black tee (c/o) 

Transitioning to fall clothing can be tricky- especially when the weather can't seem to make up it's mind when it comes to temperature. In Michigan, we've been flip-flopping around lately. Mornings will be brisk and cool, sometimes in the low 50s, and before noon even rolls around we'll be climbing our way back up into the mid 70s. 

Combating these changes is easy with this perfect black tee. A staple in all wardrobes, this one is unique in the sense that it has some subtle knot detail to make it just a little bit more trendy. And on top of that? The material is super soft and stretchy. Paired with your most broken in jeans and a soft bralette, you're al set for a relaxed day! 

Check back soon- more goodies are in store from GearBest! 

GearBest: http://goo.gl/jZ1nE3 | Black Tee: http://goo.gl/CSbNS9

Casual Days + GearBest

cute tee (c/o) | cardigan

When GearBest reached out to me last month asking if I would like to partner with them on some posts, I couldn't calm my excitement- especially not when I found out that they had this adorable eyelashes tee. 

This outfit is so comfortable, and absolutely perfect for lazy days or when I have to be in lectures for hours on end. 

Stay tuned for more outfit posts from GearBest! 

GearBest: http://goo.gl/jZ1nE3 | Cute Tee: http://goo.gl/vZbw3X

Monday Musings... but on Tuesday.

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1 // My Mondays have since become so insanely busy. I'm not going to lie, looking at my to-do list today and my planner that's just filled to the max with appointments and things to get done, I'm already exhausted. I frequently have to remind myself not to glorify being "busy," because being pulled in five different directions all the time is not something anyone should aspire to have. 

2 // I've (slowly) been making my way through Eat, Pray, Love and I can honestly say I am so happy to have given this book a second chance. The voice that Elizabeth Gilbert has is so raw and real, and for whatever reason I really identify with her attempts to find balance and understanding in the fast pace Western culture we live in. The book also has me wanting to go on an "eat pray love" journey of my own. 

3 // Lately I've been nothing short of wanderlust. I want to go everywhere, truthfully. I go through my camera roll on my phone and I see the pictures from the mountains over the summer and my heart yearns for another adventure. I see pictures of the southwest and of canyons and caverns to explore and I find my mind wandering there all the time. The Earth holds some true wonders and I am aching to see them all. 

4 // Rest. It's something I often deny myself. I so long for a restful weekend but so far that has been out of the picture. I am determined to work hard throughout this upcoming week so that I can have at least one restful day of little obligations. This feat sometimes seems impossible when my writing intensive classes have us reading chapters upon chapters each week, but I so desperately want to carve out some personal time to dig deep into a book and just feel at peace for a few hours. 

5 // Maybe it's the unrealistic hype that works of fiction have engrained in me, but I so want to find my own little coffee shop to hide away in on foggy, rainy, or cloudy days. A place that serves a great cup of coffee, where I can sit for hours reading or doing homework. My search is quite officially on.

6 // In recommendation of a pretty sweet nine year old, I have *finally* updated my phone to iOS10. Not really sure what to think of the update, but I'm very relieved to no longer have to hit "Remind Me Later" every day.

Wednesday Gratitude.

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After nearly getting into three separate car accidents yesterday (all within 5 minutes of each other) and quite literally seeing my life flash before my eyes multiple times, I feel grateful. 

Grateful that I didn't get hurt. That my brakes serve their purpose. That I actually paid attention during drivers training when we learned defensive driving techniques. 

This experience also made me grateful for an able body that can run, jump and bend. That it has the capability to walk me to class and carry heavy grocery bags up the stairs. 

I am grateful that I got to see my family yesterday, and that have plans to see the important people in my life throughout the rest of this week. 

Despite my book getting soaked from my water bottle opening when I hit the breaks suddenly, I am grateful that I have such easy access to literature and that I am capable of reading- because reading is one of my many joys in life that I couldn't imagine my world without. 

In all, this experience put into perspective for me how sweet life is, and how preciously it should be regarded. I hope you take some time to think of what makes you feel grateful today, too. 

Monday.

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After a long week of playing catch-up with classwork, a trying weekend, and a brutal Monday of back to back exams, I have nothing nice or positive to say. Quite simply I am feeling beaten down. In times like this, my mom used to tell me "If you have nothing positive to say, say nothing at all." 

Following that, I am instead choosing to link some positive things that make me happy. Perhaps you need them as much as I do. Perhaps it may make me feel less Grinch-like. Either way, they're here. Take what you need. 

1 // My all time favorite youtube video for when I need a reminder to give myself more self-love.

2 // The song that I don't think I could ever get sick of.

3 // This Odyssey article.

4 // My friend's Disney vlogs, so that it never quite feels like she's actually across the country.

5 // The renovation of this old theatre.

6 // This mantra.

Challenge

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After a tough week, I realized something: 

It's okay to challenge yourself, but at the same time you need to be mindful of your limits. 

I am totally guilty of FOMO. Since freshman year, I've had a fear of missing out. I want to do everything, even though that's not in my human capabilities. I also have the most difficult time saying no to just about anything, and quickly discover that I have way too much on my plate at just about all times. 

To combat this though, I've created a set of challenges- for myself, but also for you reading this. It's my hope that these challenges will push me to do better for myself and to overall create a happier mindset. 

The task at hand is simple, in theory. Complete the week's task at least sometime in seven days after posting. Easy enough, right? 

This week's task is reflective of the mindset I need to have after battling an endless week. 

Do one thing that makes you happy this week. 

This could literally be anything. Going for a run, treating yourself, going to a movie, buying yourself flowers- literally anything. 

I challenge us all to take meaningful and intentional steps towards making our own happiness, but to accomplish this let's just start with something simple. 

I hope everyone's week goes well, and that you find happiness in some way throughout your busy days. 

5 things your Rho Gammas want you to know before recruitment

With recruitment coming up, I thought I would share my top 5 things I want all Potential New Members to know before going into recruitment. I hope these tips help you find your homes and open up a world of possibilities. I've never once regretted my decision to join Greek life, and I know it can offer you the same opportunities. 

1 // It's okay to be nervous. When it comes to recruitment, everyone is nervous. The chapters, the rho gammas, the eboard, the other potential new members- all of them nervous. What's important is to not let it affect the way you shine during recruitment. 

2 // Be yourself. It sounds so cliche and everyone says it, but it's so true. Don't put on an act you think the women you're talking to will enjoy. This just holds you back from finding your true home, and when you really think about it, wouldn't it be much nicer to join a chapter where you can completely and utterly be your 100% most authentic self? 

3 // Wear clothes you're comfortable in. Recruitment is long. Do you really want to be stuck in shoes that squeeze your feet, a dress that's itchy, or clothes that make you pick yourself apart? If you're comfortable in what you're wearing, you'll be more focused on the conversations you're having with Panhellenic women than you're meeting as opposed to focusing on what you're wearing.

4 // Ask questions. This shows the chapters you're interested in learning more about them. No question is a dumb question, and they have been trained on how to handle just about anything that is thrown at them, so if something's really on your mind just ask. It's easier to make an informed decision on where you want to call home when you know all the facts. So ask the question- it might just make an impression.

5 // Keep an open mind. So many women go into recruitment thinking they want to go home to a certain chapter because of the pictures they see online and the stories they've heard. It's a lot different seeing the highlights reel than actually living life as a member of that chapter though. Don't go in with a fixed gaze. The chapter you never gave a second thought to might honestly be your best fit, and you do not want to miss out on the friendships that Greek life has to offer to you.