What's In My Beach Bag

Hello hello, my loves! One of my favorite posts to read/videos to watch are "what's in my bag." Maybe it comes along with being obsessed with bags, but I love to see what the rest of you all use! I decided to do my own "what's in my bag" series. First up in my little mini series is my beach bag! Over the next week or so, I'll be posting more. I hope you all are as excited as I am!

Usually I use my trusty Longchamp as my beach bag, but I received a Lilly Pulitzer Shoreline Tote for Christmas this past year, so I've been that a go this summer! The Shoreline Tote is the perfect beach bag! My only complaint is that it doesn't have a zipper or anything for the bag to close. But other than that, I love it! It is definitely my new go-to beach bag. 

I'm not a cover-up/tunic fan. Columbia's PFG's are perfect for when you don't want to throw a cover up on, but don't want to run around the beach in just your bikini. They're cute (even cuter when they're monogrammed) and extremely comfortable! 

Whenever I head out to the pool or lake, I ALWAYS put my Lifeproof case on my phone. Seriously, this case is heaven sent. This is my second summer using it & I have yet to have any mishaps with it (knock on wood). It's absolutely worth the $80. 

My current read is WGP's Psychos. I read the first book a few summers ago when it first came out & I loved it, so I was super excited to read this when I heard a sequel was coming! (Side note: If you enjoy the WGP series, check out "Nice is Just a Place in Paris" by @betcheslovethis). 

I never thought I'd be one to shell out close to $200 on a pair of sunglasses. But my Ray-Bans are worth every single penny. They've outlasted quite a few tumbles, and still look nearly new over years of use!

What are some things that can be found in your beach bag?

xoxo

5 Things I've Learned During College

A new school year is unfortunately approaching us very quickly. To gear up for that, I wanted to share with you all 10 things that I've learned my last four years in college. Take notes, these apply to everyone whether you're entering your freshman year, or your senior year (or 5th year like me, cheers to all of us 5th year seniors out there!!! Sense the sarcasm...)

1. Take more than 12 credit hours a semester if you want to graduate in four years. I remember scheduling with our advisors at orientation, they kept telling us over and over again to not take more than 12 credit hours. Never once did I have an advisor tell me that if I want to graduate on time, to take more than that. Shout out to the lovely faculty at my school. 

2. Get involved on campus. Whether it be a sorority, a sport, or a campus organization, get involved! Not only will it look great when you're looking for a job, but you'll meet some great friends! And who knows, maybe even make some connections you can utilize later!

3. Reach out to your professors. If you're anything like me, this sounds painfully awkward. I'm the girl who'd rather figure things out on my own than email a professor for help. But seriously, put the awkwardness aside. Find a professor who's approachable and create a relationship with them (lol wait that can be taken wrong, strictly business/classroom). You never know when/if you'll need them for a recommendation letter!

4. It's okay to change your major. It's a terrifying realization that you've had a change of heart about your career path mid-way through college. You're worried about spending an extra few years as an undergrad, the extra money, what your parents may think, etc. I'm here to tell you that it's okay. It's perfectly normal and happens way more often than you'd think. Yes, you'll be stuck in college a few extra years, and yes, you'll be spending more money. Do not let the fear of starting over trap you in a career path that you will be miserable in. A few more years will be worth it in the end. 

5. Join an organization related to your major. This goes hand in hand with #2 and #3. Check out what organizations are available on your college campus! Getting involved in an organization in your majors department has many advantages. I can't tell you how much more I LOVE being Pre-Law since I've gotten involved in Moot Court. Moot Court has given me an amazing opportunity to really see what it would be like working as a lawyer, I've also met so many judges and lawyers! 

Do you have any tips you'd like to share?

July Favorites

Hello lovelies! It's hard to believe that summer is nearly over, it feels like it just started yesterday! Let's all hope that August won't fly by as quickly as the rest of this summer has! But let's be real, we'll all be sitting in class before we know it. On a less depressing note though, I've been loving quite a few things this month & I've been so excited to share them all with you! Sooo, without further adieu.....

One // J.Crew Fringed Fan Necklace: If you all remember from my J.Crew post a few weeks ago, I snagged this beauty for an amazing $2.99! Yes, you read that right, $2.99!!! The weather where I live as been a bit colder than it should be, so I've been able to break out my chambray shirts and this necklace accents them perfectly.

Two // Tory Burch Marion Crossbody: This has been my go-to purse lately! It was a lot smaller than I anticipated when I ordered it a few months ago, but I have grown to love it. It's the perfect size for when you're out on the go and won't be bringing much with you. It has credit slots in it, so I just throw my phone and keys in it & I'm ready to go!

Three // Kate Spade Agenda: I decided to break away from my usual Lilly Pulitzer Agenda's this year and give kate spade a try. I've been obsessed with polka dot's lately, so this was perfect for me. I've been so busy with getting ready for the LSAT and briefing cases for Moot Court, I already have my August full! If you're on the fence like I was about which agenda to buy, definitely give kate a try!! 

 Four // Dance Moms: Growing up a dancer, I had to watch this when it first premier a few years ago and I've been hooked since. It is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine. As much as I sit there shaking my head at most of it, I can't turn it off. I felt as though it was appropriate to give one of my favorite shows a little blog love as the show premiers tonight.

Five // Columbia PFG: I've (finally) been spending a lot of the time at the pool and lake over the last few weeks. I was so excited to break out my PFG! I definitely prefer using this as a cover up vs a dress/tunic. They're super comfortable, and surprisingly very cool as well! Unfortunately, mine isn't monogrammed (yet).

Six // Target Mossimo Sandals: These have easily become one of my favorite sandals!! If you all remember from my haul post a few weeks ago, I was dying to find the glitter pair of these sandals. I lucked out and found a pair about a week and a half ago. I wore these out with my parents this past weekend, and after a long evening of doing nothing but walking, they were to my surprise extremely comfortable! You can't go wrong with an adorable and comfortable pair of sandals!

What were some of your July favorites?

Friday Five!

Happy Friday everyone! This summer is flying by, but I couldn't be happier that it's finally the weekend. It has been one crazy and hectic week. Here are a few things I have been loving lately:

one // Botched 

I cannot believe how addicted I have gotten to this show. Being a Real Housewives addict, I had to give it a try seeing as both of the doctors are OC & Beverly Hills (well, former) husbands! I definitely didn't think it'd become a favorite of mine whatsoever, but I can't get enough of it. If you're squeamish like myself, you may have to flip the channel a few times here and there but that has yet to pull me away from me. If you haven't given it a chance yet, I definitely would recommend it!! Watch it Sundays at 10PM on E!

two // Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara

This is hands down my holy grail mascara. I've never been to pay for high-end makeup, but I received this as in a Lilly Pulitzer Gift bag and I fell in love. This almost never clumps or dries out, it's absolutely worth the $27 (or something like that) a bottle! I highly recommend to definitely give it a try!

three // J.Crew Baseball Sweater

I picked up this beauty for $14 the other week during J.Crew's big Clear the Clearance Sale, and I have never been so obsessed with a sweater before. I've worn it at least four times in the last week (oops), it's so comfortable I don't want to take it off. It's extremely soft and cozy, I ordered it a size up so it would have an oversized fit. I cannot get enough!!

four // Essie Mod Square

This is definitely one of my favorite colors, it's all I've been wearing lately! I get tons of compliments whenever I wear it too. Essie's formula doesn't seem to have good consistency, but I'm so impressed with this color! Definitely recommend it!

five // Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The holy grail of all sales. If you haven't checked out this sale... RUN, don't walk, to your nearest Nordstrom store or check it out at Nordstrom's website NOW. There are some great deals going on, and prices go up August 4th, so go grab these steals while you can! I have quite a few things on my list that I'll hopefully be getting my hands on in a few days (crossing my fingers they still have everything I want)!

What are some things you're loving this week?

  

Batiste Dry Shampoo: Review

                  

Hello lovelies!! I'm back, I haven't left the blogging world yet! It has been one crazy week. I started studying for the LSAT (finally) and also began to get cases together for Moot Court this year. It's depressing  to think that another school year is creeping upon quickly *sad face*. Anywho, if you all remember from my haul post a few weeks ago, I picked up Batiste Dry Shampoo from TJ Maxx! My L'Oreal Dry Shampoo had finally run out and unfortunately it was discontinued so I was on the hunt for new dry shampoo! If your hair is anything like mine, you can't seem to go a day without washing it before it gets greasy. I've heard people rave about the Batiste line, and it was reasonably priced, $5.99 at TJ Maxx and I believe its original price is still under $10, which I didn't think was bad. I'm extremely hesitant to buy expensive hair products in fear of it not working exceptionally better than other brands that are much more reasonable. 

So I decided to give it a try! I'm definitely jumping aboard the Batiste bandwagon train because it works great! The other dry shampoo's I have tried haven't had the greatest smell, but this one (Blush) smells amazing! I have always had trouble getting rid of the white residue with other brands, but with a little bit of rubbing and brushing, it comes right out! And then, voila! Clean hair! It also gives my hair volume and body, where with other dry shampoo's, it just felt left my hair flat. I would absolutely recommend trying this out!!

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think of the Batiste line!

Back to School Essentials: College Edition

Hello lovelies, Happy Hump Day!! We're halfway through the week and I could not be happier! I know you're all already thinking, isn't it a little too early to be planning back to school essentials?! Sadly, we are closing in on the end of July which leaves less than a month until school starts for me (and that also means my boyfriend will be heading back to school 12 hours away... tear.) Back to school shopping is definitely one of my favorites, and the only thing that makes me look forward to a new school year! Here a few things on my essentials list:

What are some things on your back to school list?

Lake Fun

This afternoon, my parents and I went spent a few hours out at our lake cabin. It was a bit too cold to swim or take the boat out (you'd never guess it was mid July. Thanks, Mother Nature), so we just spent some time hanging out on the dock! Every time I go out there, I forget how much Iove it out there. It's been in our family long before I was born, so it brings back great memories spending time out there! Here are a few pictures I wanted to share with you all:

Hopefully we'll get some good weather this weekend so I can finally take my boyfriend out there while he is visiting!