Live in the Moment

I think sometimes, we go through life living for the future. In middle school all we want is to be in high school. In high school all we want is the freedom of college. In college we just want to live a life without homework and studying. It’s this dreaming of the future that keeps us from living our best in the moment. 

Sure, I’m guilty of laying in bed waiting for time to pass. I’m guilty of not enjoying the moment because all I can do is dream about how great the next hour or tomorrow or the next day is going to be. But, I’m challenging myself to enjoy every little second and every little moment. For example, last night I was walking to meet a friend. Usually, on my walk all I do is think about how excited I am to get to my destination and see my friend. But this time I changed my mindset. I enjoyed my walk through campus. I took in all the buildings, the people, the stars in the sky. It was one of the best walks I’ve ever been on. It allowed me to feel more peaceful, more content, and more inspired by the moment. 

So next time you find yourself wishing away the present because you’re so involved in focusing on the future I challenge you to pause. Pause your thoughts and become content with the moment. Breathe. Think. Be Mindful.

College Gift Guide

I feel like all I ever write about these days is college related. But you know what? It’s pretty relevant to my life as a, wait for it, wait for it…. college student. 

So, that being said, here’s yet another college related post. However, this one has a holiday spin to it. 

I think one of the best parts of the holiday season is gift giving. It’s so fun to pick out that special gift for that special friend that you know they’re just going to love. It screams “them” to you. And when they love it as much as you think they will, ugh, it’s just so rewarding. 

I also think one of the worst parts of the holiday season is gift giving. As much as I want to buy every single one of my friends the most perfect and dazzling present, I can barely afford a hamburger for myself. 

How do you show someone you care about them without spending your entire life savings? I’m not really sure to be honest. If you want that question answered, I’m sorry, I won’t be the person who does that for you. 

But, don’t you worry. I have a solution. There’s this dope website called UncommonGoods that’s essentially an online marketplace for artists to sell their products. Not only do you purchase a product, but you’re supporting an artist and buying a story. They also were created in harmony with the environment without harm to animals or people and have non-profit organizations. I think the one I’m most passionate about is RAIN which is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Pretty cool if you ask this college student. 

That being said, they sent me a few of their products from their already created (amazing) gift guides and I decided to go with the college student theme: alcohol and home decor. Obviously fitting for a 21 year old. 

Whether you're in a house, apartment, or a dorm, there's nothing quite like having a doormat to make you feel like you're back in your childhood home. I know that might sound so wacky but for real, they really make your place cozier (and cleaner if you actually use it to wipe your feet and not just as decoration.)

My friends and I drink a lot of wine. A lot. A lot. Hence the empty bottles -- it's hard to find a closed bottle left so excuse the photographs. That being said, this wine rack is phenomenal. It can be used as a holder for pretty much any number of bottles. Definitely a great gift for the college gal (or guy) if you ask me. 

My friends always poke fun at me for being the "rainbows and unicorns" kind of happiness. I see the positives of every situation almost to a fault. But I thought this stamp was a great way to liven up any piece of paper. It's just so cute and I haven't had anything like it since I was much younger. I feel like it's a great stocking stuffer or a gift for a basket type deal. That pink tho. Amazing. 

Home decor is tricky in college, especially when you live with other people. I have five other roommates and while we all get along, we definitely have very different styles (clothes, music, home decor, etc.) However, this light box is super cool because it changes color (aka aesthetic) and you can constantly change out what it says, Having a holiday party? Perfect, change the words. Someones birthday? Perfect, change the words. Inspirational quote? Yeah, you know, change the words. 

If you're struggling with the holiday gift scene, definitely be sure to checkout Uncommon Good's remade guides. They have one for pretty much any occasion you can think of.

What are you giving to your friends this year?

Thanks for reading! 
xox,
Chloe

Bye Bye Gossip

I’m currently sitting in the library procrastinating homework that I should be doing. What’s new? Nothing, that’s the answer. 

But here’s the deal. It’s productive procrastination. I’m reading some articles about being in your 20’s. I feel like I’m in this weird stage of life where I’m not really an adult, but I also am. I’m in college, but I’m living without parental supervision. It feels like this weird in-between. Sure, I have two more years left in the college bubble, but I also have TWO YEARS until I’m a full fledged adult. Weird. It’s weird. 

So anyway, as I’m procrastinating, I find this article titled “25 Uncomfortable Things You Need To Do If You Don’t Want To Regreat Your 20s.”

The whole article is a great read, but one of the points really resonated with me. It says “have something to talk about that isn’t other people, and your judgements of them.” I think everyone, not just people in their 20’s can relate to this. So often, as humans, we feel the need to gossip. To talk about people behind their backs, stretch the truth, blur lines, ask questions that don’t matter in the grand scheme of things, etc. It’s dumb. Gossip is dumb. 

I’ve decided to commit to this; I no longer want to waste my time talking about people. I want to focus on positive energy. To talking about things that matter, things that make me feel smarter and more energized instead of talking about things that waste my time and make me feel heated. 

Here’s to not regretting my 20’s and talking about things that really matter.

Bye bye gossip! 

Thanks for reading,
Chloe

College

What comes to mind when you think “college.” 

Animal house? Drinking problems? Too much school work? Stress? The Freshman 15? Excitement? 

Same. 

College is kind of weird if you think about it. You’re on your own, but also not really. You still have your parents support, you don’t really have to worry about “adult” things yet, but you still get all the freedom and independence that you craved oh so much during high school. 

I’m now about to go into my Junior year of college and as I’m writing this I’m sitting in my house thinking of all the things that made me nervous going into my freshman year of college. From what to pack, to what I would wear to class, to how the heck I would find my classes on the first day of school, to making friends, to understanding college parties and lifestyle. There were SO many new things. So many weird things that I never could have prepared for. It was a whole new world. 

I want to answer some questions about college for my past (pre college) self, from my current (almost upper class man) self. So here we go…

How do I find my classes? 
Walk around campus in the few days that you have before school. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions either. Everyone on campus was once new and in the exact same boat as you and will be more than willing to help you find your building and class room within the building. 

What do I wear to class?
Whatever your little heart desires. Whether that be a cute little dress and sandals or a big t-shirt and leggings. You do you. Just rock it confidently, that’s all that matters. 

Are parties super intimidating? 
They are what you make of them. Talk to people, don’t be shy! Don’t be afraid to say hey to that one person who sits three rows and five seats down in front of you in that random core class. They probably want someone to sit next to in class too — also who doesn’t like meeting someone at a party to end up helping each other in class. But also be aware, don’t take random drinks from random people. Don’t be dumb. I would recommend drinking at a pre-game (or in my case, in your dorm room with friends) before going to the party so you don’t even have to drink once you get there. That way you know your alcohol is safe and clean. 

Those are obviously just three little questions from a long list that I had, but I feel like the answers can be applied to a lot of things: don’t be afraid to ask for help, be confident, and be aware. 

College is the time of your life. The time to learn who you are and who you want to become. It’s fun, it’s an adventure. 

Thanks for reading! 
xox
Chloe

Getting Out Of A Rut

Summer is the time where you can just relax and enjoy doing absolutely nothing. It’s all great, until your doing nothingness becomes a rut. You know, you wake up, watch tv, surf the internet, work, workout, eat, sleep, repeat. 

I have reached my summer rut. I find myself doing the same thing day after day not truly taking the time to appreciate the fact that it might be my last real summer of doing nothing just being at home. I need to remember to appreciate it. To know that school is literally right around the corner and I’m going to be wishing for days of nothing. 

This morning I decided to go watch some sailboats on a little island near my house. You can watch from the cutest little park and it’s so peaceful just to sit and watch the boats pass by. It almost doesn’t even feel like I’m in the same country, let alone the same town. It was a nice little escape to get out of my little rut, even if it was just tan hour of my day and a five minute drive away. Sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact.

And speaking of small things having a big impact, my Hawaiin Tropic sunscreen definitely was worn during my little excursion. Just spending the shortest amount of time outside you’re inclined to get some sun, so I made sure to wear my Hawaiian Tropic® Silk Hydration® which offers experiential sun protection by pampering my skin with luxurious moisturization while indulging my senses with soothing scents and exotic island botanicals. Honestly, my favorite sunscreen out there.  You can find out more information about Hawaiian Tropic® Silk Hydration® here! 

I hope you’re all having an amazing summer and are enjoying your days filled with relaxation. 
Thanks for reading! 
xox
Chloe

I’m sharing Hawaiian Tropic in my life as part of a sponsored series for Socialstars™ #AlohaTherapy

A Degree Is Just A Piece of Paper

I talk about this topic with my friends and family so often that I’m shocked I’ve never written a post about it: Major shamming. Not shamming in a huge way, but shaming people for being in a certain major. 

I’m a communications major. I’ve said it before, and I’ll most likely say it again. It’s the major at the top of every “What NOT to major in” list on the internet. The major that people say is useless, stupid, for people who don’t know what they want to do. 

But hey, guess what. I’m none of those things and I freakin’ love my major. I love the projects I get to work on, the collaborative nature of everything I do, the creativity I get to unleash. It’s fun, but that doesn’t mean its “dumb.” 

The classes that I take in comparison to, say, pre-med students is very different. I don’t have to take biology, chemistry, or calculus. I don’t excel in those subjects and I know my weaknesses. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t hone into my strengths. I’m not cocky, but I like to think I excel in photography, graphic design, and copy writing so those are the classes I take. Just because I’m not the best in certain classes doesn’t make me dumb. Just because my core science classes consist ofthe “philosophy of science” doesn’t make it any less “science-y” or less difficult that your “actual” science classes. 

I’m not writing this post for people to pity communications majors. In fact, I’m writing this for quite the opposite affect. I want it to be known that people should go to college to learn more about things they want to learn about. It’s the time in our lives where we can hone into skills and understand things like never before. Don’t major in something just because it “sounds smart” or “will get you a job,” because in the end a degree is just a piece of paper, it’s the passion for something that will take you far in life. 

If you’re deciding on what to major in for college I want you to close your eyes and picture your dream job. Even if it’s seems dumb or stupid think about it. Do you want to walk dogs for a living? Own a bakery? Be a free lance graphic designer? Do it. You can succeed in anything you care about because there’s one thing that you already have above others and that’s a dream and behind that dream comes passion and appreciation. 

Do what you love, I promise it’ll all work out.

Thanks for reading! 
xox
Chloe