A Little Me Time: 3 Day Weekends

Something I rarely get around to thinking about, let alone posting about, is "me time." Let's be honest, when there are a million and three other things to get done, who has time to think, "What do I want to do?" Well, the truth is, we should be asking ourselves this question more often. Trust me, I get it, I'm the worst at taking my own advice - but if you take no time for yourself, you'll eventually burn yourself out and everything in your life from your performance at work to your social life will dwindle. With Memorial Day coming up this weekend, I figured it would be a perfect time to talk about what to do with a three day weekend. We don't get them very often, but when you have the chance to enjoy three days off from work, take advantage of it and do something for YOU.

Here are some ideas of how to make your weekend about you. Now, don't be put off too soon - I did throw in some proactive, productive items as well as selfish ones. Sometimes taking a weekend for yourself doesn't necessarily mean sitting on the couch and vegging out all weekend. It can also be a great time to organize your closet or something of that sort - even though it's "work," it's probably something you've been wanting to do for a while that will make you happy when it's done. In any case, I hope you find some of these suggestions helpful, and that you enjoy and make the most of your Memorial Day Weekend!

1. Take a bubble bath.
2. Work on the garden.

3. Buy your favorite candy and eat it while you watch a movie you've been dying to see.
4. Plan something fun with the kids or your significant other.
5. Have a girls/guys night.
6. Host a game night at your place and invite friends over.
7. Go to someone else's cookout (that way you can skip the clean up!)
8. Read that book you've been wanting to read.
9. Start the home improvement project you've been thinking about.
10. Call a long distance friend to catch up.
11. Surprise your family with a spontaneous trip to visit them.
12. Go a complete day without even turning on your cell phone or computer (If you're shaking your head in refusal, just take a moment to imagine what it would be like... you're relaxed already, aren't you?)

13. Try something new with a friend or significant other, like fishing or sewing.
14. Indulge in your guilty pleasures, whether it be jamming out to BSB or eating fried oreos.
15. Find a swanky beach bar or someplace by a body of water and have evening drinks with good friends
16. Go outside and enjoy yourself - play a sport, lay by the pool, plan a picnic - anything that gets you out in the sun and not inside (where you probably spend most of the week, anyway.)
17. Do something romantic - the work week lacks romance 98% of the time.
18. If you're just getting started in your career and there are things you need to get done (updating your LinkedIn profile, emailing your resume out to important networks, etc.) go ahead and get those done or at least started. You probably don't think about it during the work week, and if you want to get further in your career, you'll need that extra push.
19. Free your mind with a massage or some other self pampering treat. You can find great deals on spa services by signing up for Groupon or Living Social.

20. Eat at a resturaunt you've never tried before and let the waiter/waitress pick your food. You probably have a pretty controlled work week, let something be completely out of your control and just enjoy the end result.
21. Spend some quality time with your pet (if you don't have a pet, check out a pet store or pet adoption center. You don't have to buy, but animals are great at relieving stress and making you smile.)
22. Go shopping. Yes, guys, even you. Shopping when you're not looking for something specific is usually a relaxing experience that can lead to happy, guilt free purchases.
23. Fly a kite.
24. Get a pedicure (nothing like a foot massage!)
25. My last suggestion? Do WHATEVER you feel like for AT LEAST half a day on your three day weekend. Even if you have a ton to do and it doesn't do anything but rot your brain, take some time to enjoy whatever it is you enjoy most.

There you go, hopefully this will help you get started. What do you plan to do for the three day weekend? Let me know below!

Happy Memorial Day!

Rookie of the Year

Well, it finally happened - I landed a full time job. The awesome thing about that is that I can work one job instead of three, the crazy thing is that I'm still just as busy! In the spirit of transitioning, I thought it would be a great topic to blog about going from the expert to the rookie. Leaving one job to transition into another isn't easy, and it's critical to make a first impression that leaves a good taste in your coworkers mouths. Whether you are sweeping floors or designing online media, every job counts - and every job is there for a reason. Take your new "rookie" position seriously, and you can find yourself fitting in quicker than you know. In fact, you might find that the top of that latter you're on is closer than you think! Here are some ways you can stand out when you're the newbie, and possibly land you the title of...

1) Observe first, make changes later. All of us want to make a great impression when we first get to a new position. A lot of the times, we want to look at the way something is done and find a new, better way to do it. This is GREAT, and probably one of the reasons you got hired. However, it's important to observe your surroundings and get comfortable with what happens before you try to make changes, espcially if you're managing other people. There are a couple reason for this: one, people are accustomed to how things are done, and if the "new guy/girl" is trying to change everything in the first week, it might leave a sour taste in their mouths; two, you don't know how things work yet. You may THINK you know a better solution to the way something is done, but then you go to change it and find all the reasons for why it was done the way it was before. Just take a moment to observe your surroundings before jumping in head first.

2) Be friendly. It's easy to get stressed out in the first few weeks at a new job. You're learning new tasks, you don't know anyone, and you have to basically prove yourself all over again to new employers. That's okay, just smile and be friendly no matter how stressed you are. First impressions are KEY, and you've been taught this your entire life. Make sure to be known as the "nice newbie" and not the "sassy newbie."

3) Be enthusiastic. Like I said before, your new job may not be your dream job, but even if you are just filing all day, make sure that filing cabinet is in the best shape it's ever been in. The person who hired you probably did so because you convinced them in your interview that you were the best candidate for the job. Well, now is your time to prove it. You said you would be the best Taco server ever, then you better do your best to fufill that promise. A lot can be said for the first few weeks you're at a job, and usually by the end of week three, your employer has made up their mind about you. Be enthusiastic about your job, no matter what it is, and do it to the best of your ability.

4) Get to know your coworkers. You're not the only one going through changes. If you're new on the job, it's probably because you took the place of someone else. It could have been someone everyone hated, but it also could have been someone that everybody loved. Whatever the case, get to know your coworkers and let them know you're someone who can be trusted to do your work effectively and on time. Don't be afraid to get to know them on a personal level, too. After all, who knows how long you'll be working together - if they ask you to go to happy hour after work, go ahead!

5) That being said, it's also important to be professional. Everyone has friends where they work (for the most part, anyway) which is great! However, if you do take up that chance to go to happy hour, don't be "THAT guy/girl" who has to be carried out of the bar. You may like to have a good time, but for now you need to be professional. Stick to a drink or two and show you can compose yourself, then if you feel out your new coworkers down the road and realize you can let loose a little more, go for it. No matter what, though, you probably still don't want to be THAT guy/girl.

6) Take notes. You're learning a new job, so asking questions is expected. However, if you have to keep asking the same thing over and over, it's likely to get annoying to those around you. So, take notes so that you can refer back to them before asking questions. For instance, if you're being taught how to log something into an excel sheet, take note of where the information is recorded from, where it's saved on the computer, what days it's updated on, etc. Little things like not being overly needy make a great impression on new employers.

7) Above all else, be YOURSELF. Don't try to impress your employer or new coworkers by acting like someone you're not. If your boss loves golf and you've never played, that's FINE. Don't try to tell them you play every weekend to fit in, because most likely you'll get invited to play in the future and be caught in the lie. Plus, you don't want to look like you're trying to be impressive. Just observe the crowd, throw in your own thoughts when you feel it's appropriate, and before you know it, you'll be part of the group, too. Don't be too anxious to fit in, it will happen with time.


These are just a few things to keep in mind when transitioning to a new job. What's something you always do/avoid when you're new on the job?

Comment below! Andddd Happy Friday! :)

Busy Times

I'm so sorry to all my followers for the lack of postings lately. With graduation and every event surrounding it, I have been extremely busy (nothing new, right?) I was just promoted at work and I can FINALLY narrow my three jobs down to one. I'm hoping to get this crazy life under control soon so I can come back with more helpful postings! Until then, take care, followers!

I'm DONE!

I can't believe it, but I am actually DONE with college! This is just a little proof that hard work really does pay off. It's been a crazy four years full of stress, but also full of amazing times with friends. I guess this will be a new chapter in my blog as I transition into "big girl" world and learn the ups, downs, and stresses of my twenties! 


I've been interviewing at a few places trying to get my foot in the door somewhere. I really hope someone will take a chance on me. Why is it such a catch 22 with getting a job? It's like trying to get credit - they want you to have experience to hire you but you can't get experience without getting hired. I believe, however, that someone will value the hard work I've put in so far and will see that I'm worth taking a chance on.


Okay, college grads, let's hear it. What was it like for you when you first left? How did you face the "real" world afterward? Do you have any advice for how to balance life after college?


I'm so excited for this new chapter in my life, and excited to bring my followers along with me!

EAS Carb Control Protein Shakes - REVIEW

In our busy lives, it's so difficult to keep on track with our nutritional goals. I know that in the past, I have barely had time for breakfast AT ALL, let alone a healthy one. When I got on this low carb kick back in February, I really wanted to find a fast breakfast that aligned with my new healthy lifestyle. For a while, I was waking up earlier than usual to make turkey bacon and eggs (which is still a scrumptious breakfast lol.) However, on the mornings when I was just too tired or already had to wake up super early, this breakfast idea didn't pan out as well and I was usually left grabbing a high carb protein bar or having no breakfast at all. My breakfast life changed when my boss at College of Sciences introduced me to this amazing product: EAS Carb Control Protein Shakes.


These shakes are literally AWESOME. I promise, if you are looking for a yummy, quick breakfast that will not only fit into your busy life but will also keep you FULL for the morning - this is your drink!


There is so much to love about this product. First of all, let's talk taste. How many times have you tried a quick breakfast drink only to have to hold your nose every time you try to take a drink? I know I've tried a few that I couldn't stomach, but luckily EAS has great taste down. The shakes come in a variety of flavors including chocolate fudge, dark chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, caramel latte, and more. My personal favorite is the chocolate fudge - it reminds me of chocolate milk as a kid :) So, as far as taste and variety goes, this product is awesome.

Now let's talk nutrition. As you all know, this low carb/high protein kick I'm on is what drives most of my food selections. This product is perfect for that because it has (wait for it) 17 GRAMS of protein and only 3 net carbs! I know, amazing right? This product fits perfectly into my diet and the best part? It keeps me FULL. I never have to worry about getting the mid morning hunger pains because the protein satisfies me all morning.


Okay, so we have a great tasting shake with a variety of flavors that's great for you, could it get any better? YES. Because along with being super convenient, it's also super affordable! The average 4 pack at Publix runs around $5.00 (that's only $1.25 each!) This is a great alternative for other breakfast options, especially if you're hitting up the drive through and paying about $5.00 for one meal.


Overall, this product is just AWESOME. It's great for breakfast, mid-afternoon snack, or right before a great work out. Trust me, if you're searching for a convenient, great tasting, healthy breakfast - this should be your next purchase! 

Ryan is Home!

I know I don't usually post little slices of my life, but my amazing husband is HOME! His last day in the Army was April 3rd and he has been home for almost a full week now. I can't explain the feeling of having him home and knowing we can be together every day. :) Hope all of you are having a great week too!

Balancing Finances

As we get caught up in our day to day lives, we often forget that most everything we do in a day costs money. For instance, there's the gas and tolls to drive to work, the money we used for lunch that day, and of course the car payment for the car we drove and cell phone payment for the phone we used. Then, we get home, and there's the bills that accumulate there, too. So how are we supposed to keep up with all the bills when we're already so incredibly busy? It's very similar to how we balance everything else in our lives, but we definitely have to make finances a priority.

First of all, make sure you write down your expenses each month. It's a lot like scheduling in everything you have to do in your planner. The reason for this is so you don't forget anything, which is very easy to do - especially if you're a very busy person. For instance, there was one month where I completely forgot about my car insurance payment because I was overwhelmed with tests, papers, and on top of that I was working a 50 hour work week. Luckily, I was signed up for automatic withdrawal so it just took it from my account and thankfully I had just been paid so I had the money in there. However, this could have been a really bad situation if I wasn't enrolled in automatic withdrawal or, even worse, if they tried to withdraw and overdrew my bank account. So make sure to write down what you have to pay and when either on a calendar in your house or right in your planner where you know you'll be looking every day.


If you do have a bill you forgot about, don't freak out. Most of them have grace periods, so call customer service and explain what happened. If worse comes to worse (for example, the electricity gets turned off,) just pay your bill as soon as you can and remember to write it down for next month. If it's one or two times, it is usually understandable - just don't make a habit of it.

In addition to writing down all your payments, don't forget to keep track of your bank account somehow. Now, I know a lot of us depend on online banking (myself included,) but a backup tracker is essential. One of the reasons is because pending transactions can sometimes show up wrong on online banking systems. For example, you might get $40.00 in gas but it shows up as $1.00 until it completely goes through. This can definitely get you into trouble. Another reason to have a backup way to track your purchases is that sometimes places will charge you twice and sometimes the charge won't even show up until days after you've made the purchase - so you're not even thinking about it. Yes, online banking is great for double checking everything is going through correctly, but don't let it be your only version of tracking your purchases.


If you're anything like me, you probably work a lot but also have a lot of bills that the money goes to. If that's the case, make sure you take into consideration any days you miss at work. For instance, if you're sick for a couple days, remember that you might have to go a few nights without going out because you'll need to use the money you'll be getting for bills. It's important to keep track of how much income you have coming in as opposed to what's going out.


In addition, don't lean too much on credit cards. Remember that the purpose of them is to build your credit and use strategically or in emergencies. The last thing you want to do is depend on it like a crutch and then find yourself trying to catch up on an ever increasing credit card bill. This will only add to the stress I'm sure you already have with a busy lifestyle. Credit cards are great - just be wary.






Don't let finances bring you down. Unfortunately, money is a huge source of stress for many if not all of us. Instead of letting it drive you crazy, remember to only focus on what you can control. In other words, work on getting the hours you need to pay your bills and pay off your credit cards and loans with whatever you can afford. Don't freak out if it's not all paid off at the end of the month, you're not alone in that. Just make sure to sacrifice what you need to in order to reach your financial goals next month. I can't even count how many times I've had to give up going out or doing something I really wanted to get caught up financially. It's not easy and you'll be upset, but it'll be worth it when you no longer have debt hanging over your head. Just remember to not let it get you down and opt for less expensive activities to get you through (like crafting or watching movies on TV.)

Not all of us have this luxury lol

In all actuality, it really depends on the person on how to balance out your finances. Try these steps and see if that helps you get things under control. Remember that, sadly, finances have to take a huge priority in our lives. Therefore, do what you have to do in order to set them straight. If you're having more trouble than what's discussed here, consider calling your billing companies and trying to work out a different payment plan or see a financial advisor. Hopefully you're just having a little trouble finding time to balance and this will help you out! Remember, you can't do everything (we're not superman, after all!) But you can handle a lot more than you think. So take a deep breath and tackle your finances for next month!