends as well as you'd like. This is where trust comes in. Communication is also key in a LDR. Your boyfriend is not going to be there to be able to tell by the look on your face if something is wrong. It is up to YOU to communicate. Talk about your feelings, any issues you may be feeling. Bottling things up is only going to hurt you both, and it is unfair to your relationship. Follow these two holy grail rules, you will overcome the farthest of distance.

2. Send each other care packages.

This has been one of my favorite parts of being in a LDR. If your boyfriend is a having a big week at work/has a big test, run out to the mall and pick up his favorite candy and a few small gifts to send to him! Also, don't be afraid to look up a local floral shop in his town to send him flowers. I thought this would be such a cute little "I love you" reminder gift, but was terrified to actually do it as you usually don't send flowers to guys. I finally sucked it up, and he adored it. Guys appreciate flowers just as girls do!

3. Create a schedule. And learn each other's schedules.

Knowing each other's work/school schedules makes things a lot easier, especially if you're in different times zones. My boyfriend and I are an hour off from one another, and while one hour might not seem like a huge deal, I don't know how many times I've forgotten and gotten his schedule confused. Also, get on a schedule! Set aside some time during the day and/or every night to talk/Skype and try to stick to that schedule.

4. See it as a opportunity for your relationship to grow.

Distance is a huge obstacle to overcome, but when you do, your relationship will be stronger than ever. 

5. Set a goal.

I've found the distance to be much more easier to handle when I look forward to the next time I'll be seeing him, whether it be in a few weeks or at the end of the semester. Just remember, every passing day is one day closer to be reunited. Always keep that in mind. 

6. Watch the same TV shows/do things together.

It sucks when there is a TV show or movie on that you wish you could watch together. Plan a FaceTime date, or call each other while you both watch it! It's definitely not the same as being able to cuddle up next to him, but it will suffice and will make you two feel a lot closer. 

7. Do not smother each other.

While communicating is key in a LDR, don't overdo it. It's okay if you can't text each other 24/7. Distance is hard enough, don't make each other feel stressed about always having to talk, you do not need to compensenate for the distance. In this instance, less can be more.  

8. Keep a journal.

If your boyfriend is working long hours/busy at school, and isn't available to talk to you for hours during the day, this is a helpful idea. Keep a journal/notebook/notes in your iPhone about things that have happened during your day so that you don't forget to tell him about it hours later! My boyfriend was working nearly 10 hours, 5 days a week this week, so I decided to try this out and it has been so helpful!

9. Never lose sight of why you are together.

Distance is not easy. You're going to have days where you think to yourself, "why are we putting ourselves through this? Is it really worth it?" It's okay to have these thoughts, but you must remind yourself of why you two got together in the first place. Always look for that light at the end of the tunnel. 

10. Utilize the distance to spend time with friends/family.

It's completely normal to miss your man, it would be odd if you didn't. But don't mope around the house because of that. Just because you two can't be going out and doing things together, doesn't mean you both have to sit at home. There are plenty of things to do without your boyfriend being there. Call up an old friend you haven't talked to in a while, spend more time with your family! Staying active makes the days go by quicker. 

Do you have any other LDR tips to share? Thanks for reading! 

xoxo

HUGE Haul!

Hello my loves! I'm back, and back with lots to show you all! Over the past week or so, I've been doing some MAJOR shopping. If you all remember from my tweets and previous posts from last week, I picked up a gorgeous Kate Spade wallet ($100) and Michael Kors leather bracelet ($50) from TJ Maxx!

This past Saturday we went to a local mall and I ended up getting quite a few good deals! So, for the past year I have been dying for Marc Jacobs Dot perfume. It was love at first smell (I'm hilarious, I know). I finally decided to splurge on a small size and I'm so happy I did, I love it! I finally got my first Alex and Ani bangle, and it's safe to say I'm obsessed. I definitely see myself getting quite a few more in the near future! Such cute bangles that don't break your bank account! I've been going back and forth between using a Kate Spade agenda and a Lilly one. After purchasing a Kate agenda, I got cold feet and started regretting switching it up, so of course I cracked under pressure and ended up getting a Lilly one as well {Jellie's Be Jammin' in Large}. I'm a complete case whore when it comes to my phone and iPad, so I picked up new Lilly cases for both! While browsing through Dillards, I found adorable Pom-Pom shorts with an awesome price tag, only $24! I couldn't pass them up. As I was going to check out, I stumbled upon a black Michael Kors bandeau on clearance for only $20!!! I thought that was a great price, plus I've also been looking for a black top I can wear to the lake (anything else gets dirty, yay for clear blue lake water! Lol jokes). Lastly, we stopped into Target and picked up a few DVD's {Full House Season 1, The Hangover Part 3, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones}

Wednesday, we went to a nearby outlet mall that has a Saks Off 5th and Michael Kors. I was on the hunt for a new Rebecca Minkoff bag, and I succeeded! I found a 5-Zip Clutch for $219, and it was an extra 30% off, so I snagged a $295 bag for about $170! Score! My mom wanted to go to Michael Kors for a new purse for herself, I was looking around while she was busy with that and came across a gorgeous Rose Gold Chain watch for $150! Awesome price for an MK watch, so I had to snatch it up! I'm obsessed!

Lastly, on Thursday, my mom and a friend of hers went out to an outlet mall in PA. Naturally, I was super excited for this trip considering they have a J.Crew Factory Store (plus PA has NO tax on clothes!!). A North Face store recently opened there so I went and picked myself up a new book bag for only $65 ($90 originally). Next, I hit up J.Crew (my favorite part!! Yayyyy!). First thing I noticed when I walked in, they had Herringbone Vests!!! I about died! AND I got the last one in my size! I was so excited I found one considering they're backed up until November online. I also picked up two extremely comfy sweaters and a pair of leggings, which all came out to around $170 with my student ID! Not bad considering $110 of that was the vest alone. Next, I picked up a new Polo hat. They were on sale $14, so I couldn't pass that up. Lastly, I picked up a new pair of Nikes for only $35! Such good deals! To end the day, we had lunch at Primanti Brothers. If y'all live anywhere Pittsburgh, you have to check it out!!! Best turkey sandwich I have ever had. 

Pictures of everything below!!! Enjoy!

Rebecca Minkoff 5-Zip 

Michael Kors Rose Gold Chain Watch

J. Crew Factory Herringbone Puffer Vest

Ralph Lauren Baseball Cap

J. Crew Sweater

J. Crew Sweater

Nike Shoes

The North Face Borealis Backpack

Michael Kors Leather Bracelet

Kate Spade Lacey Wallet

Pom-Pom Shorts {Dillards} // Full House Season One DVD // The Hangover Pt 3 DVD // Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones DVD // Marc Jacobs Dot Perfume // Michael Kors Bandeau // Alex and Ani Anchor Bangle // Lilly Pulitzer Large Agenda // Lilly Pulitzer iPad Case // Lilly Pulitzer iPhone Case

Gone Shopping: Be Back Soon!

Hello, hello my loves! Every August my mom takes a week vacation off of work and we have ourselves a "mommy/daughter week" you could say. We spend the week hitting up the bigger malls/outlets that we don't go to very often, topped off with a lovely spa day during the week as well! It's a perfect little relaxation week before I gear up to head back to school. I won't be posting much as I'll be more than likely be busy spending some quality time with my sweet momma! But do not fear, shopping trips mean a rather large haul post coming for you all very soon! ;) Don't miss me too much! 

What's In My School Bag

Hello my loves! I've really enjoyed doing the "What's In My Bag" series (hopefully you all enjoy it as well). With school right around the corner, what better time to do a "What's In My School Bag" post! Here is what you will be able to find in my backpack this upcoming semester:

1. The North Face Borealis Backpack: After semesters of using my Longchamp as my school bag, I decided it was finally time for a real backpack. While pricey, I know this backpack is going to last a very long time.

2. Lilly Pulitzer Highlighter/Pens: Take a look through a notebook of mine & you'll quickly learn that I'm a highlighting freak when it comes to notes. So, these cute Lilly Pulitzer pen/highlighter combo's are perfect for me! 

3. iPhone: This is obviously a given!

4. Lilly Pulitzer Tech Case: Whenever I'm not using my phone, I throw in this adorable wristlet to prevent it from scratched! 

5. Lilly Pulitzer iPhone charger: I can't leave the house without a backup charger. This is perfect for long, & boring days stuck on campus. 

6. Tory Burch Roll-On Perfume: I always feel the need to carry around a roll-on with me. You never know when you'll need to freshen up, and Tory Burch is currently one of my favorites scents! 

7. iPad: Once again, kind of a given. I prefer carrying my iPad with me over a heavy laptop. 

8. Advil: It's always smart to carry aspirin around with you. Especially if you're anything like me & constantly getting headaches. 

9. Lilly Pulitzer Calculator: Makes math a bit more bearable ;)

10. Rebecca Minkoff Wallet: You obviously can't leave the house without a wallet. I'm obsessed with my trusty RM wallet! 

11. kate spade Agenda: I've written about this in quite a few posts already! Definitely worth the switch from my usual Lilly P agendas. Sidenote: A few days after I had written this, I cracked and bought a Lilly Pulitzer agenda. I was too torn!!! Who knows what I'll end up using now... Oops. 

12. Ray-Bans: I can't go anywhere without my beloved Ray-Bans! You never know when the sun may decide to come out. 

What can we find in your school bag this upcoming year?

What's In My Bag: Ralph Lauren

Hello loves! Today is part two of my "What's In My Bag" series. I have a confession to make: when it comes to carrying purses, I prefer a small cross body over a large bag. Weird, right? A few months ago while shopping in Macy's, I came across this gorgeous Ralph Lauren bag that was on sale! So naturally, I had to have it. And I've surprisingly been using it a lot more often than I expected! Unlike most girls, I don't store my bags with everything I own. I can't stand a heavy bag, so I only carry around a few necessities. Here's what you can find  in my bag:

I jumped on the eos bandwagon earlier in the year, and I am so glad I did! This stuff works like magic, I can leave the house without it. Urban Decay's Naked Basics Palette is the perfect size to throw in your bag for when you're on the go. I almost always bring it with me! My go-to mascara is Estée Lauder Sumputous Extreme. I have a few bottles of this thanks to all of those free Lilly gifts, so I always keep one in my bag!

If you follow me on twitter (@lawfullysassy - if you don't, what are you doing with your life? Go follow me now!) you probably saw my tweet about my gorgeous new kate spade Wallet (bright spot avenue in blush) I purchased the other day. It's safe to say I'm obsessed with it. I can't go anywhere without my trusty Ray-Bans. 

Aside from my obvious iPhone, when I carry a large purse with me, I usually bring along my iPad with me (depending on where I'm going). With wifi nearly everywhere nowadays, you never know when it come in handy. And of course, I can't leave the house without my back-up Lilly Pulitzer charger.

What can be found in your favorite handbag?