Live in the Moment

It's almost November, and I can't believe that I just planned my next semester of college.
Lately I've been really caught up in what is going to happen in nine months (which is when I'm leaving for Spain for almost six months). I have been doing all of my homework, and keeping up with my orgs but honestly my head is a continent away.

Most of you know that I'm in a long distance relationship with my boyfriend MB, which can be hard at times.  We are normally always looking forward to the next time we see each other, which makes the weeks go by really quickly (27 days, but who's counting). It also makes it hard to really concentrate on the here and now when I'm looking forward to seeing him.  Lately there seems to always be that question of "What's next for you two?".

I've realized I'm not enjoying being 19, a sophomore in college who is lucky to be with her best friend no matter the distance. I am surrounded by friends & sisters, as well as family who I love and have so much fun with!

Being 19 is this weird limbo. I'm not a teenager, but I don't usually feel like an adult. I am still walking this rope between being a teenager and finding my way as an adult. 

I want to start enjoying life, not just plan ahead for the life I want later. I've always looked for that next step. What to do next to get ahead, what's the next step in my relationship, and what's the next event? I have mentally planned out next Monday already. While I know this is one of the reasons I am able to be successful, it unfortunately means I have to consciously remind myself to have fun that doesn't involve public relations, my blog, or cleaning. (Yes I sound like a 19 year old work-a-holic)

Do you ever feel like you have to out "busy" someone? Sometimes I think I take on projects to seem busy. As weird as a it may seem, I have to stop doing this. Yes I'm busy, but I'm also efficient.

This past weekend I almost completely unplugged. I spent the time with my extended family and enjoyed myself. These next two weekends should be relatively relaxing and I've decided to try and turn off that part of my brain that enjoys work. 

I shouldn't have to wait nine months to live in the moment. It's time to split my brain, half for play and half for fun. I want spontaneous trips to Target or Taco Johns with my sisters or roommates, I want to be able to look back at my college career and say "boy was that fun".  I don't need to go party every weekend, because that's definitely not me but I do want to stay up until 2 talking or watching movies! 

How do you unwind and live in the moment? I may need some suggestions!
Do you try to out "busy" someone?

xoxo,

Autumn Bucket List

Happy first day of Autumn/Fall!

Here is my Fall Bucket List! I will update you as the season progresses! 

Fall is the time I am always nostalgic for. It reminds me of home. Of football games, high school boyfriends and friends. Of bonfires and best friends. If I could describe high school in one word, it would be fall. My best memories are from fall in high school. Fall meant debate (my lifeline), school (which I loved) and plenty of reasons to hang out with my friends. At university I am busy, but my campus is beautiful. MB is hopefully coming to visit in October, and I can't wait to show him the trails! They are beautiful this time of year. Follow my Instagram (to the right>>>) for some beautiful fall pictures.. 

What is on your autumn bucket list? Any you would add?

Have a wonderful week 

xoxo

OOTD's of Summer

Quick update before I start my first OOTD post. I am officially moved in and pretty settled. I've spent the past couple of days catching up with friends, struggling with a drying rack and relaxing alone. 

Here is my first outfit of the day post! I bought these two from L. Mae Boutique  and I love them! The dress I wore almost every week for work a couple different ways. The shirt has two of my favorite things purple & chevron!

Here are two of my OOTD's. Of course pearls are included in every outfit. 

Jean Jacket// Necklace// Sandals// Dress// Watch//

Shirt// Jeans// Sandals// Bracelet (Made by a friend)// Necklace (Old)

How did you like my first OOTD? a good idea or no? Be honest!

xoxo

aVe

First Day of School Oufit Inspiration

Sorry I've been MIA, I finished my internship, and I have attempted to start packing. Emphasis on the attempted. I have two fun surprises this week, so check back tomorrow and Thursday for sure!

Here are some first day of school outfit inspirations. I have some Pinterest inspiration and an outfit of my own. Even though my board is filled with fall inspired outfits, I know it is going to hot this next week for those who are starting this week!

(all of these pictures are via my Pinterest account)

 A cute pair of shorts and a chambray shirt with an adorable necklace is a perfect way to start off the school year. You don't want to be that annoying person who over dresses, but you want the professors to know you take their class seriously. The outfit below is perfect way to stay cool outside, and warm inside. Plus its just the perfect amount of summer!

Here is my first day of school outfit!

Shirt//

Shorts//

shoes (On Sale!)//

Necklace//

Don't forget your Pearls!//

xoxo

aVe

Good Luck!

Fall Wishlist

I just said it, fall wish list! It is too chilly here in WI for me to event think about summer clothes, and fall is my favorite season!

1//I seriously need Hunter Boots. Between the rain and snow in Green Bay there would be perfect. I just have to convince myself to buy them!

2// New riding boots. Mine are worn, and I want these Steve Madden ones.

3// Sweaters, Sweaters & More Sweaters. (And some cardigans) I have a feeling I am going to have a staple look this fall, and it's going to involve sweaters and my chambray shirt. I'm hoping Gap has some cute sweaters for me to layer this season (ps HUGE sale going on right now, check it out!)
4//Anything Lilly Pulitzer Tusk in Sun is perfection. If only it was in purple, it would be my print for life!
5// I got this shoe in brown & black. I had the brown pair for a year & a half until they had holes in them. They are the perfect flat from Steve Madden

What is on your fall wish list? 

xoxo
aVe
PS. You can tell that I love shoes. 

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!

Letting Go

Here is a bit more personal post, I like to do these once in awhile, and I would love your feedback!

There are a million and one lessons that you learn while growing up, and there is one that I have had a really hard time learning. That lesson is letting go of people who no longer are meant to be in your life. Whether its a friend who you no longer have much in common with, or a past partner whom you were close with but realized that the relationship was no longer serving either of your best interests. 

At the end of high school I had to let go of a relationship where we had both grown, but in different directions. We were close, and had gotten each other through a lot in high school. I realized though that I especially wasn't the same person that I was sophomore year. I had grown up, but differently than my partner.

I moved on in October, fell for my best friend who is now my wonderful boyfriend MB. I however was not over the friendship from high school, and it took me six months and multiple attempts at reconnecting to realize that we weren't meant to be friends right now. We both had to figure out things on our own. 

Now while we aren't meant to be friends now, there is always later in life. Also the fact that we can't be friends now doesn't mean that our relationship wasn't important, or wasn't true. Every person you have any sort of relationship I fully believe serves a purpose. Whether it was to make you smile, or help you through a tough time people are there for a reason.

I have a hard time letting go because I want to keep that person in my life, and continue to care for them and help them. Sometimes I need to realize that it wasn't meant for me to help them or care for them still,and that other people have to do that.

I have finally let go, not of our friendship throughout high school, but the idea that we were the same people. I am sure that he is a great person and will go far.

Being positive about situations in which you need to let go of a person is easier than being bitter. Being bitter may be easier, but it could destroy your relationships with other people. Here are some tips on how to let go. 

1. Don't talk to mutual friends: One of my problems was talking with our mutual friends too much about it. In order to get over someone, you need to stop thinking about it!

2. Unfriend, Unfollow and don't search!: Get them off your Facebook, off your Twitter and DON'T SEARCH. Out of sight out of mind. 

3. Have Fun, Reminisce, Move On: Don't dwell on it. Let go a little. 

Now this may not be a person for you, it may be a dream job, or an opportunity. While that maybe gone, try looking for a similar opportunity, or use it to motivate you. 

Disclaimer: This is what worked for me, it may not always work for you!

What do you think? What do you do in this situation?

xoxo

AV

Pinterest Picks for March 6th!

What? It's March 6th? Here are some of my picks of the week. 

(Yes there are a lot of inspirational quotes.. I have 9 days until break so I need a little extra motivation)

1. You are behind yourself: No one is going to hand you anything, but if you make the effort a lot of people are willing to help you. If you don't ask, the answer is always no!

2. Black pumps:How perfect are these? I am most definitely putting these on my want list! They would be perfect for my internship this summer. 

3. As spring break approaches: "When we release our attachment to perceived complications, complications let go of their attachment to us. Let go and experience simplicity in a whole new way." 

As spring break approaches for most of us, here is a little thought to mediate on to experience real relaxation. 

4.Picture Frame Project: If I had time to do this, I totally would. It would be a perfect frame for an apartment or your dorm room! You can even pick one up at Goodwill or St. Johns. 

Have a wonderful rest of your week!

xoxo

AV

Confidence

Confidence. As young women we are told to be confident in ourselves. But there are always people telling us we should be like this, or act like that. Be good at this, and not at that.

I'm not going to lie, I've had confidence issues especially with my body image and even my personality sometimes. With my family, I am extremely outgoing but with new groups I can be a bit awkward and shy because I don't know how much "Ashley" I should let out. But as I slowly started to try new activities, such as debate, Model United Nations and choir I learned where my strengths were. My parents were great and as a child they had me try every sport open to me even ice skating. However I found that I was not the most athletic girl, and my parents still  supported me in everything I did. I have tried just about everything, and I found my niche. This made college easier for me then for others. But I have to tell you that there were a lot of speed bumps on my road to confidence.

Then one day while talking with a friend what I would trade about my personality to be "thin", I realized that there wasn't one part about me I would. Knowing that I am confident in myself not to change anything for the perfect body, made me realize that I can work hard enough to get a body that is strong and healthy. A body that I would be proud of.  I believed in myself enough to start training for a 5k even though I'm not athletic, and to join a sorority where I knew no one.

 I have luckily found confidence because I tried everything and I had a great support system.

I know my strengths and I know my weaknesses. By working on my weaknesses, I realize more of my strengths and become a better person.

Example?

I am a horrible procrastinator, I mean horrible. My goal in college was to have a better GPA then I did in high school, so I needed to start working on planning out my homework more. What did I do? I started to plan out each day what I was going to do. I promised myself that I wouldn't go to sleep until everything was done. For me, sleep is a reward. ( I know it's weird, but I can fall asleep literally anywhere, at anytime. I really love to sleep) It paid off, because I made the dean's list my first semester of college. I'm not saying this to brag, but more to show you that you can do something. Make a list of your goals, and then make a reward for yourself. If I make my GPA goal this semester, I might by myself this Longchamp tote that I've wanted for a year now!

I wish you good luck on your goals, and I hope that you gain confidence from setting realistic goals and reaching them!

If you want any tips, or more examples feel free to comment (I'm not even close to an expert, but I can tell you what I've done!)

Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

AV