It's that time of year again! Exams may seem like they are weeks away, but trust me: they are right around the corner. I've always been a big believer in following the basic guidelines below to help me prepare for my exams in a timely manner.

1 | make a plan
As you can see in the picture, I've made a calendar to help me organize all of my classes and exam preparation. Using a calendar will limit procrastination and cramming (because we all know this doesn't work). Knowing your plan will also allow more free time and will save you a lot of "last minute stress."

2 | get “busy work,” assignments, & projects out of the way
By finishing these assignments, you will have much more time to study and will spend a lot less time stressing out.

3 | revisit old study guides or notes & hand write them
Typically, I make study guides for (almost) every test, going back and rewriting them is a great way to recall the terms.

4 | make flashcards- paper cards, or online
Making flash cards out of notes or study guides is one of the best ways (for me) to study and get all the terms down pat. It’s an extra memory boost to write terms on paper flashcards, but I’ve found that using Quizlet also very beneficial.

4 | know the information before you start studying with groups
Have most of the information and terms down pat before studying with friends. It will save you stress and the time spent with friends will serve as extra review. 

5 | practice
Look for practice tests online, go over old tests, or buy a review book! Nothing is going to prepare you more than actually being tested on the content.

6 | take breaks
Study for an 45 minuets to an hour and take a 15 minuets break. Make sure to go outside, get exercise, and have healthy snacks.

7 | remove distractions
Put your phone on silent and in another room to limit one of the biggest distractions. Try to print notes and study guides to limit your time on the computer (which we all know leads to mindless browsing). Sit in an area that works for you- maybe it's in the silent library or a busy coffee shop

8 | be positive
You've worked super hard preparing for these exams. YOU CAN DO IT!

Best of luck,

I have exciting news this morning: I've created a new category for my blog titled "On The Heart." There is where I hope to share more personal thoughts and opinions of things going on in and around my life. There are no specific subjects for these posts; however, they are, again, more personal than my favorite smoothie recipe or my outfit of the day! I hope to eventually include "On The Heart(s)" from other bloggers as well, enjoy!

Everyone has done it at one point or another in their life, well hopefully. It makes someone feel good for what they have done, it shows appreciation for someone or something, and it even lets people know that you are glad you have them. This “it” that I am talking about is gratitude. Gratitude is the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful. Gratitude is similar to gratefulness, thankfulness, thanks, appreciation, recognition, acknowledgement, or credit. When gratitude comes to my mind, I quickly think of when an old lady at church thanks me for holding the door for her. Have you held a door open lately? What if you have and that old lady never thanked you? How does that make you feel when someone doesn’t show gratitude towards you when you have helped them?

There are three points to focus on when talking about gratitude and they are three simple (or so you think) questions: What or who should we show gratitude towards? Why should we show gratitude? How can we show gratitude? 

As a second semester senior, I have been struggling with this thing called "senioritis." To help other seniors cope with the love/hate relationship that senioritis brings, I've put together a few reminders for all the second semester seniors out there!

1 | grades still matter
More than likely, you will have to send a final grade report to the college you are attending, so it’s important to maintain decent grades…they can always take away their acceptance, which is super scary!

2 | you’ve worked too hard to quit now
Think of the countless hours of studying you’ve spent over the last few years...don’t let it go to waste! 

3 | high school won’t last forever
Get rid of the “I’m so over high school” attitude and enjoy the last few months with friends. In a couple of months you’ll be spread across the country at different schools, so make the time count!

4 | attendance IS important
A skip day here and there is certainty not the end of the world, but making a habit of skipping class “just because” can really bite you in the butt. If you have too many unexcused absences at my school you’ll get a grade deduction as well as a disciplinary meeting. Yikes!

5 | find something to get excited about
Focus on decorating your dorm, finding a summer job, running a half marathon…anything to keep you motivated and to keep yourself going for just a few more months.

How did you survive the second semester of your senior year?

This weekend I was messing around in the kitchen and discovered the perfect blend for a 
delicious strawberry/blueberry smoothie! It was so yummy and made me feel extra healthy after my run- you have to try it!

I used 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries, 1 cup of frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup of skim milk (almond milk would work), and 1 average sized (6 ounces) vanilla yogurt container.

What's your favorite smoothie recipe?

Jack Rogers // Tory Burch, wedge // Tory Burch, sandal // Tory Burch, flip flop //  Jeffrey Campbell

I don't know about y'all, but my toes are dying to be seen- especially with their fresh pedicure! As the 
weather is warming up and spring is upon us, I can't help but want every shoe I come across. 
I absolutely adore the gold snake-skin and jewels that can add a little pep to anyone's step! 

Who knew three girls could have so much fun in Disney?! I ventured down to Orlando with my two best friends a few weeks ago for spring break and we had a blast! With an endless amount of Starbucks keeping us energized we hit almost every ride. The weather was perfect and the lines were minimal- it was a great time to go! We purchased Park Hopper Passes, so we were able to go to all four Disney parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, & Epcot) and even had time to spend in Down Town Disney. We also spent one day shopping at the Orlando Premium Outlets as well as a day by the pool. It's safe to say we came home with more sun and less money, but it was a trip I'll never forget. 


For the first day in the parks I wore one of my most favorite outfits! This basic white tank top and jean shorts were enough to let my skin get some color while keeping me cool in the hot Florida weather. I decided to invest in a pair of Converse! They were so light and comfortable, definitely my new go-to travel shoe. I accessorized with a Lilly Pulitzer scarf for a pop of color, my Michael Kors watch, and my all-time favorite Ray Bans. 


Where is your next adventure taking you?