Learning to find a balance

This week I have been completely overwhelmed with work and nannying, trying to unpack from my trip last weekend, pack for school and staying on top of chores, not even mentioning how my social life is nonexistent this week.

I have been working 7:30a to 4:30p as a nanny then working my retail job 6-10 everyday this week. That pretty much leaves no time for anything else. My to-do list is off the chart and I've been trying to keep up with this blog during nap time while I nanny. The only time I have to work on chores is after I get home at 10:30 and all I want to do at that point is go to bed. I know it sounds like I am complaining, but I'm so grateful for my jobs and how busy I am this summer. That being said, finding a balance is so important in living a healthy life. 

Last weekend I went camping and to the coast, enjoying no cell service and no work and spending time with my best friend relaxing. This week any relaxed feeling I have has been gone. Waking up at 7 and not going to bed till midnight has left me sleep deprived and stressed. While the paycheck at the end of the week will be nice, next week I need a balance. 

the important aspects in my life right now include: 

Art and painting

Blogging

Working out/ yoga

Eating healthy 

And spending time outside 

These aspects lead to a better and happier me. 

Right now the aspects that are controlling my life are work and chores. Granted these two things are important but have been driving me nuts. 

In order to find a balance I am cutting back my nanny hours while working the same amount at my retail job. Doing this allows more time for me to focus on the aspects that are important to me. I'm hoping to go to the gym three days, do yoga the other two days, finish all the crafts and DIYs for my dorm room (post coming soon). Be more present in the blog and wake up for sunrise one morning and enjoy time by the river. Who knows how much I will get done on this list, but I am attempting to find some balance in my life and hope by working a little less, my todo list both chore wise and health wise will get done. 

X, Zoe

What to expect for sorority recruitment

Sorority recruitment is coming up for most schools in the next few weeks. I went through recruitment last year and thought I would give some insight on my experience. At my school, Recruitment is a weeklong process. There are 4 rounds over the course of 7 long days. While every school does Formal Recruitment differently, I hope this provides some insight!

Day one and two: Open House

This round is casual, and you visit all the houses. 

What to expect: the conversations at every house will be pretty similar. You will talk about your high school, hobbies, home town, family etc. basic getting to know you stuff. By the end of it you'll have it down.

What to wear: we received two tshirts with the recruitment theme to wear during these two days. Depending on the weather, jeans or shorts on bottom, but keep them professional looking. You will be doing a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes like Sperrys or Converse.

Day three and four: House Tours

This round is more formal, but still casual, and you visit less houses. 

What to expect: This round you will get a house tour for half of the time and the other half will be sitting down and chatting. You will visit less houses than the Open House round. Pretty much the same as last round conversation wise.

What to wear: this is more fancy than the first round. Wear a sundress and cute sandals for an easy time walking everywhere. 

Tip: ask about the house and why they love it.

Day five: Philanthropy

This round is formal, and you visit less houses than the last. 

What to expect: this is a more formal round. The sorrority will teach you about their philanthropy and what they raise money for. A craft and video are usually accompanied with conversation. You will usually talk with a girl you've already met earlier in the week.

What to wear: a nice dress and wedges or heals. Make sure you can walk in your shoes. But this is a more formal day and sandals are not recommended.

Day six: Preference

This is the last, very formal round, and you visit three houses. 

What to expect: preference is the most formal of all the rounds. Each house will let you in to their rituals and seniors will give a testimony. There will be singing and crying involved. You will talk to one girl the entire time, and appetizers are usually served.

What to wear: A nice cocktail dress and heels are perfect for this day. At my school the houses will wear white or black dresses for this day so to avoid blending in, a colored dress is recommended. 

Day seven: BID DAY! 

The day you've all been waiting for. This is the best day all week. You finally get to know what house you will join! 

What to expect: At my school, you are in a room with about 30 other girls going through recruitment and have gotten to know during the week. Bid cards are handed out and you sit on them. Everyone in the entire building (every girl going through recruitment) opens them at the same time when a bell goes off. Everyone then runs to a room where the house is meeting to run back to the chapter house. Tshirts are given out and everyone runs home to a big party and celebration. You move in all your stuff to the house there's lots of hugs and celebration, and it's pretty much the best and most awkward day ever since you don't know anyone. 

What to wear: shorts or jeans depending on the weather. A tank or tee that you will replace with your new one and shoes you can run in like converse.

Overall just be yourself to find the house that fits you best. Wear clothes that are your style, be true to who you are and have fun! Soon you will be in a house with all of your new best friends.
All these sets were made with Polyvore make sure to follow along, and find outfit details there!

X, Zoe

linking up with Destination College Blog Hop

Mood Board | 1

all images from Pinterest

I love creating mood boards for different seasons and feelings. As you can tell I am ready for fall. The epitome of fall is flannels, coffee, boyfriend jeans, and spending as much time outdoors as you can. I can't wait! Have a wonderful weekend lovelies.

X, Zoe

10 essentials for your freshman year of college: Clothes edition

#1 Formal dresses:

You never know when you might need a formal dress. Fraternity formals happen often at my school and it's nice to have a few dresses to choose from when these types of events occur

#2 Professional attire:

An interview for an internship or a cocktail event with professors both require some sort of professional attire. Don't lean on borrowing someone else's blazer for an event!

#3 Gym clothes:

working out became a bigger priority for me at school than it was at home. Having a good pair of running shoes and some cute work out clothes helped motivate me to get to the gym and keep off the Freshman 15!

#4 Clothes you don't mind getting dirty: 

The first month of school, my sorority had a paint exchange with another fraternity. Having clothes that you don't mind getting stained or damaged are good to have for the random events that pop up throughout the year. I recommend Soffee shorts and a simple V-neck.

#5 Rain boots and jacket:

Living in Seattle especially a rain jacket and boots are a must. It doesn't rain all the time, but when it does, it pours. Invest in a nice jacket and a pair of boots to get you all the way through your 4 years.

#6 Fun heels:

Formals, sorority events, or a nice dinner out are all excuses to bust out a funky pair of heels to show off your personality. But don't forget the basic pumps as well ;)

#7 Lounge clothes:

sitting in your dorm room doing homework, you want to be comfortable, but not look like a slob in case someone else comes over to study. I love palazzo pants or jogger pants for a cute but comfy look. Leggings are also a cute way to stay comfy.

#8 Going out clothes:

Once in a while, going out to a fraternity or the bars when your legal, is going to happen to let off some stress from school. Having a cute skirt, top or sexy pair of pants will make going out a breeze if you already have something put together.

#9 Cute and comfy shoes:

A pair of shoes to wear around campus all day and not have your feet hurt when you get home is a must. I usually wear a pair of converse or a pair of combat boots depending on the weather.

#10 Costumes:

People go all out for halloween so have a costume prepared. Halloween is celebrated all week long, so pack a few!


X, Zoe

linking up with: The Caro Diaries

10 essentials for your freshman year at college: Dorm edition

#1 Hard cover for your laptop: 

I started out with a sleeve, and immediately changed to a hard case. The case is perfect for protecting your computer from scratches while still being easy to take in and out of your bag for quick note taking. 

#2 Keurig: 

Late night study seshes means you might need a caffeine boost, and Starbuck's probably isn't open. Being able to make your own coffee is a must, plus you'll save on drinks! Always a plus on a college student budget.

#3 Weekend duffel bag: 

When I left for school I packed everything in boxes and one huge duffel bag. When I left for my first weekend home I realized, I didn't have a bag appropriate for 3 days... so a weekender accompanied me back to school. This is also super helpful for spontaneous road trips or weekend getaways.

#4 Two laundry bags: 

For me having a linen bag as a catch all for laundry and a small pop up hamper for taking clothes to the laundry room worked perfect. Not all the laundry gets done every time so having two spots for laundry instead of having everything on your floor makes keeping the small dorm rooms clean a breeze.

#5 Large water bottle: 

It's super important to stay hydrated all day. So I always keep my Nalgene on hand filled with water... plus extra points if you're repping your school!

#6 Memory foam mattress pad: 

Dorm room mattresses are so uncomfortable. Even living in a sorority, they aren't much better. This saved my back and my sleep habits. They are heavenly and soooo worth the money!

#7 Mini fridge: 

Pretty self explanatory for study snacks or your caffeine fix!

#8 A cute planner: 

Staying organized is a must in college. Between school work, sorority events, a job and any other responsibilities, being able to see exactly when I have time for everything is perfect. Just find a system that works for you!

#9 Bathroom caddy + shower shoes: 

Dorm showers, sorority showers... make life easy and keep everything in one spot in a caddy, and keep those feet fungus free in some flip flops. Super essential!

#10 Thin velvet hangers:

I don't know about you, but my closet was a lot smaller than I was used to at home. These hangers not only let you put more in a closet, but keep dresses and sweaters from falling off the hanger. You can even find them at the dollar store, perfect for your new dorm closet.


I hope this list gave you some good ideas for college essentials, have an awesome year at college lovelies!
X, Zoe

linking up with: the carodiaries

School appropriate summer outfits

As summer starts coming to a close, and school is getting started, I've been looking for pieces to add to my closet that I can wear now and back to school. These versatile pieces mean spending less on a back to school wardrobe and more clothes to wear now, a win-win for me!

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Boyfriend jeans and a graphic tee are perfect for those cooler summer days, and for lectures come back to school. Both staples in a closet!

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A kimono is light and airy for summer, and can be worn to class as well come fall. Finding one in a versatile pattern means wearing it summer and fall!

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A flowy maxi is perfect to keep cool in the summer and keep warm in the fall from the overworked AC. It's chic and comfy, perfect for lectures.

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A chambray and cute shorts, work well in the summer, and can be transitioned easily for fall. A chambray shirt is a staple for any closet.

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I love flannels, they are perfect for layering with tanks in the summer, and perfect for fall, with shorts or jeans to stay warm. Another cute and casual look for class.

I hope these looks give you some inspiration for this upcoming school year. All these were taken from my Pinterest, make sure to follow along here.

X, Zoe