A Life Update and School Advice: Junior Year

Hello everyone! I'm not going to lie, my life has been quite crazy lately, especially since Junior year began. I feel like nothing could have prepared my for the insanity this year would bring. However, I am managing (with the help of a few cups of coffee daily and needed naps along the way). I thought I would give you guys just a bit of an update into my life and some tips I have for managing school and just existing in general.

Firstly, I have always been an overachiever. When I was younger, my dream college was Harvard and I wanted to be a "world peace ambassador" (Did I even know what that was? Probably not). In middle school and early high school, I was extremely competitive regarding my grades, sometimes studying late into the night just to make sure I got an A on a test or quiz. I was so focused on my grades and the numbers that sometimes it distracted my from what I was actually learning. This year has been a bit of an awakening for me personally. I am currently juggling AP Language and Composition, AP US History, AP Calculus, and Chinese 4 Honors. On top of that, I have a communications internship with the Asheville Art Museum and have several leadership positions throughout my school and community. 

Sometimes, though, there is a thing as too much.

This year I have had to prioritize what hobbies and extracurriculars really matter to me. For example, I ditched Indoor and Outdoor track. Why? It just wasn't right for me. I still did cross country (because who doesn't love running a 5K on the daily?) but I knew that track just wasn't a productive use of my time that would truly make me happy and fulfilled. I instead applied for a college internship through my local art museum. To my surprise, I actually got it, and now get to write about art weekly for their blog. While this might not be your cup of tea, it is a dream come true for me. Plus, I get to do something that will help me enter the job field that I desire.The lesson learned? It is okay to quit things that aren't productive for you. If it doesn't set your heart on fire, find something that does!

Another challenge I faced this year was accepting that I couldn't have perfect grades in every class all of the time! I know this sounds crazy, but pressure on high achieving teens, whether it be from themselves or those around them, can make a B seem unbearable. Going into junior year I had this picturesque image that I would keep 100 averages in all of my classes and be the perfect student all of the time. Did this happen? Of course not!!! On my first Calculus quiz I got a 66. I was so upset, stressed, and certain that I would not not be able to attend college and would instead spend the rest of my days wandering the country and hitchhiking. All jokes aside, I was so upset I came home crying to my parents. However, after quite a few academic blunders I can tell you that grades don't define you! I am not that 66 in my teacher's grade book and I am not my GPA. With hard work and many trips to my tutor, I was able to get my grade up to an A and the 66 didn't even matter. Even then, that number still wasn't me. This year I had to realize that stressing myself over stuff like that was pointless! Rather than beating myself up over what I did wrong, I tried to figure out what I could do to fix it. It made the world of a difference for my mental health, which took a heavy hit last semester as I struggled to juggle all of my work. Letting go of the little things helped tremendously with my stress levels.

Organization has also been a life saver.

I cannot stress enough: if you are a student or a busy human being, BUY A PLANNER! If I didn't write down every assignment I had to do nightly, I would probably go crazy. I have to write everything down, from upcoming quizzes and tests to homework due the next day. To keep things fun, I also began writing my outfits of the day (though at school they are mostly just t-shirts and jeans!). If you decide to do extracurriculars, having an agenda helps tremendously as well. Just for life in general, it is always good to write everything you can down.

Lastly, I would advise you to only take on what you can. 

While taking millions of AP classes may seem fun and like it will definitely get you into college, thats just simply not the case. Take classes that interest you and will help you in your career, not just those that will boost your GPA. I am so excited for my senior year because I get to take AP Art. I'm not doing it because of a number, though, I am doing it because I'm genuinely passionate about it. Be sure to take classes that you're passionate about! Besides, colleges will look at much more than a number on a page when deciding to admit you. Plus, school is so much better when you enjoy what you are learning!

This semester has been a whole lot better for me, both grade wise and with my mental health. Seriously, allowing yourself to breathe and not stressing over the little things makes the world of a difference. If you have any tips for students like myself, let me know on Instagram or in the comments below. I hope you found this post helpful and have a wonderful and happy week.

XOXO,

Sadie

Warm Weather Jams

hello loves!

Now that Daylight Savings Time is officially in effect (let me just say that I am bitter over my lost sleep), there is no denying the arrival of Spring! It has been a bit cold lately in NC, reminding me of our earlier January days and leaving me fearful of snow. Spring Break is right around the corner, though, which means warm destinations lie ahead! Along with this, I will finally be getting my license this week! After a long (and agonizing) year of waiting, I will be able to take to the streets! One of my favorite things to do at the end of a long day or just for fun is to go on sunset drives! No ride is complete without a jam sesh, though, so today I thought I would share some of my favorite tunes for warmer weather. Whether you'll be lying on a sunny beach or driving, these tunes are perfect for the upcoming season. I hope you enjoy!

You can listen to these songs in playlist form on my Spotify here.

XOXO,

Sadie

How to Get the Perfect Instagram Feed

Hello loves! It's finally here... the long awaited "How I Edit my Instagram Pictures" post! After fine tuning my editing style, I'm sitting down to share with you all my tips and tricks for a perfect feed.

the after

the before

how I edit my pictures 

I mainly use VSCO to edit my photos, along with the Afterlight app. My first step for editing is to put on the VSCO filter M5. It warms up the photo and gives it a more summery vibe. After this, I save the photo to my phone, re-upload it into VSCO, and apply the filter A6. I love how this filter makes blues and greens look! If the filter is too intense, I will turn it down a bit to make it look more natural.

I will also brighten the picture a bit (in this image I added +1.5) and, if needed, up the saturation and contrast. Next, I will warm the photo up by adding a temperature of around +.7. Afterwards, I will make the photo greener by changing the tint to -.5 and moving the skin tone to around +.9, depending on how much the image needs. If the image isn't perfectly straight, I always tilt it or work with the x- and y- skew to get it centered. The right alignment can make a huge difference!

I also like to add a bit of grain to my photos to give it an old fashioned vibe! After this, I will save the image to my phone and move into the Afterlight app. I only use this to add the photo "dust" and sometimes a "light leak". In terms of dust, I usually use dust number 12 (turned down a bit) and finish my edit off with a nice "light leak" that compliments the image.

so how exactly do you translate good images into a good feed?

Well, my first tip is to stick to one or two filters when editing your pictures. This gives your feed some uniformity. If you want your feed to really pop, pick a few colors and try and incorporate them into every photo you take! If you look at my feed from Autumn, I stuck to an orange and brown theme. Once you get tired of the colors, you can transition into a few others you like!

I also recommend switching between a light and dark posts regularly. If you look at the picture of my Autumn theme, you can see I alternate between light and dark posts. This creates a nice symmetry when looking at the whole feed but also a variety of content for your viewers!

For planning my feed, I use the UNUM app! It makes it quite easy to see my feed and see how the pictures look without posting to Instagram and then immediately deleting.

I also keep a board on Pinterest for my Instagram Ideas (view it here) to keep my inspired and give me picture ideas!

a note on instagram

Of course, Instagram isn't a reality! Never forget that nearly every photo is staged, planned, and perfected before it is posted. It is just a highlight reel! NO ONE'S LIFE IS PERFECT! Every human struggles and has ups and downs, no matter what there social media looks like or says. :)

I hope you guys found this post helpful and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

XOXO,
Sadie

Holiday Jams

With school finally out and stress out of my mind, I can finally sit down and share some of my favorite tunes for the season with you guys! There is nothing that puts me in the spirit quite like Christmas music. I recall driving home from my Nana's house on Christmas Eve jamming out with my family to a Christmas remix CD. I couldn't find it for forever, but I just stumbled across it again and had to share some of my favorites. It instantly puts me in the holiday spirit! I also threw in some classics along with some music that reminds me of winter. I hope you all are having a wonderful break! If you have any other song suggestions, let me know.

Listen to Christmas Jams '17 on Spotify. 

Happy Holidays!

XOXO,

Sadie

Thankful

some happy pictures, circa twenty fifteen

Holy cow. Somewhere between my everyday rushed breakfasts and crazy school days I had almost forgot this place existed. Quite frankly, Junior year is kicking my ass (more than I would like to admit). I am realizing more and more lately that I hide behind this vision of perfectionism, particularly on here. The simple truth, though, is that NO ONE IS PERFECT. No matter how many posed pictures I post, or how wonderful my feed is, it does not change the fact that I too am human and I struggle. That being said, I am so so thankful for where I have ended up. Change can be scary (and viscerally uncomfortable, too) but I am so grateful for my struggles this year, both intellectually and personally. This school year has been an interesting one, as I am juggling three AP courses and an honors class, along with multiple leadership positions and soon an internship. While its chaotic and stressful some days, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am so so so thankful for my friends and family for helping me follow my dreams and being there for me when it all becomes overwhelming. These wonderful people are my rock and my home and I don't know what I would do without them. 

Now on to the fun part.

I don't want this blog to be a shroud of perfection. I want to be real with you guys. I want to show you who I am as a person, not as an image. I want to be messy and it be okay. I think there is unparalleled beauty in authenticity and the sad truth is that sometimes social media takes that away. I figure if I, one small teenage girl from NC, can help fight against this, its worth it. So here goes nothing. Here's to spreading authenticity, one blog post at a time. If you like it, feel free to stick around.

Much love and Happy Thanksgiving.

XOXO,

Sadie

Summer '17

Holy cow... summer is officially over. It always amazes me how the season flies by and before I know it I've got a backpack on and am walking back into high school. Now that I have entered junior year, I am able to reflect on the past three months and I am so grateful for my adventures and the people I have met along the way. This summer I decided to film two seconds of video daily and edit it together as a sort of video diary. What started as a pet project I began on a whim ended up turning into something much more emotional and meaningful for me: documenting all of those moments that made this summer so wonderful. I cherished every single coffee date with my friends, every inside joke, every hike, and watching this video makes me all the more grateful. It made me realize where all of that time I thought just disappeared went. What was often lost in past years to Netflix or staying home was found this summer in taking risks and getting outside of my comfort zone. If you want to see the video I made, I will have it below. Thank you so much to everyone who made this past season unforgettable.

XOXO,

Sadie

Pack with Me: Two Weeks in Colorado

When I found out I would be exploring Colorado for two weeks I was ecstatic. When I found out I would have to pack all of my belongings in my carryon, however, that thrill faded into anxiety (How in the world would I be able to fit my 5 pairs of shoes, numerous outfits, makeup, and entire life in a tiny track bag?). Fear not, though, with some macgyvering and prioritizing, I was able to pack for two weeks in Colorado in only my carryon. If you are anything like me, this is no small feat. So, my lovely readers, I plan to share with you my essentials for this excursion if case you’re ever forced to pack light!

for exploring mother nature:

I will be spending quite a bit of time in Rocky Mountain National Park, so naturally I will be needing clothing suited for the outdoors. Light tees and running shorts are a must-have, along with a pair of running shoes and sandals for frolicking in the woods! Having a headband is also helpful for keeping flyaways out of your face! 

pictured above: yellow shirt, orange shirt, running shorts, chacos, headband (similar)

for trekking through the city:

We also will be venturing into Denver for a few days so I packed some dressier clothes for snapping some insta shots. I have been loving the color yellow for the summer seasons so naturally I packed a high neck top to pair with my favorite denim skirt. I also brought along a breezy striped blouse for the hotter days and some fun floral shorts! These are all pieces you can dress up or down, making them perfect for packing light.

pictured above: floral shorts, yellow shirt, striped shirt, denim skirt

for the trip itself:

In my backpack I always bring a few things to keep me busy on the drive over. I also pack a few traveling essentials, one of which being my travel journal! I adore documenting my memories and I am so excited to do that with this trip. Along with this, I have my polaroid for taking snapshots of my travels and some books to keep me busy. Every road trip needs a good playlist, too! You can find mine here if you want to jam out to some traveling tunes.

mentioned above: journal, polaroid, book, playlist 

Thanks for reading!

XOXO,

Sadie

How to Dress Well on a Budget

I don't know how many times I've been surfing Pinterest and came across the cutest dress or top, only to find out the cost and file it under the "maybe someday" board. However, dressing stylishly can be accessible for any budget as long as you plan well! I have a few tips to help you find your fashion sense and purchase affordable clothes that fit your style! Lets get started, shall we...

tip one: know your style

My first (and arguably most important) tip is to know your fashion sense! Having a keen sense of your own style can help you narrow down what clothing you purchase and help save wasted money on items you won't wear. My advice would be to start a Pinterest board with outfits and pieces you love to gain some inspiration. You could even cut out pictures from magazines and collect those! Once you curate a sense of style that reflects your personality, you can begin to shop frugally. Also, that Pinterest board can help you find knockoffs of expensive items! For example, the skirt I'm wearing here was a much cheaper version of one I saw online! If you want to see how I styled it, I did a whole post on it here.

tip two: fast fashion

The entire look pictured above (minus the shoes) came from Forever 21, which is known for its low prices (and sometimes cringe-worthy looks). As fast fashion becomes more and more prevalent, stores like Forever 21 can offer adorable pieces at unbeatable prices. My tip when it comes to stores like these is to know what you are looking for. Most of the time, the quality will be very low and the pieces won't last too long. However, you can occasionally stumble upon some great pieces that hold up in the real world. I find that pieces made from simple fabrics (no silk, velvet, or bedazzled pieces) will stand the test of time. In fact, I still have a t-shirt dress from my freshman year that held up and is still adorable! Another point I would like to make about stores like Forever 21 is that they are perfect for trying out trends (if that's your thing). The cheap pieces are ideal for testing out a new look without a large monetary commitment. For staple pieces, though, I try to buy them from nicer stores so they will last longer.

tip three: thrifting and selling your old clothes

As older trends are becoming the new, thrifting has became something everyone is doing! I have found some killer pieces in my local thrift shops lately and for great prices, too. This form of shopping is not only cheap but eco-conscious as well. Thrifting reduces the amount of clothing waste put into landfills which is always a good thing! Also, thrift shopping can lead you to some unique pieces that no department store will carry. In terms of selling your old clothes, it's a fantastic way to earn a little extra cash! I have been doing this forever and it keeps my closet cleaned out and only filled with stuff I truly want to wear. I just simply pick out my older pieces that are in the best condition and give them to my local consignment store. They then sell my pieces and give me a percentage of the profit! It's a really simple and easy way to make money!

tip four: do you really want it?

My last tip for frugal fashion is to ask yourself before you purchase any piece if you really, truly love it. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT buy anything you don't feel beautiful in. You won't wear it and it'll be a waste of your money. If you do love it, consider the items currently in your closet and make sure that you could actually create several looks with the new piece. If so, it would be a great addition to your wardrobe!

I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful! If you did, tell me on Instagram!

XOXO,

Sadie

Tea Talks with SJ

On this very rainy day, I had an outfit post planned. But honestly, I would much rather share these tidbits of my life with you guys. I often forget that these things you read are all you know about me. I am much more than an outfit or a traveling post, and I wanted to let you guys know a bit about what's going on with me. So as I sit with a cup of tea in hand and a mind swirling with thoughts, I will brain dump everything that has been going on lately. Here goes nothing.

At the beginning of 2017, I decided that my mantra for the year would be "hustle". I wrote about it so emphatically, but as the year went on I realized that this year would focus much more on growth than on getting stuff done. No matter how hard I tried to ignore the many signs fate threw in my face, I was unable to slow down and reflect on my progress both personally and educationally. This post is a bit of a life update to share my current whereabouts along with some feelings tossed in between. I hope you enjoy.

As some of you may know, I decided to apply to the North Carolina School of Science and Math earlier this year. I sort of had this confident illusion that I would definitely get in, so when I found out that I didn't, I was devastated. To be honest, I didn't even really want to go, but getting rejected was a crushing blow to my self esteem. Some of my friends were fortunate enough to get accepted and soon I fell into that dreaded comparison trap. It's crazy how stuff like this can take control of my life, whether it be with GPA or test scores or even artistic ability. It's difficult to deal with and everyone goes through it, especially with the facade of perfection we share to the world (now even more evident with the rise of social media). After some time had passed, I was able to reflect on the situation and realize that despite my insecurities, this was definitely the best thing for me. Not only was I meant to stay in the lovely mountains that I call home, but this previously perceived "negative" situation is now a motivation to further my future academic endeavors. Sometimes when bad things happen, they are ultimately for the best!

On a more positive note, I decided to run for the student government position of Junior Class President. I have always wanted to be involved in student government, but always would chicken out due to the speech we would have to give in order to run. The thought of speaking in front of my entire school makes me break into a cold sweat and want to run away and live in the woods for all of eternity. However, I decided to give it a try this time. I figured that there was no harm in trying, and even if I lost, it would be the effort that counted. I'm not going to lie, the speech was terrifying, but with my friends cheering me on, it made the situation a little bit more bearable. I am very fortunate to say that I won the election and will be serving the class of 2019 as their Junior Class President. For all of my readers from my school, I hope I serve you well! The lesson I learned? Take risks! No matter what the end result, you always will learn something from trying!

I also had the pleasure to attend a program at UNC Chapel Hill called NC Renaissance. As someone who generally shies away from activities that require an extraverted attitude, I was a bit apprehensive when my Mom suggested that I attend. Now I am so glad that I did. Not only were the staff and participants amazing, it was also such an eye opening experience and I got to learn so much about the importance of diversity and inclusion. I adored all of the fun activities we partook in (we got to enjoy UNC's outdoor center!) and I made some amazing friends. If any of you are reading this, thank you so much for the much needed break from school and for the amazing memories. 

If you made it through this brain dump, thanks for reading! Be sure to always take a moment to reflect on your personal development and gratitude, oftentimes we are so caught up in the monotony of day to day life to see how much we have grown.

XOXO,

Sadie

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

I have always adored Valentine's Day because it gives me the perfect excuse to treat the people I care about. I love buying sweet little gifts for my friends, parents, or my boyfriend because it's a small way to show that I'm thinking about them. This holiday celebrates just that- spreading love. Although I find love in almost every corner of my life, sometimes it is quite difficult to find just the right gift to help celebrate the season. I picked a few of my favorites to help make gift giving easier this Valentines Day and maybe even inspire a "treat yo' self" purchase (self love is important, too!). Whether it be for your friends, yourself, or a boyfriend or girlfriend, here are some of my favorite gift ideas for this holiday.

FOR HER:

One of my current fashion favorites has been this gorgeous ring from Esthendo Jewelry. This company produces nature-inspired rings, necklaces, and bracelets that are perfect for Valentine's Day gifts. I love to pair my ring with a simple white tee to let the subtle beauty of the ring shine. The green gemstone also looks great dressed up, too! You can style it with dresses, skirts, or pretty much any outfit you desire. You can follow this lovely brand on Instagram here and be sure to check out their jewelry!

Recently I have fallen in head-over-heels in love with Lush products, especially their lotions and bath bombs. While I was in Georgetown, DC this past fall (read about my trip here) I visited a store for the first time and purchased the Twilight Bath Bomb and some Sleepy Body Lotion (a seasonal product). These products are the perfect way to treat your friends and loved ones on this Valentine's Day!

Face masks have always been a favorite of mine and are a wonderful way to treat your friends this holiday. You could even have a girls night/spa day where you all got your nails done and treated yourselves to a good face mask! My favorites are the Origins Clear Improvement Mask and the TONYMOLY Brightening Mask.

For mothers, I find that candles are always a good gift option. I love hitting up the candle section at TJ Maxx because I always find so many great scents for affordable prices. Plus, they carry one of my favorite candle brands, DW Home. My favorite scent lately has been Peony Petals and it's sure to be a great gift this Valentine's Day.

FOR HIM:

This past Christmas, I purchased a leather wrap bracelet for my boyfriend from Hustle and Hide. They can be personalized with initials and come in different variations of leather and different colors. He absolutely loved it and it would make a wonderful gift for any important man in your life this Valentine's Day!

For outdoorsy men, an ENO Hammock would be a perfect gift! These light and packable outdoor hammocks have become quite popular lately and would be a treat for any nature loving guy!

Lastly, a wallet is a classic and timeless gift for any man. These can be used for a lifetime and hold sentimental value. A few Christmases ago, my mother and I got my dad a Personalized Wallet from ColsenKeane. He still uses it today and this would make an excellent gift this Valentine's day!

I hope you found this gift guide helpful and be sure to have a February full of love!

XOXO,
Sadie

School & Life Organization

Hello everyone! With a new semester coming up, I have a renewed passion for keeping myself organized and on top of my assignments and commitments. I often find that if I don't remain organized and write homework and events down, I'll totally forget them. Today I am going to be sharing some of my favorite ways to stay on top of things- inside and out of school!

MY AGENDA:

For my schoolwork, I use an agenda from Rifle Paper Co (It's currently 20% off!) and it has been a lifesaver. At the beginning of each month, I write in all of my planned events in the calendar. I use the weekly spreads to keep track of all of my homework, club meetings, and sports events. I will write down my homework in order of importance, and once I get home I try to check everything off of my list.

BULLET JOURNALING:

This has been a lifesaver lately, especially with the stress of finals. I recently started bullet journalling, and I use it to budget, keep track of my blog posts, and even plan my outfits. I have a monthly layout, where I write down all of my personal plans and appointments. Then, I have a page for tracking my habits like the days I go vegan or when I do yoga. I also use this page to plan out my blog posts for the month. On the next sheet, I have my monthly budget as well as a monthly to-do list.  After these pages, I have my weekly spreads. I use these to make my daily lists of tasks and plan my meals and outfits. This has been extremely helpful for keeping my eating habits healthy and also taking away the stress of possibly forgetting something. This journal is also perfect for writing shopping or packing lists. If you would like to see a more in-depth post on my blog post, let me know!

FLASHCARDS:

One of my go-to study methods is using flashcards or Quizlet. I found this method especially helpful for my Chemistry class this past semester. Every day after class, I would make flashcards for what we learned and studied them daily. This made preparing for tests and eventually the final exam so much easier because I already had the study materials prepared and had been reviewing them. For my English vocabulary, I relied heavily on Quizlet. It is a quick and easy way to memorize words and I highly recommend it. Plus, making flashcards online saves paper!

MUSIC:

My last tip is to have a good study playlist! I find it hard to focus while listening to songs with words, so I tend to stick to classical tunes or electronic songs. You can listen to some of my favorites here.

How do you stay organized? Tell me on Instagram!

XOXO,

Sadie

Ten Things to do for Yourself

Hello everyone! With finals coming up, life has been quite stressful and I thought I would share ten easy ways to give yourself some "me time" and just unwind. It's important to take some time away from school or work to just relax. I hope these ideas inspire you to de-stress and get away from your everyday routine!

1. GO ON A BIKE RIDE

This has been my go-to relaxer for the past few weeks. Not only is it a good workout, but I'm lucky enough to live in the mountains of North Carolina, so I get to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Sunset rides are a perfect way to de-stress and calm your mind after a long day.

2. COLOR

It's easy to see how adult coloring books have became the new trend- they are fun, relaxing, and you are creating mini works of art! I recently picked up a coloring book called "Coloring for Contemplation". After I finish my homework, I will put on some calming music and color away! It is a wonderful way to relax and get your creative juices flowing.

3. READ A BOOK

One of my personal goals is to read for at least 15 minutes every night before I go to sleep. Reading is great for your mind, vocabulary, and imagination. Plus, it keeps me off of technology for the last part of the day, thus making it easier to fall asleep at night. If you are looking for a good read, you can find my book recommendations here.

5. TAKE A BUBBLE BATH

This is one of my favorite ways to calm down. I will often add epsom salts to relax my muscles from my track workouts. Sitting in my bathtub with a good book and a cup of tea is an incredible way to de-stress. Of course, no bath is complete without lighting a few candles and playing some music!

6. PAINT YOUR FINGERNAILS

On days when I have more time to relax, I will often give myself a manicure. I just think it's a lovely way to calm down while still doing something productive. It makes me look more put together, and their are so many pretty nail polish colors to choose from!

7. YOGA

As you probably know, yoga is one of my favorite workouts and de-stressers. It is wonderful for your body, and its fun to do! Not only is it enjoyable, but you can do it practically anywhere. I especially love to do it outside, weather permitting. It's so pretty this time of year and it would be a shame to waste it! Click here to see my yoga routine.

8. WRITE

Writing in a journal is a great way to practice writing, keep track of your life, and also relax! I have kept a journal for the past 3 years and am working on my fourth. After a long day, I can vent, write about a specific topic, or just talk about my day. I will often draw in my journal, too. It is a great practice now, and it will be nostalgic to go back when I'm older and read my entries.

9. FACE MASKS

Face masks are a perfect way to calm down and treat your skin to some hydration! I love using them after having a bubble bath or a nice shower. My personal favorite is the TONYMOLY I'm Real Mask in lemon/brightening. It does wonders for my skin and smells amazing!

10. LISTEN TO MUSIC

Lastly, music is a wonderful way to relax after a long day. There are so many calming playlists on Spotify or Pandora, and you can listen to them almost anywhere. I love to listen to the Coffeehouse Playlist while taking a bath, doing homework, or even getting ready in the morning! It's a lovely blend of acoustic music to help you relax.

How do you relax? Tell me on Instagram!

XOXO,

Sadie

New Years Resolutions & Thoughts

Although 2016 offered much growth and many cherished memories, I am eager for the fresh start that the arrival of 2017 brings. The new year provides a prime opportunity to further shape myself into the person I aim to be, and I am thrilled to see where 2017 takes me. My chosen word for the year is "hustle" and my resolutions and mantras for this fresh start reflect this goal. I hope to work hard and create a smarter, healthier, and driven self that can handle anything that 2017 throws my way. Resolutions aren't fruitless, they create the chance to pursue lifelong goals, and I hope that these 7 intentions help me to hustle throughout 2017.

1. DRINK MORE WATER

Every year I have the same intention regarding water- to drink more of it! Not only is water vital for your body, drinking it regularly holds many benefits like clear skin and healthy hair! Plus, you feel so much better when you're hydrated and ready to take on the day.

2. EAT LESS PROCESSED FOODS

Although I already eat fairly healthy, I want to cut back on my consumption of processed foods. These foods often contain unneeded fats and sugars that slow me down, and eating less of these provides more energy and wellbeing.

3. JOURNAL DAILY

As always, I plan to journal in the new year. Writing daily is the perfect way to get all of your thoughts and stress out rather than bottling it all up. It also functions as a great motivator. I find that if I write down my goals, I am more likely to work toward them. Seeing my intentions on paper solidifies them in my mind and helps me focus on my growth.

4. DO HOMEWORK PROMPTLY

Procrastination is the enemy of my school life. I am constantly plagued by the piles of homework I have to complete, and letting my work load build up is not only bad for my grades, it also is bad for my mental health. This year I plan to not put my work aside and complete it as soon as possible. 

5. READ A BOOK PER MONTH

This resolution might be the hardest to hold on to, as I find it hard to make time for things like reading for pleasure. I am always tempted by technology to simply surf Instagram or Pinterest rather than reading, which provides more intellectual growth than then internet. Hopefully I will have added 12 books to my library by the end of 2017!

6. WORK OUT OFTEN

Since I am in track, I get a workout five times a week. However, when summer rolls around I am faced with endless Netflix binges and lazy days. I hope that I will continue to run regularly and attend yoga classes to help keep myself in shape during off seasons and the summer months!

7. BE GENTLE

This might seem counterintuitive (given that my word for 2017 is "hustle"), but I often find that I am beating myself up over small things and I hope to put an end to this practice in the new year. Being gentle towards myself and others will provide so much growth and many new opportunities that I can't wait to pursue.

I hope 2017 treats everyone kindly!

XOXO,

Sadie

Thursday Thoughts

Whether it be because of the changing seasons or because of my oncoming cold, November has been quite hectic. I find myself too distracted by the buzz of my busy life to take a moment to relax and reflect on life. This month is supposed to be one filled with giving and gratefulness, yet somehow I am overwhelmed by sports, school, and everything else in-between. Writing this post forces me to focus on the good in this hectic life that I live and show gratitude for everything I have. Today I'm sharing a small list of things that make me happy to spread the joy of the season. If you find yourself drifting into the stress of school and life, take a moment to thank someone who cares for you or write a friend a sweet note. After all, the best cure to any ailment (and hopefully my oncoming cold!) is kindness.

1. Sleeping in on Saturday & Sunday mornings.

2. When it's chilly outside but you are wrapped in blankets.

3. Hot cocoa and a good movie.

4. Falling leaves and their lovely colors.

5. A smile- and laughter-filled night out with friends.

6. Bubble baths.

7. Art museums in the summer.

8. Letters and polaroids.

9. Remembering good memories.

10. A warm cup of coffee or tea.

11. Fudge and cookies (or just sweets in general).

12. Warm, fuzzy sweaters.

13. Pretty Instagram feeds.

14. The lovely mountains.

15. A nice, cozy fireplace and its smell.

16. Hugs from family you haven't seen in a while.

17. Feeling cute and confident.

18. The stars on a clear night.

19. A clean room and scented candles.

20. Peppermint sticks.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful November and remember to thank those you love for everything they do for you!

XOXO,

Sadie

A Cozy Abode

Although I adore passing away the time outside, there is nothing quite like a cozy night spent indoors curled up with a cat and good book. I love coming home to a lovely, clean room, especially when it expresses who I am as a person. Lately I've been really feeling the vibes of my bedroom and its autumn decor, so I thought I would share it with you all. Hopefully it will inspire you to add a few fall decorations to your abode and enjoy your time inside!

Above is an overview of my bedroom. I'm currently obsessed with the pretty fox pillow seated in my chair. It brings in a bit of warmth to my room and the colors are perfect for fall!

My bed is perhaps my favorite part of my room (partially because it's so comfy, partially because it's so cute) and I adore my eclectic collections that I displayed overhead. I found the pendant at a vintage store, the constellation wheel was a gift, and the art and polaroids I've taken or bought during my travels.

My art wall is perhaps the most prominent representation of my style in my room. I love the vintage paint-by-number piece that I picked up at a vintage store and it pairs perfectly with the various prints that I've collected over the years.

Although my desk is where I complete my dreaded homework, I still enjoy the books, bits, and bobbles that adorn it. My vintage lamp provides a little more light, and my pumpkin string lights add a cute fall touch.

No desk is complete without a candle and mason jars! These containers make great pencil and pen holders. Plus, they're adorable!

Mini pumpkins are another adorable autumn decoration. They bring a bit of color onto my bookshelf and last quite a while!

For when my iTunes library just isn't hitting the spot, I keep my beloved record player on my bookshelf. Some of my favorite vinyl jams are Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stephens and An Awesome Wave by alt-J.

Just like my art wall, I use this mood board to express myself. I change out the small art pieces and letters frequently, and sometimes even add in dried flowers or leaves.

Atop my dresser I keep my perfume, flowers, my favorite jewelry pieces, and, of course, a pumpkin. I also hung my embroidery hoop that I purchased at the Indie Craft Parade as another decoration.

My vanity area is has yet another (surprise, surprise) art wall. I keep a calendar at easy access so that I can see what I have for planned the day and week ahead, and I display some of my own artwork, too!

I hope you enjoyed my room tour and I hope it inspired you! What do you love about your room? Tell me on Instagram!

XOXO,
Sadie

Halloween & Fall Favorites

With chilly temperatures and pumpkins adorning my front porch, I'm thrilled for the month of October and its spooky holiday vibes. It gives me the perfect excuse to string up my Halloween decor and jam out to some autumn acoustics, or even watch a scary movie. For this amazing time of year, I've picked out some of my fashion, media, and otherwise lovely favorites. I hope you enjoy!

FASHION: 

One of my favorite Autumn accessories has been my flannel from Urban Outfitters. It's currently on sale and is the perfect transition piece for this weather (freezing cold in the morning but sweltering hot in the afternoon). It pairs perfectly with green and brown hues and I know that I'll be wearing it on repeat. I styled it in my previous post that you can read here.

Next, I've been in love with my Timex Watch. It makes any outfit look professional and matches nearly everything in my closet. 

MEDIA:

If you haven't seen it yet, Netflix's Stranger Things is the perfect watch for the Halloween season. It's about a group of young friends in the 1980's searching for their friend who has been abducted into the "Upside Down". It's just the right amount of scary and funny and is a great binge watch this month.

This is an oldie but a goodie: Tim Burton's classic movie Beetlejuice!! I love the quirky nature of this film and it puts me in the Halloween mood.

Lastly in the media category, I have been in love with some of my classic Autumn jams. This season is perfect for listening to acoustic and calming tunes like Bon Iver or the Lumineers. You can listen to my Autumn playlist here.

OTHER:

Almost every year, I put "carve pumpkins" down on my fall bucket list and never check it off. This year, however, I made sure to complete this quintessential fall task and carved a night sky scene. It looks adorable on my front porch and can't wait to carve the others!

Since I am trying to cut my coffee intake, tea has been a must on chilly fall mornings. Not only are there so many delicious flavors, its quite beneficial to your health. My favorites are Tazo's Earl Grey Tea and the Harney & Sons Paris Tea.

Hiking has been another favorite of mine this season. It is the perfect time to trek outside and look at the beautiful leaves. Plus, it's great for your health!

What have you been loving this season? Tell me on Instagram. 

XOXO,

Sadie