My No-Spend Month

July 2017 started out with the best intentions. My goal was this: endure a no-spend month. The rules are simple; aside from bills, gasoline, and the absolute necessities (medicine, basic groceries, baby and school supplies) go through the entire month without spending money. It's all over Pinterest, so I figured my broke self would give it a try.

I started strong. When I grocery shopped, I used copious amounts of coupons. I sold some old stuff that made up for my forgotten and unexpected expenses of a library fine, Amazon Prime membership, and a doctor visit. I worked on a very detailed budget and it looked beautiful.

About two weeks in, I spent a little extra on some clearance shoes for Abby. Not a huge deal, but I probably could have waited. I also got Chick-fil-A after work.... Guilty pleasure. One thing lead to another, and I gave in. My No-Spend Month was a bust.

And ya know what? I'm okay with it.

Sure, I could have worked harder to avoid spending money. But at the end of the day, I realized that I can save money and still buy things that I want. Shocker, here's a list of things I figured out.

1. Sleep on it. If you're not 100% sure, write it on a "want" list and give it a few days. If you still want it, go ahead. 
2. Use every money-saving resource you have. Coupons, ibotta, ebates, sales. Shop smart and combine deals whenever possible. (Bonus: click the links for my referral codes to earn extra money!)
3. Build a budget. Try to be as detailed and honest as possible. Don't make it pretty, make it real. 
4. Be flexible. Your budget needs to change with the times. Look over last month and see where you can save money, but also look where you need to give yourself some more wiggle room.

Even though I failed the challenge, I still learned some great ways to save my money for things I really want and need. Maybe I'll try again with a better plan another time.

Let me know what you think in the comments! Have you tried a no-spend month? What are your best money saving tips? I want to know!

xoxo, a.

The First Weeks...

I cannot believe baby Abigail is almost two months old. They weren't kidding when they said time flies. It's unreal. We're finally getting used to each other and I'm learning her quirks. It's fun once I have them figured out, but the trial and error crying part isn't quite as fun. No matter how many articles I read and how much advice I received from friends and family, I still didn't listen. So here's what I feel like the first few weeks are like, and maybe a few tips to survive them...

If you thought you were on an emotional roller coaster while pregnant, you ain't seen nothing yet. Hormones PLUS sleep deprivation?? Hahahahahaha you're screwed.

During those first couple of weeks, there will be no schedule, no routine, nothing but guesswork, trial and error, and tears. Newborns sleep, eat, and poop. That's pretty much it. Sleep when baby sleeps. Seriously. As long as you have a clean pair of underwear, you don't really need to do laundry. Vacuuming the entire house for company can wait. They won't judge. They'll be too distracted by the baby.

Let people help you. I struggled with this one, mentally. I felt like a bad mom for letting my parents give Abigail a bottle or change her diaper. I soon realized that it wasn't like I was neglecting her. My family enjoyed doing it, and wouldn't have offered had they not wanted to or realized that I really needed the help. You can only do so much on 2 hours of sleep for 4 days. There's nothing wrong with taking a nap while someone else watches the baby. You need your rest too, supermom.

Just a little sneak picture for y'all.
I don't plan to put many pics of
Abigail on my blog, sorry.

You are not going to know what to do at first. Yes, you have maternal instincts. No, they don't come on like a switch in your head. I thought it would all just click. Uhh, nope. It's going to take trial and error to figure things out. You're probably going to have to fasten and unfasten those first few diapers several times before getting it right. It's gonna take a minute to go from sitting to standing with a baby in your hands. Passing baby off to another person? Awkward. There will be accidental boob grabbing and you might pinch baby a little. No big deal.

Babies are not as fragile as you think. Have you seen the way nurses throw them around like a sack of potatoes????? They aren't made of glass, and you're gonna have to do a little manipulation to get their arms through those pesky long sleeved gowns and onesies.

Weird stuff happens and it'll make you so upset for no reason. Here's a little story for y'all. The first few nights home, my mom slept upstairs with me to help me with Abby. It was awesome. However, all good things must come to an end, so she finally decided to sleep downstairs, leaving me alone with Abigail for the night. Well, my grandmother is in the next room but I do my best not to disturb her and the dog. Anyways, Abigail was sleeping in the cradle next to my bed, and she started crying. Time to eat, at like 3am. Cool, I expected as much. As I reached down to pick her up, I realized she was wet. Well craaaaap, diaper leak. So I take her into the nursery, lay her on the changing pad, and grab a new set of pajamas. As I lift up her gown, I realize something very important is missing. Her diaper. It's literally nowhere to be found. To cut the mystery short, it came unfastened and fell off in her cradle (she's a very wiggly baby, so this doesn't surprise me a bit). At this point, I still thought she was very fragile and had an intense fear of having to take clothes on and off over her head, as she screams every time (she absolutely hated diaper and wardrobe changes at first). So here I am with a wet, poopy, screaming, diaper-less 1 week old tiny baby, scared to death to get the gown off of her, trying to figure out how I'm going to change her, feed her, then change the sheets in her cradle. Cue me grabbing my phone, texting mom to come help me, then breaking into tears when she comes upstairs. Long story short, we got her changed, I didn't die, she didn't die, I now laugh at myself for freaking out, and I have grown to hate gowns. However, I can change her much faster now, and I'm not so afraid of hurting her.

The bottom line is this: babies are weird. They take a lot of getting used to. Like I've said about 3 times already, it's all trial and error. Each baby is different, and you'll eventually learn what works best for you. Good luck, new momma. You're gonna be great.

I know I haven't really said much about Abigail and myself specifically. We're doing great, and she's getting so big so quickly. I put her in a size 1 diaper today and I'm totally not okay with that. Is it too early to joke about putting a brick on her head to stop her from growing? She's a spoiled little thing, and she loooooves being held. She smiles, mostly right after she's thrown up all over me. It's adorable, actually. Thank you for all the kind words and thoughts and prayers. Keep them coming, please. I'm so grateful for y'all's support.

xoxo, a.

Things I Want To Teach My Daughter

I haven't even met Abigail yet and I already know so many things I want her to learn as she grows up. Things that I was taught by my mother and grandmother, things I was told by other people, and things I learned all on my own. I want my sweet daughter to have the best life she could possibly have, and she probably won't listen to half of my advice (I sure didn't-sorry mom), but at least I'll be able to say "I told you so" when she unavoidably messes up. ;) I'm just kidding, y'all. But really, why is it that we don't realize how right our parents are until it's just a little bit too late?

Abigail, if you're reading this in like 2035 (will the internet even exist then??????), I hope you've already heard these things from me, and if not, I hope you believe that I say them from experience and with sincerity.

1. Nobody will ever love you more than your mother. I even love you now, with your foot (or hand, or elbow or butt....) prying away at my ribcage. There's no telling how much more I'll love you with every single day that passes. 
2. Your mom is always going to be your best friend, even when you don't like her because she said no.
3. There's nothing wrong with reading a really cheesy book that provides no intellectual stimulation. Sometimes, it's just a nice escape. 
4. You look better with messy hair and confidence than you ever will in expensive clothes and self-doubt.
5. It only means he likes you when he's mean to you if he's in elementary school. After that, run. 
6. Seriously, run. 
7. You'll never learn from anyone's mistakes but your own. Still, take heed in their warnings. 
8. Never stay with an abusive partner. Emotional, physical, it doesn't matter. Leave. 
9. Good will prevail. It's not always immediate, it's not always easy. But the just will win. 
10. Lists are very important. Make many of them. If you're anything like me, you'll be very forgetful.
11. Enjoy each day like it's your last, but never lose sight of the future. 
12. Maturity is an attitude, not an age. 
13. Pick a career because you love what it stands for and how it helps you grow, not for the money. Unless you're in college. Then work the crappy jobs for the money, otherwise you're eating ramen tonight and tomorrow night and next week too. 
14. Never let someone intimidate you to the point of doing something you're not comfortable with. 
15. Always listen to stories from your elders. They're a lot more interesting than your history textbooks, and they tend to be much more relevant to you than you'll realize at first. 
16. Technology, lingo, trends- those things change. People, and human nature in general, don't. It took me far too long to believe that, but boy do I wish I had a lot sooner. 
17. It's really not that hard to just be nice and treat people with respect, even if that means you have to bite your tongue. You are free to think and feel whatever you want, but be nice to people. 
18. Don't gossip. People will turn on you quicker than a New York minute. If you have to talk about someone or something, talk to your mom. She probably doesn't like that girl's outfit either. ;) 
19. Moms are super great at keeping secrets, believe it or not. 
20. Believe it or not, I've been there. I'm older than you, so logic follows that I was once your age as well, not all that long ago. I probably do have a clue what you're feeling. 
21. Pray. God always listens, He always hears, and He will always be by your side. Trust that He will guide you to the place you need to be. 
22. Pick a favorite number. It doesn't really serve much of a purpose, but at least you'll always have an answer if someone asks. I may have placed this tip very strategically. 
23. Chances are, someone in your life isn't going to like you. They probably will know absolutely nothing about you, but will have all sorts of opinions on the way you live your life. Guess what? Chances are they have absolutely no clue what they're talking about. Best just to let them go on with their bitterness.
24. Get a pet fish at least once in your life. Preferably when you're old enough to take care of it by yourself, cause I'm really bad at taking care of fish. But, if you're like me, your fish will literally live for 5 years with almost no food. Don't ask me how. 
25. Don't be afraid to be the "jack of all trades, master of none." The phrase actually ends in "though oftentimes better than master of one." You don't have to be a superstar at one thing. Expand your knowledge and just be good at a bunch of things that you like. 
26. Little Debbies are good for the soul. 
27. Brand names are great, but you're paying for the name. My $30 Target cowboy boots lasted 5 years and were just as comfortable as any $200 pair. 
28. Write letters you'll never send. To the one who broke your heart, the one who broke your trust, the one you loved the most, the one you hate with a burning passion. Write that letter, save it in your journal. At least then you've said your thoughts, whether or not anyone will ever hear them, they're out from the confines of your head. 
29. Don't sit and ask yourself why something happened. Ask yourself how it will make you grow and get better in the future. 
30. Take 5 minutes, an hour, a day, even two, if you feel overwhelmed. Your mental health is more important that 5 points on a paper. Sometimes all you need is a good nap. 
31. Never be ashamed of your emotions. It's okay to get angry, embarrassed, or hurt over something simple. It's okay to laugh for absolutely no good reason. You have feelings for a reason, don't suppress them. 

There are so many more things I have yet to learn, so this list is definitely a "living and breathing document," as every single one of my college professors says about their syllabi. Y'all know I just had to throw something nerdy in there. All I can say is, Abigail, if you're reading this in the future, I hope you trust that I love you more than anything in the world and want nothing but the very best for you. 

That's all for now, folks. Please, share any advice you have in the comments below!

xoxo, a. 

The Dictionary Your Parents Need

A question for my peers: do you ever say something completely normal and your parents look at you like you just beamed down from a UFO?? Yup, thought so. Well, if you don't have one of those tooootally cool parents that knows every word you say (parents, if you attempt to talk like us, here's a bit of advice: don't.), send them this link so they'll at least have some idea of what you're trying to say. Warning: I am posting the PG-13 versions of all of these, and though most of them are really not bad, you still won't completely understand them, so please do not attempt to say them. Thanks.

• Typical White Girl: an activity that personifies the starbucks-loving shopaholic "oh. em. gee." teenage girl
• Can't Even: to be unable to comprehend or deal with a situation
• Bruh: dude. what. no. stop.
• Hipster: glasses. suspenders. indie music. you get the idea.
• Perf: there is nothing more perfect.
• Salty: jealous. bitter.
• Thirsty: desperate.
• Yasssss: absolutely YES
• Thot: well, it technically stands for "That Hoe Over There" soooo
• fr: forreal man, forreal.
• The Struggle (Is Real): life is so tough, first world problems, privilege kid problems, etc.
• (Eyebrow, Hair, Etc.) Game Strong: looking good! 
• Legit: this is real stuff.
• I Ship It: a relationship you totally want to happen.
• On Point: perfect and awesome and beautiful 
• Weak: laughter to the point of physical weakness. usually used much like "lol"- when you are actually not laughing at all.

Hope you enjoy these. There are many more, but these are the first ones that came to mind. 

xoxo, a.

Things They Don't Tell You In High School

Hello, world! Oh, how I've missed y'all! To those of y'all that actually read these posts, I really do appreciate it. And if y'all could like, spread the word about my blog and tell your friends and colleagues to check it out, I would be so super grateful. I just want a bigger audience, because I spend a lot of time on these posts!

Anyways... The other day, I got to thinking... What did I really learn in high school that actually turned out to be useful in college? My opinion: not much. I know, that sounds really negative, but it's true! Granted, I am only a freshman, but still. I'm fully involved in college. I'm in several clubs/organizations, I go to classes, I play (intramural) sports, and I have a social life. Plus, on top of that, I have to live on my own and take care of myself!

This isn't to say high school isn't important. It is. It sucks, as everyone knows, but it is somewhat important. I mean, you learn stuff.... But a lot of the stuff you learn is only applicable for actual high school. You're not going to have to remember what year Albert Camus wrote The Stranger, but God knows you'll need to have his entire birthday memorized for that test.

On the other hand, there are some important things that you need to remember from high school. And what do you know, I'm gonna make a list! Enjoy! And please, take these with a grain of salt. While many of my friends agree with me, these are from my personal experiences, don't get your panties in a wad if you don't agree. So here are the things I think you really need to take with you from high school to college:

• Regular homework is useless. Occasionally you will have homework in college. Rarely, though. Sometimes you'll have to do some terms, maybe a few online practices. Otherwise, most "homework" is just writing papers, for which you are given plenty of time to prepare.
• Pay attention to your syllabi. In high school, these were viewed as useless wastes of paper that your parents had to sign. However, in college, these literally will save your life. When you get your syllabi, go straight to the schedule and immediately write it all out in your planner. That way, you'll know ahead of time when you have tests, due dates, and cancelled classes! Plus, they tell you about attendance policies, which differ with each professor.
• Good note-taking strategies are an absolute necessity. Some college professors use power points, some don't. Some post their information online, some don't. Each professor is different, and unlike high school, they usually don't all follow the same curriculum guide. Some professors allow laptops for notes, others despise the use of any kind of technology in their classes. Here's my advice:
• Laptop Notes: I love taking notes on my laptop (Google Drive!!!!) whenever I can. That way, I can get the information written down quickly and reorganize it later if necessary. Beware: it's easy to get distracted!!!
• Written Notes: Yup, sometimes you're gonna have to take notes the old-fashioned way. Personally, I remember things better when I write them down, so it's not so bad for me. Unfortunately, sometimes we have those classes that just make it boring. I suggest using lots of colors!! Use one color for the bulk of the notes, then other colors to highlight, underline, draw arrows, illustrations, and whatever else you need! These make your notes look more organized and just a bit more interesting!! 
• Planners are not for geeks. As I'm sure y'all saw in this post, I am obsessed with my planner. It's the most insanely helpful thing I have. Time management is a huge thing in college. In high school, your teachers reminded you every. single. day. about that paper. But in college, you won't even see your professors every day, much less have them remind you about something you, as an adult, should already know. 
• Procrastination is not a skill to brag about. I'll never understand why we all decided to do our projects the night before the due date... Especially considering we had homework for 7 different classes that same night! In college, you'd think it would be easier, considering the fewer classes you actually take per day. However, the opposite is true. Papers and projects are not flexible in college. High school teachers are pretty nice, they'll pretend to believe that your dog died and give you an extra day. But in college? Heck no, you should have turned that paper in a week ago anyways!!
• Don't limit yourself to "school" friends. It's okay to not have a ton of friends in your classes. In high school, you got along with whoever you were stuck with in class. In college, you see these people a lot less often, so don't force yourself to make in-class friendships. This is the time to think about the long-term, not just people to entertain you in class.

There's so much more I could say, but for now, I'll step off my soap box and let y'all figure the rest out on your own. An early congrats to the Class of 2015. These next few months will FLY by. Enjoy it while you can, but don't dwell on high school. College is awesome.

xoxo, a.

New Year's Resolutions!

Where did 2014 go???? This year literally went by so quickly... It's unbelievable. Anyways. We all make New Year's Resolutions, right? How many of us actually keep them? Very few. But, I figured, if I shared them with y'all, I'd have to keep mine! I'm counting on y'all to hold me accountable!

With the photo thing, I will be adding a "Project 365" page, on which I add a picture from every day of the year. I may not add them every single day, but I'll do my best to update it every week or so.

What are your resolutions? How do you plan to keep them? Let me know in the comments below!!

xoxo, a. 

My First Semester

Well, Fall Semester 2014 is over. The exams have been graded, books have been returned, clothes have been packed, and every once of information has been drained from my head. All in all, I'm pretty happy with how it went. I definitely learned a lot, being my first time away from home and such, so I'm gonna share what I learned with y'all!

1. You really don't need all of your clothes.... I thought I'd dress up every once in a while to go to class. Boy, that idea wore off really quick. On average, you will most likely not have the energy to try so hard every day. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and I give major props to the girls and guys that put so much effort into their appearance! That takes work. Anyways. I bring home so much random junk every time I come home. Only bring what you really know you'll need. Space is precious in college. 
2. Organization is key. With every day consisting of a different schedule, it tends to get confusing. Due dates are given to you once. Most professors will not constantly remind you when something is due or when you're next test is. Keep a planner! I've told you this before, so please believe me! It's important! 
3. Do your best to get along with your roommate. You never know when you'll get sick and need someone to bring you gatorade or when your hair dryer will break and you'll have to borrow theirs! Plus, who else is gonna be cracking up with you at midnight when you know you have things to do early the next morning.
4. Find a hobby. Drawing, guitar, writing. Something small to fill gaps in your schedule.  I do Zentangles. They're so fun, and you can find all kinds of pattern ideas on Pinterest. 



One of my tangles! They're so fun to make!


5. DO NOT BUY YOUR BOOKS FROM THE ON-CAMPUS BOOKSTORE. I simply cannot stress this enough. This past semester, I paid $500 for RENTALS THAT I COULD NOT KEEP. That's absolutely ridiculous. This time around, I went online ahead of time and looked up all the books I will need for next semester. Then, I went on my Amazon Prime account (sign up through this link to give me $10 credit and get Amazon Student for $50 a year!!! SOOO worth it...)and looked up my books. Basically, I chose whatever option was cheapest. For large textbooks, like Calculus, I rented them through Amazon. For shorter reading for English, I simply bought them. Though Kindle is cheaper, I personally prefer having the book in front of me so I can mark in it and such. I had to get a couple through the bookstore because they're impossible to find, but they were still cheap. Basically, save money where you can. Rent, buy used, borrow, whatever you can. I'm not even getting my French book because I already have the online access code from this semester! So, instead of $500, I spent..... *drumrolls* $100!!!!! Hallelujah. A miracle has occurred. 
   
6. Stick to your studies. In my experience, college professors don't assign a lot of busy work. Yes, you'll probably have a decent amount of papers to write. It really depends on your major. But all in all, you have a lot more time to do your work, especially if you just get it done! Don't wait up all night (coughKelseycough) to do your paper. Get it done when you have time to kill before the caf opens for dinner, or while waiting for your friend to get out of class. You'll find a lot of little snippets of time that can be used just to write one paragraph at a time! You'll feel a lot less stressed and so much more confident- plus your GPA will thank you!
7. Go home. I love being at school with all my friends and all that freedom. But there's nothing like real food and movie nights with your family. They miss you, believe it or not. If at all possible, go home sometimes.

All in all, the best advice I can give you for your first semester is to enjoy it, but learn to hold your own. It's all about balancing your studies with your parties. I'm really looking forward to next semester, and the rest of my college career. If you have any other advice, tell me in the comments below! 

xoxo, a.  

Stress Relievers

As final exams draw near, my stress levels increase like the amount of caffeine I consume. Admit it: you're freaking out a little too. Well, fear not! I have some silly tips for quick, easy stress relievers!!

1. Take a bubble bath. Fellas, don't write this one off just yet. If you've never experienced a relaxing bubble bath, I suggest you try it. Turn off the lights, light a candle, and listen to your favorite music. It's fantastic, really.
2. Play a stupid game. Preferably something simple and almost childish. Or just something that you like. I play CafeLand on Facebook. Don't make fun of me, it's fun and it helps me escape my troubles for a while. 
3. Write. Journals, letters, blogging... Whatever! Just don't constantly tweet or post Facebook statuses.... Please....
4. Drink some tea. And I don't mean sweet tea. I mean chamomile or green tea. Something warm. It's relaxing and healthy! Just add some honey for the best remedy to any ailment, mental or physical!
5. Walk outside. Fresh air is the cheapest stress reliever around, and one of the most underrated. If you just HAVE to stay in your room, at least open a window to let a little air inside! 
6. Play with animals. Montevallo is freakin' awesome cause they have a day during exam week in which they bring animals from Hand-In-Paw just for us to play with for a stress reliever! Whether your school offers this or not, find a way to play with some cute animals or something. Spend a little extra time with Rover or Sir Fluffy, they'll enjoy it too! 

I hope these ideas will help you chill out! Just don't forget to study! Good luck to everyone taking exams in the next few weeks!! I feel your pain. But soon it'll be over and we can stuff our faces with food and fill our rooms with presents! Yay! 

xoxo, a.

Planner Probs

As I'm sure you've noticed from previous posts, I have an obsession with organizing. Charts, lists, color coding... It's all so exciting to me! Maybe I'm crazy, but at least I'm organized... Kinda... I tend to organize just for the look of it, then forget to keep it up. But this year, I'm determined to use my time well!

I'm obsessed with my Lilly planner.

So yesterday was Monday. And Mondays, for me, are torture. Four classes, starting at 9am and ending at 7:30pm makes for a loooong day. Plus, Mondays are just ew. Nevertheless, yesterday was probably one of my most productive day. Between my classes, I tend to nap, which I did yesterday, keeping me refreshed and focused in my classes. You'd think it would just make me drowsy in lectures, but it actually helps me out! As the day went on, I started to realize how busy this week is. Several tests, lots of studying, due dates, etc. And I figured, I spent $28 on this adorable planner, so I better use it! So I grabbed my wallet and my coupons and bought new highlighters. Okay, so I probably didn't really need them. But I knew what I was doing. I needed specific colors, cause I was about to get organized.

Monthly pages are so nice!

So here it is: my planner organization tips. You can find these all over Pinterest, but these are just my more personal version for y'all. I'm gonna format this like a page-by-page spread. (Each planner is different, I'm just showing you how I use the pages in my Lilly Pulitzer Large Agenda)

1. Monthly Pages: Almost all planners have these pages, and they can be annoying. Some people write every event on them. I, on the otherhand, stick to the important things. Major tests, due dates, birthdays, holidays, big events. Sounds like a lot, but in the long run, it's not that bad. These are color coded like my weekly pages, as you'll see in a minute. 

   

   Weekly pages- perfect for being
   very specific!

2. Weekly Pages: These are the reason we buy planners. These spreads have enough room for every homework assignment, church event, cookout, birthday, and what have you. The colors make the planner cute and organized- my two weaknesses.



• Color Coding: Each color has a designated use, helping me to visualize exactly what has to be done.
• Sticky Notes: Since this particular planner doesn't have notes sections for each week, I add in my own sticky notes.

  

  Notes pages are perfect for
  blog ideas! Yup, y'all are getting
  an exclusive sneak peek!

  My To-Do list can be removed and replaced if necessary. My shopping list can be taken out and accompany me to the store whenever I need it. The small note for caf meals helps me keep track of how many of my 5 weekly swipes I've used in the caf.
3. Notes Pages: These pages tend to go unused. Like, there's not enough for me to take class notes, and they're so awkwardly placed in the front or back of the planner. Obviously, you can use these for whatever you need. I decided to put blog post ideas on these pages. Usually these pages are best used for non-time-sensitive items and ideas. 



Pockets are perfect-
but only to hold a few
small papers. Don't
overload them!

4. Pockets: Most planners have at least one small pocket  omewhere inside. I rarely use mine, but it is useful for my color code sheet and small cards. For example, I have an information sheet on free tutoring offered at the university that includes hours and contact information. 
5. Stickers: Some of the fancier planners come with stickers! Use them, that's what they're there for! I'm a stickler when it comes to stickers (I just cracked myself up), so I don't use them often, but I'm gonna start! Plus, sometimes I add my own stickers. Momma gave me the Winnie-the-Pooh stickers before I moved out, so I put one in my planner every once in a while to remind me of home. :) -awwww- 

   

   Are these stickers cute,
   or what???

6. Random Suggestions: Planners are great, but sometimes you have to bring in your own resources to make them perfect for your personal needs. Here are some things that are helpful to me.


• Sticky Flags: Not only are these great for huge study sessions, they're great bookmarks! They aren't bulky, so your pages won't get all messed up. I like to put the arrow on the day I'm currently on. Otherwise, I put one on the monthly page just to keep track of where I am. Most planners do have tabs for each month and such, but those only help so much. Constantly flipping pages gets annoying!
• Best Handwriting: If my planner is a mess, I'm a mess. I do my best to make my handwriting extra neat in my planner. That way, every detail is very clear. Mind you- I don't have pretty handwriting as it is, so this is as good as it gets.
• Free Space: Use this to your advantage! Some may use it for more notes, if you simply don't have enough space. I, on the other hand, use it to doodle. That way, I keep my drawings in confined spaces and don't use up any unnecessary paper! Yay for saving the world, one doodle at a time! Plus, it makes my planner ever cuter!

  

  Doodles, for the win! Cute way to take up extra space, and to
  keep me awake in boring classes! -coughchemistrycough-

I apologize for the messiness- I told y'all I don't have the best handwriting. And the pictures are kinda messed up on this post... I couldn't get them to go where I wanted them to! I tried picking a good looking week to photograph, so I'm going with this week. Always keep in mind, your planner is, as my professors like to say in their syllabi, "a living and breathing document." Meaning, things can change quickly! For example, I meant to post this yesterday, but I didn't have time to take pictures and such, so I moved it to today! 

Hope y'all enjoy my post! I hope it helps some of my fellow scatterbrains, or even my fellow neat freaks. It's actually kinda fun being organized. It definitely helps me remain a little less stressed than usual. 

xoxo, a.

And So It Begins...

Tomorrow is the big day! It's hard to believe that after 18.5 years, I'm actually moving out. Packing has been... Interesting. I feel so overpacked, but there's still so much crap in my room that I'm not even bringing... How did I accumulate so much stuff? I blame my packrat sentimental mother. I keep EVERYTHING. Oh well, I'm sure my dorm will be full enough.

The guest room.. So much stuff...

Of course, the anxiety is starting to kick in. I'm excited, definitely. But this is such a huge step! I wish my sweet Zachary could be here with me, but duty calls (sob sob, sorry). At least I have my parents and 'Vallo friends. I wish Ern could be there with me (long story, miss you babe) but I have Marlee and Kaye and Britt! Yay me!

I have plenty food to keep me goin for a while, hallelujah!!!! College girl's dream, right?

Stay hydrated!

So. Many. Snacks.

I'm gonna cry, mom's gonna cry, dad's not gonna cry, Nanny's gonna cry, and Sasha will probably pee. Is it bad that I'm most upset about leaving the pup, though? Sorry mom, Sasha is my baby. I'm still excited though, really.

Packing the cars... Now there was a task. How the heck was I supposed to get everything I own (not really) into two cars??? Ugh, the struggle. Well, I mean.. They're actually packed pretty well. Between my OCD and mom's HUGE car, it fits pretty well. It's weird to have an empty closet and all but one outfit in the car... I'm beyond thrilled that it's supposed to be in the upper 90s-100 in Alabama this weekend. Man, what great weather to run in and out and up and down in.... Sooo looking forward to that....

This is a short post, but I have tons still to do... Wish me luck! I'll be posting whenever I can, but I may be relying on drafts for a while, so there may not be too many updates. Again, prayers and thoughts requested, this is gonna be tough. Thanks!

xoxo, a.

Things I Should Have Learned Long Ago......

    As I've started to get extra busy with college preparations, I've realized that getting an early start would have really helped me transition more smoothly and with less confusion. But considering my personality, I can never escape confusion. Here are a few things I should have done long ago...

1. take the ACT with plenty time to spare: I was fortunate enough to go to a school that provided a very helpful ACT Prep class, so on my one and only try, I made a 30. Cool, right? But what if I hadn't made that? I took it in April 2013, and the next test-taking option was like September. Heck, I was accepted to three colleges by the end of July, with two scholarships to boot. Applying to college in the summer is much easier than during the school year, which I would have been forced to do if I hadn't gotten so lucky on the exam.
2. DON'T LET ANY ODDITIES DURING THE ACT GO UNNOTICED: I simply cannot stress this enough. Long story short, I noticed the kid next to me sitting a little close, but didn't think much of it until 5 months later when my 30 on the ACT was being questioned. I nearly lost my score, my acceptances, and my scholarships. Luckily, I send them a heck of a letter along with grades and previous test scores proving that I actually am smart enough to make a high score. The other kid probably wasn't so lucky... The ACT board apologized and promised to keep my score as valid. Phew.
3. apply for housing early: I only got lucky in getting into Brooke, with private bathrooms...
4. start making lists: Okay, so I do this all the time. (Noooo, you don't say!!) This is more of a suggestion to everyone; preaching to the choir, I suppose. As high school wound down, I started to realize how many different things I have to keep track of. Now it's in full swing. Dorm rooms and classes and money, oh my. 
5. become independent: This seems obvious but even in high school we were babied. I still relied on my teachers to tell me the exact homework assignment, when it was written on the weekly syllabi or whatever. Learn to be proactive and get everything done ahead of time, if possible.
6. fall in love with your planner: I did it. I got my Lilly Pulitzer planner and I regret NOTHING. It's beautiful. Worth every penny, I'd say. I mean, c'mon, it lasts for 3 regular semesters!
7. save money: Boy, I love shopping. But would I rather smell like a peppermint or eat....? Priorities, ladies and gents. 
8. visit your school multiple times and just walk around campus: If it weren't for my almost weekly trips to 'vallo with friends, I would get beyond lost. At least now I have some sort of grasp on where most things are... I hope.
9. obsess over your school: If you love the school, you most likely will already do this. Get t-shirts, decals, cups, whatever. Be proud of the place you're going to further your knowledge! Be proud that you were able to achieve this great thing! I have several shirts, cups, pens, decals, and so many other things showing my Falcon pride. PV, anyone? (PS. No, I'm not decided, but I will most likely be choosing the Purple Team--- Montevallo stuff, it's pretty big.)

There's so much more I have to learn but at least I'm not in denial... I'm sure I'll have more to add to this list later.. Maybe it'll become a series??

xoxo, a.

How To: Prep for Freshman Year

So, I'm actually sitting here starting this post in the middle of July, when I still don't know how I really need to pack. But I'll forget to write this if I don't start now... Scatterbrain problems. Anyways, I love packing and organizing. The neat and orderly part, at least. All the messy bits annoy me. Whenever I decide to clean out drawers and such, I always end up with that one freakin' pile of random crap that has absolutely no place in my room. As I get ready to move out on my own (kinda), I am bound and determined to make it all as physically painless and seamless as possible. The emotional part carries no such promises, though. These tips are based on my personal situation, with one roommate with whom I share a bedroom and a bathroom, and we each have our separate closets. Plus, I will be going to school not far from home, so I have that advantage. So, once again, take these tips with a grain of salt, everything can be molded to your own situation in some way.

• Label your boxes. This one is kinda a no-brainer... If you use any plain cardboard moving boxes, just stick a sticky note on them saying what specifically is in them!! (Sticky notes so you won't write all over the box- they can be reused a million times and constantly marking things out gets really annoying) That way, you won't have to run around screaming "WHERE ARE MY UNDERWEAR?!?!?"
• Put things in their designated drawers/containers and take it all in together. For example, I'm using a small plastic set of drawers for my makeup. Instead of boxing up all that crap and having to reorganize it on move-in day, go ahead and put it in the drawers! Just tape the drawers shut really well for traveling. You'll save room in the trunk, plus you'll keep yourself sane when you  move in! It may be a little heavier than carrying things in separately, but it's totally worth it. Just don't load cheap drawers with heavy sweaters...
• If you can, leave seasonal stuff at home. I'm lucky enough to be going to school less than an hour from home. Hence, I will be leaving my sweaters and boots home until the weather starts changing. No fear, I do understand Alabama weather (or.. I know to expect really crazy stuff... ) so I know to keep a few jackets with me, because you never know when you'll need a blanket in August.... If you live too far away, I really dunno what to tell you. Your best bet would just be to buy a couple big bins and stuff them under your bed.



Yes, I have things designated for specific drawers.




Who's bringing what? Color coded, naturally.





• Plan ahead. Y'all know I do this big time. Make lists, spreadsheets, whatever it takes to stay organized. I have spreadsheets on my computer as well as handwritten lists in notebooks. Everyone is different, I just do it all. Some may call me crazy, others call me.... Crazier.

• Get creative. Who needs air freshener when you can just tape a dryer sheet to your fan? It works, I do it all the time! Leave it on for a few minutes to get a nice fresh smell, then stick it in your drawers to make your undies smell all purday. Better learn to play Jenga, your room is about to be stacks on stacks on stacks. (Unfortunately, said stacks are plastic and filled with sweaters, not cash)
• Learn to be cheap. Or, to be proper: thrifty. I prefer to be honest and say cheap. The Dollar Tree is your friend, folks. Dollar General brand products are actually fairly decent. In general, generic brands are the best thing ever. School supplies from the dollar store are my particular favorite. Soon to come: an entire post on my money-saving cheapskate strategies! Be on the lookout!
• One step at a time. You have all semester to procrastinate. Don't do it for move-in. Us Montevallo folks move in on August 22nd. Guess what day classes start? The 25th. That is 3 days to get settled in before it all begins. 3. Days. Although I won't complain, it's all because of some awesome renovations on campus (brand new furniture- turn down for what). Box up what you can as you go. Start a few weeks ahead of time. Whatever you can live without until you move in, pack it up. That way, you'll have even more time to keep it organized.

Erin and I!! She's a doll.

• Get to know people ahead of time. I'm fortunate enough to be a fantastic social media stalker (it's a known fact, I can do some major damage), so I have been able to make several friends by putting myself out there and introducing myself. I feel much more comfortable knowing a few people that will be living near me or in some of my classes. Of course, we're all gonna be strangers the first few days, but it's still nice to have someone to get lost with.

• That being said, don't be a stranger. Open your door! Talk to people! Your life starts outside of your comfort zone, so do something different! I would never have met Erin and become so close if it weren't for me commenting on her instagram picture. (Yup, I'm a creep. And yes, Ern, you have me to thank. Love ya!)

Yes, I am well aware that I'm giving you tips on stuff I haven't experienced yet. So, this is partially a reminder to myself of what I really need to do... Sorry for such a long post, I combined several drafts that I couldn't quite pull into full posts on their own. Best wishes!

xoxo, a. 

How To: Be a Military Girlfriend (During His Deployment)

How freaking good does he look in that
uniform????? 

There's probably a million posts and books and forums about this very subject (there is, I checked). You can read millions of accounts of this situation. But nothing will prepare you for the real feeling of your best friend being thousands of miles away in a foreign place where s/he may or may not be in serious danger. I got lucky, Zachary is in the National Guard, so he's safe and gets pretty decent deployments. He's also fortunate enough to be able to communicate regularly through text and FaceTime.
Okay, so here's my thoughts on the matter so far, and my ideas on how to stay sane (from only about 20% into his first deployment). I may be a newbie in this lifestyle, but you gotta start somewhere. I'll admit, some of these are really lame, but at this point ya stop really caring.

• Make a Pinterest board dedicated to your military man. You think I'm kidding? Nope. It makes you feel cute and it definitely distracts you. Plus, homecoming pictures are so precious.
• Go all-out. If you feel that you're both in it for the long run (chances are, you definitely are. Why else would you go through this together?), do it all. Wear your RED on Friday (Remember Everyone Deployed). Put a yellow ribbon on your car. Buy a cute personalized decal (this is the one I bought) to honor your man. It's fun, and it shows him how proud you are!

R.E.D. shirt (that he bought for
both of us, twinning!), yellow
deployment ribbon, and
red/white/blue/yellow bracelet
that I made and wear all the time. 

• Take every chance you can to talk to him. You're going to miss him. A lot. All the time. Especially for the first few weeks, when you're still trying to figure out how to go about your day without him anywhere near. Time differences suck. But they're workable. Learn his schedule and figure out when you will have the best chance to talk to him. You may have to stay up late some nights, but hearing his voice and/or seeing his face is so worth it.
• Take care of yourself. You will feel crazy, depressed, lonely, upset, scared, discouraged, and a whole medley of other things. But, no matter what, don't let yourself go. He needs you to stay strong. Keep on with your life, and keep him updated. Don't just give up.
• Learn the term "milso" and use it regularly. You definitely aren't the only one, and tagging this term on social media will help you connect to others in your same situation! P.S. "milso" stands for MILitary Significant Other.
• Encourage him. He will probably hate it there. He will probably be really cranky sometimes. His constant "I hate it here. I wanna come home. How many more days?" will probably drive you crazy, but who can blame him? Keep track of the days if you want to. Remind him every day that you love him. Send him silly pictures and let him know you're thinking of him. Let him know that yes, it's a long time, but no, he will not go crazy. Just let him know that you are by his side no matter what.
• Listen to music that reminds you of him. Maybe it's his favorite song, the song y'all listened to in the car all the time, or just a song that reminds you of why you love him. I personally think "Wait For Me" by Theory of a Deadman is perfect, but everyone has their different tastes. 

Some great songs for military girlfriends/spouses!

• Write letters. He may not writing a lot (yes Zachary I'm calling you out), but he will appreciate something he can physically hold in his hand to remind him that you're actually real, not just a voice or a text or a picture on a screen.
• Give him a separate ringtone. There are some calls and texts you really want to miss. Not his. You need to know when you better be bustin' your butt to reach that "answer" button.

I can't tell you how hard it is to deal with this situation, nor can I tell you how much I love my airman, and how worth it he is.

Keep calm, he's worth the wait.

If you're going through this, you're not alone. Please feel free to share your experiences and personal advice below. :)

xoxo, a. 

Calling All Fans!!!

Can I call y'all my fans? No? Well I'm going to anyways, so I'll feel famous. Anyways...

I'm trying to figure out some little things about my blog. Please, please answer these questions (they're really easy, I promise, you'll all get A's!) in the comment section, or email me at aubreyjennaa@gmail.com.

• How often do you think I should post a new entry? (every day is NOT an option, I gotta have a life!!)
• What kinds of posts would you like to see? More personal, college, advice, etc.?
• Is there any kind of specific thing you'd like me to try, like a series? "Ask Aubrey" or "How To..." series kinda stuff?
• Any other suggestions? Things you'd like to see, etc.

Thanks so much guys, I'm already getting so much support, it's great! Please share my posts and links on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, wherever!!! I wanna grow my audience!! Love y'all!!

xoxo, a.