Thursday, April 30, 2015

{lounging + study tips}


This past weekend I finally had a chance to relax and do NOTHING!







photography by Emily Smalling

H&M Sweatshirt (I'm wearing a M) // Free People shorts // Coffee Mug // Earrings // Coordinates Collection Necklace // Gorjana Rings via Rocksbox (use code JENNIFERXOXO1 to get your first month free)

I'm sure you guys noticed me talking about taking two certification exams last Thursday and Friday… Well they're over and I can breathe normally again (until 8 weeks from now when I get the results back to see if I actually passed. HA).  For now, I'm relaxing and drinking my cup of tea a little bit slower in the mornings. I've been living in these Free People shorts and H&M sweatshirt (seriously - just ask my roomies haha oops). It's just such a comfy combo! I love sitting out on the patio in the morning and feeling the sun on my face :) Obviously this only happens on the weekends because I like to sleep wayyyy too much during the week and I'm a diva and eat breakfast the second I wake up! (Yes, I really do sleep in my jewelry. Ugh, even though I have a catch-all tray on my night stand I just can't remember every night.)

In the spirit of me finishing my exams and a lot of y'all beginning them (sorry) I thought I would share a couple of my tips that I've learned over the years and had to reteach myself this time around. As I'm sure you know, once you find a routine that works for you, stick with it. You know what's best for you and my tips may not be for everyone!



TIPS FOR STUDYING:

1 // Turn off your cell phone
This was my biggest issue when I first began reading my text book… I would get bored in 5 seconds and reach for my phone to look at Snapchat. Yikes. I finally had a system where I would put my phone on airplane mode and after an hour I would let myself take a 15 minute break. This way I wouldn't hear a text come through and get distracted for the next hour. When I was taking practice exams this was also a great way to allow myself to fully focus and figure out how long things were taking me.

2 // Flash cards
Quizzing yourself over and over again really engrains specific details in your head. I always make two piles - a yes pile and a no pile. I go through the no pile until they are all "yes" and then I start over.

3 // Talk out loud
If I speak out loud then I not only have to think about what I'm saying but I also comprehend what the answer is better. Plus this way I'm positive that I can actually phrase something the proper way. Just trust me it really helps!!

4 // Don't sit - stand!
Confession: I fell asleep multiple times while sitting on my bed going through flash cards. It wasn't fun waking up 20 minutes later with a kink in my neck and realizing I just wasted valuable time. I tend to pace around my room (while talking) to go through all of the flash cards. It gets my blood flowing and keeps me active and awake. I like to think of it as a mini workout too ;)

5 // Remove all distractions
Turn off the tv, go away from your roommates or family, don't let your pets hang out with you, phone away, laptop away, etc… you get the idea. If you get a solid hour or two of studying in then you can reward yourself with a distraction. Working towards a simple, little goal always helped motivate me to just keep pushing.

6 // Write things down
If you don't know a term then write it down on a notepad using a colored pen. Sometimes seeing something in a visual way will help you recall it later on. This also creates a nice running list of things you want to review the night before.

7 // Practice your mistakes
I took multiple practice exams and reviewing the things I got wrong and focusing on those areas helped strengthen my weakest points. Having the ability to point out your mistake and understand why you got a question wrong will help you analyze a question better during your test/exam.

8 // Dress for the day
When I spent days at home studying it helped me kick it into gear by showering, getting out of my pi's, and putting on makeup. Yes, seriously, makeup. I felt more like myself and didn't walk past a mirror and think: "dang, you look tired and exhausted" even though I felt like that. Putting your best foot forward gives you confidence - so dress the part.

9 // Sugar kick
My coworker told me that sugar helps stimulate the brain so I'm sticking to that ;)

10 // Double check everything the night before
Don't try to quiz yourself over and over and over. Simply review everything once and do a glance over of all your notes. Getting a good night's sleep should be your #1 priority. Make sure you have your clothes laid out, your bag packed, all forms of identification (I needed a license and passport), and any special kind of paperwork. This will make your morning go smoothly and you won't be rushed to the point you could be late!

Do you have any tips for studying? Any rituals or superstitions?
I used to always wear a "lucky" necklace!

If you're about to graduate then CONGRATS!! Hopefully you chose a major where you never have to take a test again ;) kidding!!

Love Always,

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

{mother's day with minted}

Mother's Day is quickly approaching (May 10th!) so it's time to begin thinking about that special woman in your life! Any excuse to pamper my Momma is a great one in my book :) I always go the sentimental route on Mother's Day… something that she wants or can use, has a deeper meaning, or is just absolutely perfect for her. She's my best friend and I tell her everything so normally this isn't too hard (except this year it won't be a secret since she reads my blog haha - hi Momma!)

My sister and I do a personalized calendar for my parent's anniversary every year and my Mom always says she wishes she could frame it. I instantly knew that this year I was going to listen to that wish; I was going to take a special moment between the two of us and frame it.

We have a gallery wall in our main hallway at my parent's house and it has tons of pictures: My parent's wedding day, my Dad as a little boy, my grandparents, my sister and me as little girls, professional family photos, etc. I'm not sure there is room to hang another picture but in my family a framed present is one of the best gifts to receive! We don't have a lot of recent pictures around the house because everything has gone digital.

Enter Minted… I have long admired the quality prints from this website and their stationary is reserved for only the most important thank you's and personal notes (need to restock ASAP)! Working with Minted was a no brainer when choosing my personalized Mother's Day gift! I've ordered business cards and had art printed from them in the past - always the easiest process, extremely reliable, and the selections are high quality and beautifully crafted.




I knew the picture I wanted to use but wasn't sure what style frame or matte I should use. When I looked through their Mother's Day section I fell in love with the art prints… 
(these are my favorites below)





Seeing the gold foil prints (obsessed with that map!!) made me want to combine some intricate details with a photo so I decided a gold foil print around my photo would be the perfect delicate touch. I stuck with a white frame because I love the colors in my photo so much.

making my selections…



…and the final product!



What do you guys think? I cannot wait to get it!!! (I'm having it sent to my house first so I can see it in person before giving it to my Momma hehe) We took this photo on Easter while eating brunch at Woodberry Kitchen and celebrating her birthday. It was such a simple evening but it was so nice to spend it with each other and be home!

If framed pictures/art aren't your thing (or your mom's) make sure you look through the stationary and notepads. Adding a simple initial is a sweet little touch that shows your mom you were thinking about her and how much you care!


Now for the exciting part - YOU can receive 10% off your Mother's Day purchase with code ANCHORS10 through May 5th!

Trust me, your mother will love this personalized thought and ordering now will ensure it gets there on time! (Bonus points… am I right?!)  What are you getting your Mom for Mother's Day? Do you celebrate in any special way?

*this post was a collaboration with Minted - I received product as compensation.
Of course, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thank you for supporting the brands that keeps Southern Anchors going!*

Love Always,

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

{wishlist for 25}

Every girl has a running wish list right? Well since my 25th birthday is on Sunday I figured I would share some of the things I've had my eye on ;) It's always fun to put a list together and figure out what to save for next!! Can't believe I turn the big 2-5 so soon!



This board is shoppable so anything you click will take you to the item directly! Yippe!

Love Always,

Monday, April 27, 2015

{light blue}


Two of my favorite things in one outfit… a romper and off the shoulder ;)




The trees made it look like it was snowing so I tried to get a picture with them hehe






Photography by Emily Smalling

Light Blue Romper, sold out (similar, similar) // Tory Burch Earrings // Target Sandals // Kate Spade clutch, old // Dogeared Karma Necklace // Stella & Dot Renegade Bracelet // BaubleBar Morse Code Cuff // David Yurman Bracelet // Gorjana Cuff // NARS Lipstick in "Luxembourg" // Sunglasses, similar

I took these photos with Emily when all of the trees were gorgeous and in full bloom. I love how this light blue romper is so loose and flowy… perfect for spring weather. I paired it with my new Target sandals that look just like some Kate Spade ones ;) Add a brightly colored clutch and you've got a perfect outfit - I actually think this romper would look better with wedges to elongate your legs more because of all the fabric.




I can't believe this weekend is over! After finishing my exams on Thursday and Friday I was beyond excited to have no plans this weekend and just hang out with my girls and have my boy in town! We played pool, darts, shuffleboard and just had a great time hanging out with each other and me finally not having to keep my nose in the books.

Did everyone have a great weekend?
Did y'all like the guest posts last week? I'm happy to be back to blogging :)

Love Always,

Friday, April 24, 2015

{guest blogger: covering the bases}




HAPPY FRIDAY PEOPLE! I’m Krista from Covering the Bases and I’ll be taking over for Jennifer today (thanks for having me). Covering the Bases is a fashion and travel blog based in NYC and I hope you’re able to stop by and check it out when you can! You’ll see various outfits (mostly blue ones) like this here, fun travel content (every Tuesday) and a LOT of weird commentary from yours truly.
 To speak about the outfit real quick, I recently got this dress in and I just love it. I was a little nervous about the cutout but I found that it wasn't anywhere near revealing. I've also figured out this fit and flare work for me so that's cool. You want to know what else is cool? The material of this dress. I don't know what it is, but it's awesome!



SHOP MY LOOK HERE:


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Thanks so much for stopping by! Be sure to check out Krista's blog :) Hope you're enjoying the posts this week!

Love Always,

Thursday, April 23, 2015

{guest blogger: glitter & gingham}

Hey y'all! Shelby from Glitter & Gingham here! I am super excited to be filling in for Jenn today, thanks Jenn for letting me share some of my favorite looks I have put together for spring! I will list all the details below, but I would love for y'all to head on over to G&G and stay for a while! 

Dress Accordingly, 
Shelby 



old J. Crew Sweater (identical) / Piperlime Skirt (similar) / old Sole Society Heels (similar) / Lulu Frost & Vintage (similar) Necklaces / J. Crew & David Yurman Bracelets / Clare V. Clutch / Ray-Ban Aviators / Urban Decay 'Naked' Lipstick / Bite Beauty 'Rambutan' Lipgloss / Michael Kors Watch 






ONE by Pink Stitch Maxi Dress (this is the taupe color :) ) / J. Crew Factory Jacket / old Zara Heels (similar) / Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB (out of stock, similar) / Anthropologie Earrings (similar) / J. Crew Pavé Bracelet / Michael Kors Mini Bradshaw Watch / Margaret Elizabeth Ophelia Cocktail Ring 



old Zara Jacket (similar) / J.O.A. Top (similar) / J. Crew Jeans / J. Crew d'Orsay Flats / Bauble Bar Necklace / Michael Kors Watch / Clare V. Sandrine (similar)/ Ray-Ban Aviators 



old H&M Blazer (similar- splurgesave) / gifted Show Me Your Mumu Top via Riffraff / J. Crew Jeans / J. Crew Heels / 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli / old J. Crew Necklace (similar) / Bauble Bar Earrings (no longer online)



old J. Crew Factory Jacket / gifted High Street Fly Tee / Old Navy Jeans / Nike Sneaks / Clare V. Sandrine Satchel (similar here & here) / Michael Kors Watch / J. Crew & Bauble Bar Bracelets / Gorjana Necklace via Rocksbox [use code shelbyxoxo for your first month free!] / Ray-Ban Aviators






old Bar III Jacket (similar) / gifted Dress from Calypso Boutique (Lexington, KY) / old Just Fab Heels (similar) / J. CrewDavid Yurman and gifted Lele Sadoughi Bracelets / Ray-Ban Aviators

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Thanks so much for stopping by! Be sure to check out Shelby's blog :) Hope you're enjoying the posts this week!

Love Always,

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

{guest blogger: primp & proper}







Photos by Nicole

If you follow me on Instagram then you've probably seen the countless photos of flowers and cherry blossoms I've been posting lately. How can I not post so many though?! Washington, D.C. is known for being one of (in my opinion no other city even compares) the most gorgeous cities in the country during spring time. I guess it's the vast amounts of cherry blossoms throughout the city. Downtown, on Capitol Hill, and most famously, the Tidal Basin. You can find these beautiful blooms everywhere.








































Two weekends ago they were in peak bloom. Meaning the cherry blossoms were at their fullest and most gorgeous, and the point right before the white/pinkish tint of the bloom disappears. Peak bloom typically lasts two-three days. So there's always a mad rush to get down to the tidal basin to see them. Even though us locals have to battle the hoards of tourists, it's worth it.

I get asked all the time what my "go-to" outfit for touring the city during the spring is. For me it's about being comfortable, warm (as the winds can be pretty cool), but still adding a pop of color to my outfit. My favorite outfit is a good denim jean, chambray button-up, a bright cardi and most importantly, good walking shoes. I tend to save the tennis shoes for the gym, the ballet flats for the office and under ZERO circumstances, do I ever wear heels or wedges to sightsee. It's just not worth it. Choose a comfortable sandal. I love these sparkly sandals from Target. Bonus, they're a much cheaper option of last season's J.Crew stunners that everyone seemed to have.

Do you have a go-to outfit for sightseeing in any city? Let me know!













kristyn
Keep up with Kristyn on FacebookInstagramTwitter and Bloglovin'!

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Thanks so much for stopping by! Be sure to check out Kristyn's blog :) Hope you're enjoying the posts this week!

Love Always,
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