How to Avoid Getting Sick During Flu Season

Just like clockwork, flu season is here! Every year around this same time, it seems like one by one people are getting sick, whether it be a cold, strep throat, the flu, etc. Last year around this time was literally the sickest I've ever been in my life, and living in the dorms really didn't help. Surviving that flu season has taught me a ton of ways to avoid getting deathly ill again, and I thought now would be a great time to share them with you!

+ Starbucks Medicine Ball

A girl in my pc works at the Starbucks on campus and she told me about this amazing drink that's two different teas with steamed lemonade instead of water. It's supposed to be good for your throat if you're getting sick and omg was it incredible. I usually am not a tea fan, but the steamed lemonade made it sweet and flavorful! 

+ Drink 2 EmergenC every day

Technically the package says only 1 per day, but I have been drinking 2 EmergenC packets that are specifically for immune support just to be safe. I also mix it in orange juice instead of water because of extra Vitamin C (and because I think it makes it taste much better :). 

+ A light workout

A while ago I was googling tips for fighting a cold, and I saw that a light workout can actually be helpful for your immune system. Obviously don't be sprinting on the treadmill when you're super dizzy and have a fever, but if you just have a slight sore throat or something, a half hour on the elliptical or lifting a few weights could be beneficial. 

+ Get extra sleep

I know it's often impossible for college students to get extra sleep, but try to prioritize catching some more zzz's than usual. Turn off the Netflix earlier or spend less time talking to your friends and head to bed earlier - you'll thank yourself later! 

+ Wash your hands often 

You hear it allll the time, but it's seriously so important to wash your hands as often as you can. Think of all the public places people go and spread their germs like the library, dining hall, gym, etc. My friends and I have been washing our hands before and after we workout because of all the equipment and germs that are everywhere and so far we haven't gotten sick! 

Any other tips you can think of? 

xoxo

Friday Fours

Happy Friday! I don't know what it is, but these past 3 weeks of classes have been going by so slowly. Last semester I was always super busy and easily fell into a routine where the days flew by, and this semester has been quite the opposite. Even though I definitely have been busy, every day seems to be different and therefore goes by a little slower than I'm used to. I'm not complaining, but it's just a weird change from previous semesters that have flown by! 

::one::

My mom surprised me with  this sweater for Christmas after I had tried it on during Thanksgiving Break. At first I was nervous I wouldn't get a ton of wear out of it, but I've been wearing it almost like a robe lately! When I run downstairs in my pajamas for eggs every morning, I throw it on and it makes me so happy and cozy. Highly recommend if you're in the market for a cozy splurge. 

::two::

 On weekends my friends and I have gotten more adventurous with our study spots and have ventured to coffee shops around campus instead of the library. One of my favorites is called Inkwell and not only has the best food but also is the most aesthetically pleasing little place I've ever seen in Bloomington. I got this egg, avocado, cheese and bacon sandwich for lunch last week and cannot stop thinking about it :)

::three::

Yesterday I wanted to spend some time outside because it was super sunny and actually kind of warm for once, so I walked to downtown Bloomington and did a little window shopping at Urban Outfitters. They honestly have the cutest little things for your room - go check it out if you haven't been in stores lately! 

 ::four::

My roomies and I have been doing a pretty significant cleanse all week. Everything was going great until my friends and I were craving ice cream so badly last night. Needless to say, it was interrupted a bit earlier than intended. My hope for the cleanse was to get my body to crave healthy things rather than unhealthy things, and I think it's starting to work! Updates to come - I think this might finally be a lifestyle change!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

Tips for Balancing a Crazy Schedule

This semester, I can already tell I'm going to have a ton of things to balance. I'm so excited to take a bunch of classes that I'm super interested in (and are still the basic/intro level - aka a little easier!), but I do have a lot more responsibility than in previous semesters. Since I am my sorority's apparel chair, I am in charge of creating apparel for all of the events coming up (read: big/little reveal, mom's weekend, crush dance, etc.). I absolutely love this position, so I'm not complaining at all! Buut, it does take up a lot of time and there is a good amount of back and forth work with the other directors, the apparel manufacturer, etc. I also am taking on a much larger role in the Retail Studies Organization as the social media officer - the girl who was mainly in charge just went abroad so now I'm on my own! Just like apparel, I really have fun with this position, so even though it will take a lot of time, at the end of the day I can't complain. With all of this said, it is going to be a bit more difficult to balance everything I have going on. That being said, here are some tips and tricks for managing everything you have going on without going crazy! 

*via

+ Stay organized 

I seriously would have zero clue what was going on if it weren't for my planner. As soon as I get a syllabus, a schedule for DG, a club, etc I'll immediately pencil it all in my agenda. This way, I have recollection of writing it down and can also look ahead at the upcoming week to see where I need to be and what I need to get done. Some people use Google Calendars or an app on their phone, but I personally really prefer the old fashioned way. 

+ Work ahead when you can

These past few days, my classes really haven't started to pick up yet, so I've gotten a little lazy and have enjoyed a bit too much time in bed watching Netflix. This weekend, though, I've been working ahead so I don't even have to think about certain assignments due in the coming days. I can't even tell you how incredible it feels to knock little things out of the way - you'll save yourself tons of stress in the future! 

+ Prioritize 

If you know you have a huge exam coming up and have a few small assignments due around the same time, I always think it's smart to crank out the small stuff so that you can put all of your attention on your exam prep. Nothing is worse than realizing how much random stuff you have to do in addition to studying, so avoid it by prioritizing your time!  

+ Avoid distractions 

For me, social media is such a difficult thing to avoid, especially when I'm stressed and can spend hours scrolling through random posts. I've been really trying to hide my phone or not even bring it with me when I get a lot of work done to assure I can stay focused. 

+ Find your favorite study places

Ever since coming to IU, I've found myself going to the main library to get work done. Even though it has definitely served its purpose over the past semesters, I am getting pretty sick of it (and it's lack of natural light!). So, my friends and I have been mixing it up by going to the Starbucks at our Union or a cute coffee shop near our house. This change of scenery is so refreshing and makes me excited to actually get things done! 

What are your tips for balancing everything you have going on?

xoxo

Outfit: My College (Winter) Uniform

sweater / scarf / leggings / poof hat (similar) / shoes 

I haven't shot an outfit post in a long time because I really want to be real with you guys about what I actually wear. Even though I do wear nicer clothes for certain things (formals, retail events, going to dinner with friends, etc.), my day to day look is muuuuch more casual than that. So for once I thought I would show you something that's more realistic to one of my every day looks, and even this is a little more put together than the average day! But basically leggings are my go-to, especially when it's freezing outside like it is currently. These leggings look just like Lululemon but are actually from Target! They're super thick and I highly recommend (especially since they're on clearance at the moment). As for the sweater, I bought it from h&m on a whim last fall and was nervous to see it in person, but it's actually so soft and looks great with jeans, leggings, etc. And I love the gray on gray look with the scarf too. Last but not least for a little accessorizing, my Steve Maddens have been my favorite pair of shoes until we had a snowstorm last weekend - I'm counting down the days until it all melts so I can wear them again! And of course, my pom fur hat is a must if it's as windy as it has been lately. 

For all my college girls - what do you wear on a day to day basis? Fran and I are doing a little collab on this post so go check out hers right here! 

xoxo

Friday Fours

It's been a little bit since my last Friday Fours and luckily I finally have some really fun things to share other than studying for exams!  We came back to school early for sorority recruitment and after 23 round and 16 round, we had our first week of classes. Then last weekend, Sisterhood and Preference round took place leading up to Bid Night this past Tuesday! Even though recruitment is a ton of "girl flirting", long days and nights with little sleep, it was so incredibly worth it to have the most amazing new member class to welcome to our chapter. Not to mention, my own member class got so much closer and bonded even more with the older girls since we were basically locked in the house for days on end. Here's a peek into the last crazy busy week :)

::one::

Our color scheme for preference round was champagne, which was actually kind of fun because we had a lot of freedom with different shades we could wear. It was so exciting getting to have deep conversations with potential new delta gammas! 

::two::

 For Bid Night, a bunch of girls made the most delicious donut wall that I really cannot stop thinking about. Pretty sure I've eaten my body weight in both the ones on the wall and the leftovers. #NewYearDiet

::three::

One of the activities we do the week of bid night is to do a canvas painting party with all of the new girls. It's such a fun way to meet new people and do something creative. My roomies and I painted a few that night for our future littles too! 

::four::

If you're familiar with IU at all, then you've probable heard the infamous 'This is Indiana" song. Our theme for Bid Night was crimson and cream but "This is Delta Gamma" instead! Two of my best friends planned the entire thing and they seriously made it such an incredible night. Since I'm the new apparel chair, I also got to design the sweatshirts and beanies we gave all of the babies and then the similar version we made for my MC too. It was my first official project and I had so much fun with it. 

How was your week? I'm so jealous of people who are just moving back to school this weekend!

xoxo

3 Formal Dresses I Love for Winter

I'm back!! It has been way too long but honestly I really needed a break from all commitments for a few weeks. First semester sophomore year finals truly wore me out and it was so nice to unplug and spend time with family, friends and go to our lake house for a few days to unwind. Now that I'm back in the school mode (and mostly done with sorority recruitment!) I can't wait to get back in the swing of things with blogging. Today I wanted to share a few dresses that I've been loving from  Tobi that I just got.  

Ever since high school, I've found that  Tobi has one of the best selections of dresses for events, whether they be homecoming, winter formals, weddings, etc. They aren't crazy expensive, there are new options all the time and the dresses are always so cool and trendy. I personally love the skater dress silhouette, and Tobi often has some really pretty ones in tons of different colors, styles and fabrics. In high school I leaned towards the more classic looking ones, but recently I thought it has been fun to try out other styles too! I absolutely love the details on these dresses - I typically go for a more simple fabric, but the lace on these is so pretty. 

These three dresses are some of my favorites because they're trendy but still pretty classic and feel like my style at the same time. I don't know how to choose which to wear to our crush dance in February! 

Give Me Your Love Lace Bodycon Dress 

Lady Capulet Skater Dress  //  gold earrings

Emalea Multi Strap Skater Dress //  Hermes cuff 

Which is your favorite?! The black bodycon dress is a little out of my comfort zone but I think it might be the winner for crush dance!

xoxo