Stressing Out

It's this time of year that I wonder why the heck I have my hands in so many pots.

Graduate school. Planning a wedding. Working full time (in a position that doesn't limit itself to the normal 40 hour work week). Volunteering at church. Coaching.

It all feels like too much. I'm the first to admit that I hate to be bored and always need something going on, but I also think I'm great about admitting when I've bitten off more than I could chew.

With work being crazy (it is application reading season!), finals glooming on the horizon, wedding planning at a frustrating halt (thanks a lot, Army), and the holiday season in full swing, there just aren't enough hours in the day.

When my schedule gets like this, I try to remind myself to take one thing at a time. Usually, tasks don't take nearly as long as I think they will, and I blow through my to-do list in no time. By focusing my energies on one thing, I can also make sure I'm giving it 100%, which means no having to go back and make any tweeks later on. I also try to take a little me time to veg out - 5 minutes here to take a walk outside, a 30 minute cat nap, and extra 5 minutes in the shower to let that hot water soak right down to your bones.

How do you usually deal with stress?

XX - C

Happy Birthday to Me!

Back in high school, I would get so excited for my birthday, I'd start a count down a full 2 months out. I'd obnoxiously update everyone daily, and even write countdowns on the chalkboards in my classrooms to notify others.

I was unbearable.

Now, I've grown out of that (some) and this year I turn 25! Although I am amped about never having to pay a young driver fee again for a rental car, I am beginning to understand why people want to avoid birthdays. I understand that relatively speaking, 25 years is nothing, but I have so much exciting stuff coming up - my wedding, moving away from home (finally!), a new job (and possibly my OWN business)... I don't want it all to go by too quickly.

As a birthday treat to myself, I booked a day at a local spa. They are running a special - $175 for a 60 minute massage, manicure, pedicure, facial, and lunch! I cannot wait to pamper myself a little bit right before Logan gets back in town!

I'm so excited! :) How do you usually celebrate your birthday?

XX - C

Weekend Recap & Outfit of the Day!

This weekend was pretty packed - but very fun!

Friday night, Bonnie and I ran some errands and finally saw "Pitch Perfect." So funny if you haven't seen it yet.

Saturday, I went to Weight Watchers and weighed in (gotta get wedding dress ready!) and ran over to the storage unit to get Christmas decorations! I was able to get back to the apartment early enough that we even got the tree up and decorated that morning. Then it was off to the swim meet for the competition against Hollins. (Sweet Briar won, of course!) Cutting it close, Bonnie, Emily, Dad and I hit the road for Charlottesville for the UVA/Green Bay basketball game.

Although we're Duke fans, seeing basketball live is always a good time. We got home mid-evening and were pooped - so we relaxed and eventually went to bed. 

Sunday was cleaning day! We decided when we moved that we'd clean once a week to keep things spic-and-span. Of course, I'm pretty OCD, so I straighten and wipe down daily, but this is helping tremendously with cutting down on clutter. We gave everything a good scrub and Bonnie and I went grocery shopping. (Before hand, we sat down as roommates and managed schedules, planned meals, and made a shopping list. We never shop without a list - it's too dangerous for our wallets!) The Menu looks like this:

• Monday - We're all one our own - I have a study group and Emily has class
• Tuesday - Dinner at 7:30 when Emily gets home - Chicken Tenders and green beans 
• Wednesday - Bonnie and Emily will have dinner at 7:30 - Brown Sugar and Garlic Chicken and broccoli 
• Thursday - On our own - Bonnie has a Chi Omega alumnae event, and Emily and I have class
• Friday - Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter

Then we were able to catch the local Christmas Parade :)

Roommate picture before hand - sipping hot chocolate and waiting patiently!

My high school's band - I marched as color guard in this parade three times in high school! :)

Although I'm 100% in the Christmas spirit, temperatures in the high 60s are making it hard to get in the spirit. However, it also makes me feel a little better about wearing Lilly to work in December:

Today, I'm wearing black flats from Payless, an a-line skirt from New York & Company, and a Lilly Pulitzer top. I'm also wearing my favorite double string of pearls.

Happy Monday, everyone!

XX - C

Giveaway Entry for Sweet Southern Prep

Hello, all!

Please check out Sweet Southern Prep's blog - I'm a huge fan!

She's also doing a great give-away with Godwin Gifts on Etsy now - I'm hoping to win the tile coasters with cork bottom in a Lilly Pattern!