Bulletin Board Quotes

We're getting to the point in the semester where a case of the blahs is very likely.  It's that time in between seasons where it's not frigid and cold, but it's also not sunny and warm all the time either. For this reason some of tend to get stuck in a bit of a punk. The weather 100% makes a difference.  Right before Spring Break I definitely was feeling a little less motivated and was in need of a little inspiration to keep me going and get my assignments done. 

I took one night to organize my room and a little inspiration. I had an empty bulletin board/frame and decided to decorate it with a few of the many quotes I have on one of my Pinterest Boards. I picked out about ten of my favorite quotes and wrote them by hand.  I cut out notecards in different shapes before I wrote the quotes.  It was actually pretty therapeutic being able to get a little crafty.

If you need a little inspiration for your own bulletin board, check out my Pinterest Board filled with quotes.

Steps to make your own inspiration board:
One:
Find quotes or pictures that inspire you.
Two: 
Choose the surface for your inspiration board.
Three: 

Choose the different papers you want to write on.
Four: 
Write out all of your quotes and gather any pictures.
Five: 
Place all of the items on your board.
Six:
Enjoy!

XOXO

The Ultimate List

Let's take a minute and talk about impossible to do lists.  We all have them. Most of us oddly enjoy making them. When I was on Pinterest this weekend I found "The Ultimate List". I think it's the list of things that we all want to accomplish.  Many of the things on this list are things that appear on my weekly goals.  This week I decided to make some changes and work on living an even healthier lifestyle.  Rather than focusing on every single item on this list, I decided to focus on two items- drink more water and get more exercise.  I don't have field this week, which frees up about 20 hours for me. Instead of sleeping in, I'm choosing to wake up early(ish) and take advantage of the extra time. Yesterday I began my productive week by waking up before 8, going to the gym, and getting ahead on my school work.  

While we love to make long to do lists. I think it is important to be realistic in the goals you set for yourself each day. My advice is to pick a couple of things to do rather than an unrealistic amount. When you make a doable to do list, you will be able to get everything done, which makes you feel better. 

XOXO

St. Patrick's Day Style

Hello lovelies! 

Happy (almost) St. Patrick's Day. Whether you are celebrating on the 17th or this weekend, you are definitely going to be in need of a cute outfit to celebrate the holiday.  Today I'm linking up with Cristina, Cathleen, and Rachel for the #GalPalLinkUp featuring St. Patrick's Day.  

Green is 100% not my color. I own very few green items, but here are a few options I have put together for the holiday thanks to what's out in the stores right now. 

Green sweater// Dot Mini Skirt// flats// necklace// earrings 

Green shorts//Gingham shirt//sandals//earrings

XOXO

Leggings As Pants

When you purchase the right pair of leggings they can certainly pass for pants. That is as long as they are thick enough.  They can be paired with an oversized sweater, a flannel, a t-shirt, boots, sneakers, etc. Depending on what you pair the leggings with they can be dressed up or down. 

Questions to ask yourself before deciding to wear a pair of leggings as pants:

Can you see through the leggings?

If the answer to this question is yes, then you should probably do two things.  One, take them off. Two, throw them in the trash. You definitely don't want your lady parts or undergarments to be showing through your leggings no matter where you are. 

Does your top cover your back and front private square?

If the answer is no, then you can't wear this outfit. You definitely cannot be flashing anyone from the front or the back.

So once you've answered those important questions, it's time to finished getting ready!  Check out and outfit I put together that involved wearing leggings as pants. I wore this outfit a few weeks ago to go to the library and to dinner with friends. It was a chilly day, so I wanted to be warm, cute, and comfortable. 

Check out my pinterest board for some other great outfits to pair with leggings. 

Spring/Summer

Fall/Winter 

XOXO

Favorite Twitter Accounts

Happy Saturday!  I just finished up an awesome twitter chat hosted by Cathleen and Rachel all about Instagram.  Check it out by searching the hashtag #galpalchat. This weekend I'm enjoying the last few days of my Spring Break by squeezing in a little fun while studying for Monday's midterms. Today I'm sharing with you some of my favorite twitter accounts to follow. I hope you enjoy them!

Kids with Class

This is seriously the cutest thing.  These kids have great style and hilarious things to say.

HuffPostWomen

If you like to read about inspiring women this is the account for you.

Seashells + Sparkles

Rachel is one of my favorite bloggers. She is hilarious and always have such great tips and tricks.

Positively Positive

Because who doesn't love a little positivity on a daily basis.

Alana Levinson 

Just an accomplished woman who speaks what's on her mind.

Sarah Lawrence 

This account always gives me a good laugh.

Christine Friar

A writer for Fallon Tonight who pretty much writes what everyone else is thinking.

What are your favorite twitter accounts to follow?
XOXO

Blog Because You Love It

Recently I've noticed an increasing amount of people creating personal blogs. Initially, I get excited to have peers joining the community that has helped me grow and better understand the world I live in. However after further thinking, my reaction begins to change a little bit. Despite their long Facebook posts explaining their reason for this new found hobby, I can't help but questions what the true motive behind everyone's new calling is. It just makes me wonder if blogging is becoming the new form of social media that millennials feel obligated to participate in. 

So why do I blog?

I blog because it's something I love. For me, blogging is a creative outlet that allows me to express who I am after spending hours studying (or this semester teaching). This is my fourth year blogging and I am still learning how to grow it. However, I don't blog because I feel pressure to fit in with everyone else. I began writing before it was "the cool thing" to do.  Now I'm not saying I despise those who are new to the blogging world.. I'm just saying do it because you enjoy it not because you feel obligated. 

When you blog because you love it, it takes a lot of the pressure off. You don't worry if you can't post every day, when there's an occasional typo, or when a post doesn't get as many views.  When it is something you are passionate you invest time, but it does not rule your life.  Additionally, you are able to express who you are not copy somebody else's writing style, layout, or content. 

Blogging allows me to relax after a stressful day/week. Through blogging I've developed my writing skills because college doesn't demand you to write as frequently as we should. I've also been able to meet lots of new people, connect with sisters across the country, and learn lots of new life hacks all because of blogging. 

I think if you decide to create a blog for the right reasons then it can be incredibly beneficial, but if you are just doing so as a fad, then I don't recommend it. 

XOXO

Importance of Vitamin C

It's getting to be that time of year where it still isn't quite warm enough to be outside all of the time, and we find ourselves stuck in close quarters.  This is when a lot of people tend to get sick.  It's important to prevent sickness before you're stuck with it. Vitamin C helps to boost your immune system. Vitamin C also has many other positive health effects:

Strengthens your nails

Fights signs of aging

Lightens up dark spots

Makes you feel more energized

Lengthens your nails 

{via}

Most people think of vitamin C and immediately think of eating more oranges and citrus fruits.  There's so many more ways you can increase your vitamin C intake than just consuming fruits. 

Check out some of the foods that are rich in vitamin C:

Chilies

Red peppers

Kiwis

Berries

Pineapple

Cantaloupe

Cherries

Mango

Parsley

Broccoli

Cauliflower 

Kale

Brussel Sprouts

Cabbage

Spaghetti Squash

Butternut Squash

Zucchini

Recipes rich with Vitamin C:

Kale Cauliflower mashed potatoes

Smoked tofu and broccoli noodles

Salmon with roasted beets and spinach

Sunshine smoothie

XOXO

Monday Motivation: March 2016

Happy Monday! 

Today is definitely a happy Monday for me. It's Spring Break, so I have a relaxing week ahead.  This morning I woke up early to go for a run and then I headed back to my apartment to shower and eat breakfast. I spent several hours taking one of my PRAXIS (teaching) exams the second half of the morning. Great news, I PASSED! This means I'm just one exam away from being a certified teacher... pretty crazy stuff! 

Anyways, today is the first Monday of the month which means I'm sharing some motivation with y'all. 

Let's talk about goals.  It's Monday, the beginning of the month, and the weather is starting to get warmer. It's the perfect time to set some new goals! It's great to set monthly goals and then set weekly goals to ensure that you're on track to meet your monthly goals.  

March's goals:

Reach 10,000 steps a day

This is going to help me become more active. I've been participating in fitbit challenges with my friends and sisters, so this is definitely a great motivator. 

Blog everyday this month

I haven't had a great start to this, but I'm going to start this quest beginning today! 

Read 20 minutes a day

As a college student, I read a lot for my classes. However, I want to start reading for pleasure on a daily basis. I think this is something I can definitely do before bad rather than scrolling through social media. 

What are your goals for the week/month?

XOXO

Spring Break: Staycation Style

 This week I've seen tons of packing lists for cold weather spring break trips, packing lists for the warm spring break get away, and other tips and tricks for going away for break.  However, I haven't read much about the perfect staycation for college spring break. Today I'm sharing with you a spring break to do list for those of you are opting for a Staycation this year.

Sleep

We all know that every college student could use a little mid semester R&R (rest and relaxation). What better time to catch up on the sleep you missed during mid terms than during Spring Break? Take advantage of your week filled with free time by sleeping in. Enjoy not having to wake up to an alarm. 

Get Active

This will look a little different depending where your staycation is occurring. For me, in Pennsylvania, I'll be enjoying some unseasonably warm 70 degree weather.  The first half of the week I will be taking advantage of the empty recreation center at school, and then the second half of the week I'm hoping to get outside. Find a new trail and go for a hike with a friend or your dog.  There are tons of trails around you just have to give it a google! 

Bake

When I'm home, I love to take advantage of having a full kitchen stocked with all the ingredients and appliances needed to bake a sweet treat.  If you're in need of a recipe, checkout this lemon cake over at What Olivia Did. 

Catch Up

During the semester it can be difficult to keep up with your favorite TV series. Take advantage of the down time and watch the episodes you've missed, or if you are all caught up start a new series on Netflix. Some Netflix series to checkout include House of Cards, Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce, Madam Secretary, West Wing, Fuller House, Love, Master of None, and Cooked

Pinned it, Crafted it

I'm willing to bet that most of you have a few DIY projects pinned to one of your pinterest boards.  Spend a day actually completing a few projects you've always thought about doing. 

If you need some inspiration, check out my board.

Catch up with friends

Most colleges have their Spring Break this upcoming week. Chances are not every single one of your friends are going on an extravagant trip.  Spend some time catching up with an old friend. 

Take a day trip

There's lots of things to do within a two hour radius of my house. I was thinking it might be fun to take a day trip to a nearby city, the beach,  or even an aquarium. Checkout what's within a two hour radius from you, grab a friend, and head out for an adventure. You don't have to leave the country to go on a trip. 

Be a local tourist

I'm sure there's lots of little things to do or explore within a short distance of your town. Do a little research and spend some time checking the places out. Sometimes it's fun to view our own areas through a different sense. Who knows, you might find a new coffee shop, park, or store that you never knew about! 

Next week, I'll be taking more teaching certification (Praxis exams) and then heading back home to my parents' house for the second half of break. I'm looking forward to doing some of the things on the list above, snuggling with my dog, hanging out with my family, and spending time with my best friend. 

Today I'm also linking up with Olivia from NC Prepsters' Spring Break Link up. Check out her post and many others here! 

Keep up with my staycation through social media:

Email: shorelifeofm@gmail.com

Facebook: The shore Life According to M 

Twitter: @mich_quigley

Instagram: Mich_quigley

Pinterest: Shore Life of M 

Have a fabulous break!

XOXO

Movies I Can Watch On Repeat

Rarely do I have time to sit down and actually watch and entire movie. Quite honestly if I have time to do so, nine times out of then I end up falling asleep during it. Needless to say, I'm not a big movie person. I can't even remember the last time that I went to see a movie in the theatre.  Regardless, there are a few movies that I can watch over and over again (without falling asleep most of the time). 

Every once in awhile it's nice to cuddle up with a hot beverage or a glass of wine, a blanket, and a snack to watch a great flick.  March can be filled with snowy rainy weather, which makes for a great time to put a movie on and snuggle.  Today I'm sharing with y'all a few of my favorite movies to watch anytime. 

Sixteen Candles

Mean Girls

Sweet Home Alabama

Friends With Benefits

The Parent Trap

Sex and the City

Legally Blonde

Remember The Titans

Talladega Nights

The Blind Side

You've Got Mail

What are your favorite flicks to watch?

XOXO

College Tips: Surviving Mid Terms

It's that time in the semester where the work load is piling up.  The exams, papers, and homework are all due this week and last.  So how do I get through these challenging weeks?

• Begin studying and preparing a few weeks in advance.  
• Create flash cards
• Re write or re type notes from lecture that might not make sense
• Get your rest. Sleep is important and if you deprive yourself of it you run the risk of getting sick easier or just wearing yourself out.
• Exercise!  A quick workout can provide you with a clear mind and more energy to continue studying better.
• Create To Do Lists.  I am a huge fan of to do lists.  They help keep me organized and I love the satisfaction of crossing things off of my list. 
• Take a deep breath. When you are feeling overwhelmed take a step back and remind yourself why you are working so hard.
• Study with classmates. Studying with other people helps you gage how much of the material you actually know.
• If you are writing a paper, ask a friend to edit it for you. Chances are they will find an error that you didn't find.  
• Remember to take time to do things that de-stress you!

If you're looking for more tips, then head over to my guide to college.

Good Luck!

XOXO