July Fourth Mood Board

Like I said in yesterday's July Fourth outfit inspiration, I love decorating for the fourth! The next chance I get to host a fourth of July party, I'm taking it!

Mason Jars//Pup//Print//Drink//Party

The print is probably my favorite, and the house is the perfect Southern setting! Add an adorable puppy, mason jars and a cold drink and you have the perfect fourth of July! Don't forget to add family and friends to that mix!

What are your plans for the fourth?


xoxo

Why You Should Read Lean In: Powerful Woman Series

I am an avid reader, but I don't post about it because I'm really into historical fiction, and most aren't! However I heard about Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg from Levo League, and I am encouraging all of your to read it, regardless of gender, age and position in life. In order to raise a generation of equals, everyone needs to take part. 

Sheryl Sandberg did this Ted Talk which put her on the stage for feminism. Here are reasons why I am glad I read Lean In, and why you should too. 

1. She encourages the idea that females and males are inherently different, but she explains why females in business is a good thing. Females can have a positive impact. 

2. She gets rid of the stereotype of feminism. It's no longer the bra burning movement it once was. Her definition makes me want to be a feminist. 

3. She wants everyone to work together. Not just woman helping woman. She wants men to realize the double standards, and she points out men who realize that and who have helped. 

4. She encourages women to support men in a new role, and to find men who are going to be equal partners. When you have an equal partner, both of you can have successful careers and personal lives. 

5. Women need to take more risks. In the book, Sandberg conveys a statistic that is a little sad. Men will apply for a promotion when they meet 60% of the criteria, while women will when they think they meek 100%. "Owning one's success is key to achieving more success" 

6. She redefines leadership for everybody. "Leadership is about making other better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence".  Honestly, this will be my new mantra this year as I step into new leadership roles. 

7. "I want to do that -- and I'll learn by doing it" She encourages everyone to embrace the ever-changing business culture and learn along the way. 

8. She gives real world business advice to everyone. "An all-business approach is not always good business". She encourages people to look at people as actual humans when they do business. It's bound to make the world a better place. 

9. She encourages everybody to help women. Their parents, grandparents, partners, girlfriends, guy friends, basically everyone needs to pitch in. Her dream, and my goal is that my daughter will have equal opportunities without workplace bias. 

Go get this book on Amazon. Read it. Loan it to your friends. Have them loan it to their friends. Spread the word about this new revolution in the workplace. 

Have you read Lean In? What do you think of it? After reading this will you read Lean In? 

xoxo

aEv

ps. I will be posting about other books I read, either by women or men to make us more powerful women!

Internship Series

Even though I've been working at my internship, tomorrow is my first official day as an intern.

I am excited and nervous at the same time! 

Here is how I plan to prepare

1. Make my lunch: 

I need to save some money this summer, and I need to start making my lunch. This way I don't have to worry about it in the morning!

2. Plan my outfit tonight

I am having some series dilemma here, but I will let you know what I end up wearing on my Instagram. Right now I am thinking of khakis, a black polka do shirt and a maroon blazer with black flats. But we will see. 

3.Pack my bag

I am going to be using my Longchamp tote everyday. I have already posted about my Longchamp, and I love it. I will pack my planner, lunch, pencil bag (I know, but I am going to feel prepared), and a notebook(for important notes and passwords).

4.Confidence

I am going to be confident in my skills and try not to let my nerves get the best of me. I tend to get nervous and make simple mistakes.

What did/are you going to do on your first day of your internship?

Good luck!

xoxo

AV

PS stay tuned for my first crafting post!

Pinterest Picks of the Week!

Whoa. It's already Wednesday! It is definitely my favorite day of the week, because I have the least classes, and I get to see all my sisters! 

1. Love Puzzle Pendant :This is such an adorable pendant! Love is definitely people who fit together, whether it be your best friend, you siblings, your sister, your parents, cousins and even a significant other. Maybe this is a cute surprise Easter gift? 

2. Power Cup:This would be so useful! I am thinking about getting a car, and this would make long trips very easy. I use my iPhone for a GPS and I talk on the phone during long trips in order to stay awake! 

3.Mid-Week Inspiration:What do you plan to do? The first three days of the week are hectic to say the least for me, so Wednesday's I need a little motivation. We are blessed with one life, and each and everyone of us can decide what we are going to do with it. I remind myself that everything is a step towards my goals. 

4.BillaBong Crossing Over Sandals:Wouldn't these be perfect for the summer? You could wear them to the beach, with a cute sundress or with some cute shorts! I have got some serious spring fever, and the good news is that March 1st is Friday! I can't wait for spring! Have you caught it yet?

I hope your hump day has gone well! Have a great rest of the week,

xoxo

AV

Organizational Tips! Planner Edition

Happy Thursday everybody!

 As a freshman in college, I have worked really hard to find an organizational system that works well for me.  After 3 different planners, I finally found one that I love to use!

Vera Bradley Student Planner 2013 

I may have started using it a semester late, but it is really really useful! 

First, every Sunday I go through all my syllabi and  write down what is due for each day, and what I need to get done in terms of other projects each week

Then I write down each day what I should do for the next day.

Here is an example, this week wasn't too bad, but my other weeks will most likely get a lot more crazy!

Next I go through and list any exams/papers/projects and any special events! ZOT probably has the most space on my calender right now!
Also, I love the stickers they give you! I have already used like 1/2 of them

 

I take a little more time then others do for college agendas, and I make myself do more than the assigned homework such as rereading notes, and making flashcards because I take my schoolwork very seriously! 

Needless to say, I don't always have time for fun, but I do love to enjoy myself with movie nights, coffee house dates and random adventures!

How do you organize? Is there anything you want me to explain about my own study habits?

xoxo

AV