Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day everybody! Say goodbye to white shoes and hello to cooler days! I'm taking this day to relax, catch up on sleep and a little bit of Netflix! It's a little bittersweet with summer coming to a close but I don't think I've ever been so excited for a new school year. Fall's coming full speed ahead and I am so ready. Hope you all are having a labor day just as relaxing!

What are your plans for this Monday off?

Emily

#FridayFinds: T-Swift Goes Pop?

Yes, I will admit it. I have always been a little critical of Taylor Swift. I think a lot of that stems from the fact that I've never truly bought into the idea that she's a country artist. Otherwise I do like listening to her songs! 22 is the perfect mood for getting ready to go out and I definitely have caught myself dancing around my room to You Belong With Me a few times. T-Swift's newest song, Shake It Off, changed it up a little bit in the fact that it's… wait for it... pop. Nothing country about it, just pure pop and I like it!

It may not be a Mozart classic of any sorts but hey, it's a good song to dance to so I can dig it. I also appreciate the fact that she can joke about the things people say about her. Check out the music video above and see what you think. Besides some cheesy dance moves, I approve.

Are you a fan of Taylor Swift? What do you think of her newest single?
Emily

Taking the Time to Make Goals

Just like I said in my post yesterday, with a new school year comes a lot of new and exciting things to be happy about. Maybe it's your newly declared major, your sorority is gearing up for Rush, you have the best roommate, a newly stocked closet of back to school clothes or maybe you're simply refreshed after a great summer and ready to get back to the grind! No matter what it is, with all of these fun and exciting things swirling around it's so easy to get distracted from the reason that we actually pay this ridiculous amount in tuition and the reason that we're all here: school. 

I'm guilty of always having too many things on my plate but I truly do strive off that constant hectic energy however with having so many things constantly on my to-do list I need goals and priorities to keep everything in check. I sat down and brainstormed a little bit after the end of my first day of classes and tried to outline what I really wanted out of this semester. Whether you're in college, high school, or even graduated, taking the time to step back is always important. 

I always start first with: What do I want? Then go from there: 

What do I want out of my social life this year?

Out of my academic life? 

Out of my personal health and exercise?

Out of my extra curricular activities? 

Out of my blog? 

I like to split up all of my time commitments and really put them in a box to determine my return on investment. I know it's the business major coming out in me, but I always try to make sure that the time, effort and overall stress that I'm putting into these activities is returning what I want or at least what I need. Last semester did you put too much time into a club and in the end were still unhappy with your results or did you put too much time into a sport that it began to run into your other priorities like school, or even sleep?!

With the start of a new year, it's the perfect time to realign all these things and really start off on the right foot. There's no point in making goals without envisioning some kind of strategy to get there. Determine what you need to change and make that change! With a new year comes a fresh start! Time to get on the ball early! I've posted my goals above my desk as a little extra umph to get me to work harder on my school work and even wrap it up when I know I need to get some sleep! I'm ready to hit this year hard and get back into the groove!

Have you taken the time to outline some goals for your semester? 

Emily

First Day of Classes!

Oh goodness we're at it again! First day of classes start today! My alarm went off right at 7:00 and I would be lying if I said I had the energy that I did on my first day of freshman year classes. It was rough. Despite my difficulty getting up this morning there are so many things to be excited about for this year. I'm living with a group of my best friends, Rush is gearing up, I am truly passionate about all of my extra-curricular activities that I'm involved in and I'm so excited about my classes. Really! Going into Junior year (WHAT?!) my classes are now focused around what I really do like. Oh the joys of growing old! But Marketing and Management have me pumped for this semester and that's something to be excited about on the first day!

I'm all about being 10 minutes early to class so this post is going to be a little short today because I gotta run! Here's to a great semester ahead!

Emily

Bloggers with Class Award!

A huge thank you over to Cathleen over at {Classy Cathleen} for nominating me for the Bloggers with Class Award! This award is all about recognizing ladies who exhibit class through their writing, fashion and lifestyle in general! It's also a great way to find and connect with other classy ladies around this blogosphere!

Here are the Rules!
1. If tagged, copy the rules and link back to Classy Cathleen!
2. Recognize the lovely lady who tagged you and link back!
3. Answer the questions attached to the award
4. Tag 5 other bloggers that you think are classy to receive the award as well!

Questions:
1. What do you think it means to be classy? Being classy is so many things. Yes, it's the way that you dress but also the way that you talk and hold yourself. Classy is poised, conservative and confident. 

2. Who are some of your role models? This may not be a typical answer but definitely my friends. I am surrounded by some amazing and strong women that inspire me daily. I truly don't know what I'd do without them!

3. Who are some of your style icons? I have a lot of people that I look to for different elements of my style. I look to Olivia Palermo and Reese Witherspoon for feminine inspiration but also to Jenna Lyons for pattern and fit mixing and also to Alexa Chung for simple looks that look chic but effortless!

4. Pearls or bows? I always have pearl earrings in however a pearl necklace doesn't always fit my style however, I like simple bow accents on dresses or skirts usually in the form of a sash!

5. Who or what inspires you? I'm constantly inspired by the little things around me whether it's a color combination I see out and about or a quote I catch on my Pinterest timeline. Love the little things!

6. What is your favorite color? This constantly changes but right now I'm digging navy and a bold emerald green!

7. What are some of your favorite pieces that you consider classy? A simple A-line skirt is a must! J.Crew has so tons of these in moderate hem lengths and so many colors! It's definitely my go-to and they are oh so classy!

8. What is your favorite quote? "If you work hard and are kind, amazing things will happen"!

9.Why is it important to have class? Class and poise are a value that is often overlooked today but the confidence and strength that overall class embodies is something we don't need to take for granted. Classy women rule this world! Don't ever think that it's something to be ashamed of!

10. Why did you start your blog? I really started my blog on a whim but I've fallen in love with the creative outlet as well as the amazing opportunities that have sprung from my little afternoon blurbs. I've gotten to meet so many classy ladies along the way that I'm hooked!

Five other ladies that I think deserve this classy award are:
1. Corbin over at The Classy South
2. Caitlin over at Your Typical Prep
3. Marshall over at The Blonde Story
4. Carrie over at Carrie On Blogs
5. Tianna over at Dressed To a Ti

Keep it up classy ladies!
Emily