5 Tips That Help Making Cleaning Easier {Small Spaces}

Cleaning is not always my thing. 

However, I can promise you nothing feels better than coming home to a clean space/room. Over time, I have found that by cleaning small spaces, more often, I am able to keep my entire room clean. Nothing feels better then a clean space. So, I am trying to get better about cleaning small spaces more often. While cleaning isn't always fun, I wanted to share a few of my tips on quickly cleaning small spaces, to help make life a little easier and happier!

1. Remove All Items From the Area The best way to really clean the area is to remove everything. Wipe down all of the items from the area and discard anything that is no longer being used. 

2. Wipe Down/Sanitize Everything Depending on the area, use the best cleaner that suits the type. Wipe down and dust all surface areas. Return everything to where it belongs or try rearranging your decor/ necessary items.

3. Add Some Fresh Flowers I am a firm believer in flowers = happiness. Try adding some fresh flowers or a new piece of decor to your area to spruce things up a bit. Plants and flowers give things a clean feeling, adding some green can help refresh your area. 

4. Clean This Area Once a Week Repeat this process once a week or as often as possible. Cleaning more frequently helps to make the time you have to clean, much quicker and less painful! I have found that by simply cleaning small necessary spaces more frequently, I ma able to keep erecting clean much easier. 

5. Pick Different Spaces Have a small space that you will clean everyday of the week. Clean these spaces on their designated day and you will be on your way to keeping all of your spaces cleaner! 

Small Spaces to Clean!

A few examples of some of my favorite small spaces to clean in under 5min!

Desk/Work Space 

Vanity

Bedside Table

Other Small Tables

Bathroom Vanity 

Jewelry Box

Bookcase

I hope that you enjoyed this post! Please let me know if you would like more cleaning/organization posts like this!

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is almost here, so I have put together a few gift ideas to help you make those special ladies in your life feel a little more loved! Mothers are so kind, loving, and do so much for their families without asking for anything in return. Mother's Day is our time to show our mother's just how much they mean to us and that we do notice all of the little things that they do! 

No matter what life brings, a mother's love can protect us and comfort us during times that nothing else can. These are just a few ideas to make those important ladies feel a little more special. But, I do want to say that purchased gifts are not nearly as special as spending time with our mom's. So if you are able to purchase a gift, taking your mom to brunch, a movie, or just spending time at home together and letting her know just how much you love her would probably mean more to her than some fancy gift! But, I don't know a more that would turn down some Mackenzie Childs! 

What do you love most about your mom?

I love just how loving and kind my mom is! 

I often don't tell her enoughh, just how much she means to me!

10 Ways to Fully Take in Spring! {Happy Earth Day}

Be sure to shop the widget below for some of my favorite spring items!

With all of the beautiful, warm, and sunny weather in VA recently, I was inspired to share with you some of my favorite things to do during Spring! I hope that you enjoy and give a few of these a try!

Try out a healthy recipe

I love to cook! Especially when it's warm and I can grill out and just really enjoy the weather! (Who am I kidding, Jay does all the grilling!) Spring is the time to start getting some of the seasons fresh fruits and vegetables. Check the blogs you follow and see if they are posting any recipe ideas for spring, or just got out on a limb and make up something delicious yourself! I find that the best recipes usually come from accidents (like I use the wrong ingredient, lol) or just simply coming up with something that you think sounds good! Here are some recipes I want to try for spring:

2 Cocktails for Spring from Redefining Domestics

5 Veggie Noodle Recipes

Study/ read outside

What better way is there to study then outside? Get out on your schools lawn, or your own home lawn, and study for your finals. The fresh air and sunshine are guaranteed to bring you some inspiration! See my post where I share my tips for finals here!

Run a 5k 

Spring is the season for 5k's its seems. I ran/walked my first 5k this year and could not be more proud of myself. I have always been terrified to sign up for one, in fact I have signed up and not attended- but that's not the point, lol. Running that 5k is one of the best things I have ever done! It gave me inspiration and confidence in myself that I. Can. Do. It! And you can too!

Go to a Farmers Market {buy fresh fruit, flowers, and/or Vegetable}

I am going to keep it short, because I could go on and on (and on, and on, and on…) about Farmers Markets. They are the best and are so fun! You can get all kinds of fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, honey, organically raised meats, jellies, pies and more! My community has a few great Farmers Markets and the Colonial Williamsburg is my favorite! Plus, they have lambs close by :)

Clean small spaces

I always find that just taking 5 minutes to clean up a small space can be so beneficial for the overall picture of the room and for your mind! If you would like to see a post on ideas/tips for this let me know!

Plant a garden or flowers

If you know me personally, you know I love to garden. It is "my happy place." However, it isn't easy and requires time and dedication, but the end reward makes all the hard work worth it! If you are new to gardening, and aren't ready to take on a full garden, try planting a few herbs in pots or even a tomato plant. Take time to slowly grow your garden to the size you want it to be. I am starting a much bigger garden this year then what I have had in the past and I can't wait to share pictures with you!

Update your wardrobe

Take a few minutes to go through your clothes and get rid of things that you don't wear anymore! Donate them, sell them, do whatever your want with them just get them out. Then, you will have room, and may not feel as guilty, to buy some new clothes!

Go for a bike ride
I love to go bike riding! Find a safe and pretty location to go for a quick ride. You will be surprised how much fresh our you will get!

Make a fresh smoothie
I love to make homemade smoothies, or juices, and I have even gotten Jay hooked! He loves them. I actually don't add any yogurt. I just use some frozen fruit and almond milk to get a good base. Some of my favorite ingredients are: bananas, strawberries, pineapple, spinach and blueberries. What do you like in your smoothies?

Play outside with your pup
Lastly, take your pup outside and just play! Worm loves when Jay and I play with him outside, but I have to admit I think he likes Jay more:) In the end it doesn't matter what your are doing, just get outside!

One of my favorite things about spring is that there are surprises, and baby animals, around every corner. Often times our lives are so busy that we don't have, or take, the time to enjoy simply go on a walk and take in nature. Just taking a few minutes out of your day can be very healthy and beneficial to your mind and body!

What are your favorite things to do during spring?

Lilly Pulitzer for Target: My Picks!

ONLY. ONE. MORE. DAY.

I have to say I am pretty late jumping on the bandwagon for the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collaboration! I have not been very impressed, in the past, with the target collaborations with other designers. It just seemed as if the quality was not there and I did not want to waste my money on something that I did not feel to be worth it. 

However, this collection seems to be quite different. I can't completely say much about quality, yet, but I plan on checking it out tomorrow! I will say that I am very impressed with the how things look so far! I think that they did a great job of really getting the personality and visual quality of Lilly Pulitzer with that amazing target price! 

I think that the home products are my favorite. They are absolutely adorable and are very reasonably priced. I love the gold theme and I am completely in love with the beach chairs! Of course the sandals are beautiful, however  I feel like the clothes are probably my last priority. Home stuff first! (lol)

Do forget to check out #lillyfortarget on Instagram and follow me here if you haven't already!!

What are you favorite picks from this collab?

Happy Shopping!

Tips for Surviving College Finals

As most of you probably know, I am coming to the end of my junior year and college. While I love the concept of school, and I really do love learning new things, I am not always thrilled to study or do homework. Now, I am not in any way claiming to be extra studious or a straight a student. Because I am not. However, over the years I have discovered what works, and what doesn't work, for me.

With that in mind, as the time for finals is quickly approaching, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite tips for surviving finals and hopefully getting some A's too! 

1. Start preparing a few weeks in advance

This is one of the hardest parts for me. It is amazing how helpful starting early helps! Even if it is just something as simple as organizing your binder, notebook, updating your computer or scheduling a time to study. While reading your notes a few times weeks before your exam will definitely help, sometimes, that just isn't practical impossible. No judgement here.

2. Get organized

While you are still ahead of the game, because you have started to prepare early (or not, lol), take some time to get everything organized. Schedule your study times in your planner and ensure that all of your exam times (and required materials) are written down. Organize all of your notes and brainstorm some ideas for how you plan to study for each test. Do flashcards work best for you? Do you prefer to recopy your notes? Whatever works best for you is key! I find that it is extremely helpful to make an outline of all of my notes. This is also when I like to print out any powerpoint posted by my teachers or my notes that I have taken on my laptop. 

3. Make a list (or a few)

I love to make lists. I do not make them as often as I should, but when I do they are quite helpful. Making lists can help to ensure that you don't forget to do anything that you need to get done. It's also nice to just be able to check things off as you go. For me, checking off my to-do list is like seeing your success and productivity. I just love it! Make lists for any and everything!

4. Flashcards are usually very helpful

Yes. I am that girl walking to class while studying my flash cards. You want to know why? THEY WORK. When I have any sort of material that can be put onto a flashcard, that's what I do. They are great for learning terms and different concepts.

5. Use color
I love to make my flashcards colorful. Using different colors for different chapters, concepts, and other groups of material helps me separate and remember things. It also makes studying a little more fun and happy!

6. Fresh air and sunlight 
When I am studying for hours on end, or even just doing homework, I make it a point to take a break. While sometimes I just really like to get things over with, and by that I mean nonstop work until the task is finished, most times require breaks. Take a break and get outside. Fresh air, sunlight, and nature really seem to help me. Even if you just walk to your mailbox or take your pup for a walk! Get outside and get some sunlight and fresh air for a few minutes. I promise it will help clear your mind and get a positive outlook.

7. Remember to eat and aim for something healthy
I love to eat in general. But, snacking and eating is necessary when you are studying. Aim for something healthy like a banana, apple or carrot. But, we aren't perfect and I have definitely been known to binge eat chocolate when stressed.

8. Sleep is necessary
I am not a believer in staying up all night to study. I perform better on tests when I have had a full nights sleep. So, try to start studying ahead of time so you are able to get some sleep the night before the test.

9. Listen to meditation music while studying
I have found that listening to meditation music really helps me focus and be more productive. I listen to the Calm Radio station on Pandora when I am studying or making flashcards. I am easily distracted and can't listen to any music or have a TV on when I study. But, meditation music really helps me focus!

10. Coffee is magic
I am single handedly convinced that I do better with coffee. Duh? In all reality though, caffeine helps me power through all of my studying and focus more when I take my tests. Don't over do it though. Too much caffeine can be detrimental and disastrous. Moderation my friend.

Aside from this, I should definitely try these tips out myself! I usually only do a few of these. I wish you all the best of luck on your finals! If you would like to see more study/organization related posts, please let me know!

The Real Real: Authenticated Luxury Consignment

Lord. Help. Me. Please!

I have recently, within about the past month, discovered TheRealReal and have been overwhelmed with excitement since. Although, I am skeptical about buying used items, especially luxury items I am sure that this is the place to purchase! Everything they carry is authenticated and in great condition. 

I have sent in a few things to consign myself and I am awaiting to hear back as to what they will sell for. I'm not completely sure how the full process goes but, I will definitely share when I do! They have all of the top designers and everything is very reasonably priced! The majority of their products are like brand new! 

There are a few things that I currently have my eye on and I wanted to share some of the great things they have! If you follow me on Instagram or read my blog, you know that I love David Yurman and Louis Vuitton. So as a result, there are a few of those in here as well!

Have you purchased any authenticated used items?
I hope you have a great week!!

Friday Five

Happy Friday! It is literally crazy that it is already Friday again. Time is flying by and giving my emotions quite the whirlwind. Let's face it. I'm always emotional but it seems lately I just can't get a grip on the fact that my life is moving at such a fast pace.

I am always eager for the future. Translation... I always worry and try to plan too far ahead into the future! What's a girl to do when she can't get a hold of what is going on in the present because she is too worried about the future? All tips are welcome! I'm not trying to say I am a ticking time bomb, however I just can't seem to comprehend how fast life, in particular this semester of school, is going by!

 Am I the only one with this problem?! ANYWAYS... glad we cleared that up. On to the Friday Five (I have decided to go with Five instead of 5-lol) #OCD

I have really been loving been loving purple, or should I say lavender, this week! I just got my nails done and went with a purple shade, but I really love this dress from JCrew Factory!

I am ashamed to admit that I have had way too many sodas this week. It has definitely been the week of Diet Coke and this addiction must go. Now. 

The acne struggle is real. Which is painful, embarrassing and quite unfortunate. I am trying basically everything to rid myself of these horrible thing and as a result I have returned to using my Clarisonic Mia!

I have suddenly found an interest in WOC's. Of course Chanel is the number one pick, however the Prada one is much more reasonably priced!

Rain attire has been a must since this week has been so cloudy! Where are you Mr. Sun?!
(similar links below)

What are your plans for this weekend? I am running my first ever 5K (I'm so scared!) Wish me luck, lol!

SHOPBOP Friends & Family SALE! 25% OFF Code

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

These are some of my favorite picks from the Shopbop sale!

I may have to snag a white pair of Converse! I have been dying to get some and now may be the right time! The sale ends tonight so be sure to shop soon and use the code SPRING25 to recieve 25% off of your purchase! 

What are you planning on picking up? 

Happy Hump Day!

Easter Decor and Food

Would you like to see a post on how I created these cat grass eggs on the blog?!

Spring is finally here to stay (I think) and I could not be more happy! The weather is finally warm and everything is slowly turning green! 

Insert happy dance here!

I hope that you all have a great Easter with your family and friends! Today, I want to share with you a few pictures from our Easter Brunch for all the ladies in my family! The afternoon was filled with delicious food, fabulous decor (arranged by my mama), beautiful flowers, wonderful family and of course lot's of champagne!

My mom decorated such a beautiful table with the help of Williams Sonoma's easter decor! 

I was so obsessed with these plates my mom purchased that I had to pick up four of the lavender one's for myself! They were on sale so that helped my decision!

My mom arranged these flowers last year with some eggs and moss! She is so creative and talented. I pray one day I can be half as creative as she is!

Not to mention, my momma can cook! Our menu consisted of pea salad (recipe here), copper pennies -carrots, loaded baked potato salad, deviled eggs, ham biscuits, pickled shrimp, and quiche. I would love to share our favorite recipes with you! If you would like to know the recipe for any of thing shown, please let me know!

I picked up some white hydrangeas and pink carnations to make this simple arrangement! I love simple arrangements so much more than something that is too busy.

The bar set up. Champagne, OJ, champagne flutes on a silver tray (my favorite way to set them up!), cocktail napkins and more! 

It just so happens that the same day we held our brunch was my Aunt Lana's 75th birthday!

Happy Birthday Aunt Lana!

 I hope that you all had a blessed Easter! I will see you soon!

Friday 5

Happy Friday! 

I can't believe it is already Friday again! {I am completely thankful for that though} This week has been super busy for me. My week has been full of family, easter preparations, and a horrific Economics test! I am excited for our Ladies Easter Brunch tomorrow and will hopefully have plenty of pictures of that on Monday!

In the meantime I just wanted to share my Friday 5 again because I really love these!

Loving my {old} JCrew flats! They are so comfy :)

I am having a difficult time dealing with the fact that it is already April?! Hi 2015, slow down please! Oh, and how could I for get my new obsession with Kendra Scott!

Easter preparations underway... Williams Sonoma is my favorite around Easter!

I am really excited for Pea Salad tomorrow! See my recipe for it here!

Need some last minute Easter Basket ideas? I have you covered!

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