Word Wednesday: Volume 3

Hey y'all!!

I am one of the biggest advocates for staying in your own bubble, familiarity, and habitat. I don't really do things that challenge my comfort level...because who wants to be uncomfortable? Over the weekend, I stepped out of my comfort zone majorly and acted my age instead of the usual age of 80+ I like to act.

Surprisingly, I had the most fun I've had in such a long time. I met new people, made new friends and stayed out later than I should have, but it was worth it. I know what you're thinking, DUH GIRL. I know, I know. I've heard it all before.

To be honest, I thought I was going to have a horrible time, feel super uncomfortable, and go home early, JUST because it was something I never experienced. I'm learning to step out of my comfort zone and not jump into bed at 9:00 on a Friday night. If you're in a similar spot, I encourage you to do the same. It might be a total flop or you might instantly know what you're doing next weekend again. Either way, you know for next time and you grow a little in the process.

Tips for stepping out of your bubble:

• Get you a friend (Sammy, the real MVP) who will make a code word with you for when y'all are ready to get the heck out of there. Let's be real, we've all done this. We didn't use it because we were having fun, but it's saved for next time.
• Don't make up your mind about how you feel as soon as you walk in the door, let it sink in. You'll end up staying for hours and not even realize you said, "I wanted to be in bed by midnight" until you get home well after midnight.
• Let yourself have fun, friend. You deserve it.

Big shoutout to the one who drug Sam and I out of our comfort mansions-of-zones. Thanks for sticking with us and being so encouraging!

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Word Wednesday: Volume 2

Word Wednesday: Volume 1

DO YA THING, B

Hey y'all!!

I jumped on the Trend Train real hard. I have been OBSESSED with everyone's Instagram pictures of the letter board-inspirational quote combo lately. I was bitten by the letter board bug this weekend and I had. to. have. one.

Does anyone else follow Whoa, wait. Walmart? on Insta? If you don't, you need to! I am an avid Walmart shopper, literally one of my favorite places. No shame. These ladies search Walmart for the best finds and they reposted a photo about a week ago of Walmart carrying...LETTER BOARDS! I wanted to hop in the car so fast and drive as quickly as possible to Walmart and snag one...which I did.

I took to Pinterest to find the perfect first quote to tack on the board. One of my most pinned quotes is of course about Beyoncé. I landed on one of my more sassier choices: Do ya thing, B. *hair flip*

I love this little board. It comes with over 100 letters and best of all, it was only $10! It is felt with grooves the letters cling between and it looked good pretty much anywhere I sat it. It was adorable on the kitchen counter, but I couldn't get a good picture due to the lack of light.

I'm saving it for my future apartment, but couldn't resist testing it out and attempting to style it. We have very little natural light in our house, so I had to get creative. My room is the brightest because of the gigantic window, so I jacked the curtains up and attempted to reflect as much light as possible.

I did catch myself laughing at the aftermath of this "styled" photo. I had a real-life-blogger moment and had to snap a semi-embarrassing picture of my room.

My usual white comforter is in the wash because Messi, my pup, decided to throw up on it yesterday. It's temporarily replaced with a bright and flowery patchwork bedspread by grandma made me when I was in middle school. Messi is staring out of the wide open window with the blinds pulled as tight as possible to let as much light in the room and the curtains are out of sight and pushed as far as they can go to the left. Oh yeah, I can't forget the glamorous dog kennel in the corner stacked with everything that was on the table that is now styled for this particular post. I was trying to drink my hot coffee as fast as I could because I decided to snap these pics when I should have been getting dressed for work.

In all seriousness, these hectic mornings are my favorite. I was still dressed and out the door when I was supposed to be and I actually had time for a second cup of coffee. I guess this quote really was inspirational.

I hope everyone takes the time to think about the meaning behind Memorial Day today. I'm guilty of thinking about a three day weekend instead of why we have a three day weekend. Thank you to everyone who has served, is serving, and will serve in the United States' armed forces. Today we focus on the ones who fought and gave their lives for this country. Make it a safe and memorable day.

Word Wednesday: Volume 2

If there's anything in life that I am not, it's patient (among other things including Beyoncé, a skilled chef, or an actual mermaid). Patience has always been something I've struggled to have with myself. I would have to say that I've struggled the most with it in the last 5 months.

I graduated from UNC Charlotte in December of last year with a degree in elementary education, in the middle of the public school year. I moved back home and began my job search with no luck. Until about a week ago, the job website has been scarce since I'm focusing the search between my county and the neighboring county. To say the least, the past few months have been trying and discouraging. Patience has been key and it. has. been. hard.

I've learned a lot about myself during this time including:

• It's okay to not have a "big girl" job as soon as you graduate
• It's okay that I didn't pass my licensure exams before I graduated (those things are passed now PRAISE)
• It's okay to live with your mama and daddy during this time
• It's okay to want bigger things for yourself
• It's okay to be anxious, nervous, and unsure at times
• It's okay to pray about the silly, little things (thinking in retrospect) along with the big stuff
• It's okay, girl

Looking back to where I was when I graduated and how hopeful I was stepping into this world, I need to get back to that girl. This time in limbo has helped me realize that not everything is going to be instant and certain and that's okay. It has been a blessing in disguise because I had time to focus on my licensure exams, really think about where I want to live, and where I want to focus my job search. I've had time to think about the fun stuff too, like how I want to decorate my first apartment or even the apartment picking process itself.

The hardest thing I have dealt with since graduation is having patience in knowing things are exactly where they should be. I know my job search is coming to an end soon. I've had the opportunity to grow as an adult and I know I'm going to have to make some tough decisions soon. This is the time to be frustrated with myself and that's okay.

A year from now I'll look back on this and realize that the frustration and patience and happy dances and job applications and arguments and tears and laughter and whispered prayers were all stepping stones. Girl, it's okay. YOU DID IT!

Cupshe One Piece

Hey y'all!

I hope everyone is having an easy and relaxing Sunday. This weekend has been a blast. I was able to spend a good chunk of Saturday on the beach with Sammy and it was much needed. I posted a photo on Instagram yesterday and many of y'all asked where my swimsuit's from. Well, I have answers!
   

When I decided I wanted this to be a one-piece summer, I knew I wanted some funky suits. My goal was not to look like I was wearing my high school swim team onesie, let's be honest. I found this suit on the site Cupshe. This site was almost too good to be true and there's a lot of mixed reviews around the internet about it. However, I've ordered 3 suits from them and I've gotten them all in about a months shipping time. I knew shipping would take a bit, so I ordered this suit at the end of February. It was about $24. I got it around the end of March, which was perfect because it was no where near beach weather yet. I immediately loved it! I didn't think to snap a picture of the back, but it's strappy and super cute! Not too cheeky, either. Shout out to Sammy for her picture taking skills. Y'all, portrait mode is. the. best.

This suit sold out and is no longer available, but I love their suit selection currently on the site! I've linked similar suits here, here, and here. I would totally suggest using Cupshe, just be aware that shipping takes about a month. Your suits will come from various places around the world. One of mine came from China and the other two came from New Jersey and California. I've never tried the quicker shipping options, so I can't vouch for those!

P.S. Sam and I were able to have a mini Fineapple shoot yesterday and a couple of new pieces hit the site today!

Word Wednesday: Volume 1

Helllllllllo readers!

So, I've been doing a lot of self reflecting lately, especially since graduation. I've been thinking about what I want to do, my attitude, my future, my plans...really where my energy goes. What do I really need to be worrying about?  I've received some constructive criticism recently that hurt my feelings, not going to lie. I've probably thought about it too much and y'all know how your head can take things out of proportion.

I haven't been able to shake it and I find that silly. I'm not one to usually care what anybody thinks. In short, it was about my negative attitude recently. When I first thought about it, I thought it was a little crazy. I don't feel like I am that person, but don't get me wrong, ya girl knows how to throw a good complaint. Then I started thinking about how much I've actually been complainy or negative lately, and it was a lot y'all. I was embarrassed thinking about it.

After I came to this slap-in-the-face realization, I decided I needed to redirect some energy and put the old "turn over a new leaf" cliché to good use. That's where I'm at right now, because I don't want to be seen as a negative person, that's a version of me I don't like. So here I am on this Wednesday, doing some major attitude checking. Check yo self before your wreck yo self, amiright? Trying to be a better person and all that. It's so easy to complain about something rather than say nothing at all. Needless to say, I was right to have my feelings hurt because it made me think. Think hard. I need to do more of keeping my mouth shut and my thoughts to myself. I can't say I'll contain the facial expressions, those things have a mind of their own. However, I am working on what flies out of my mouth.

May Favorites.

Hey y'all!

I would have to say May is one of my favorite months. This could be because the best meme ever was created to welcome the month in (Hey JT, I'm lookin' at you) or because it's warming up and that perfect beach weather is near. Fall is my favorite season, but May makes summertime look better & better. A new month calls for a new set of favorites and I'm excited to share mine with y'all!

Let's kick things off with those pretty little pineapple earrings, shall we? These earrings are from Fineapple and they are a steal for $5! These studs are the signature Fineapple Studs and they're available in 3 different colors. We always have them in stock!

Moving right along to the distressed boyfriend jeans that I. Live. In. I can't speak enough good things about them. The light wash is perfect for the summer and you can catch me in them pretty much every day. Is that gross? They are from Tilly's and are the RSQ Brooklyn Slouch jean. Bonus: they are on major sale right now! Go, go, go!

The palm leaf phone case is from Etsy. I love a good, bright printed case! I buy all of my phone cases through Etsy and I love to switch them up. This one is from the shop Sugar Yeti and it's a clear silicone case. It pops on the rose gold iPhone!

Anybody else love a good pair of simple sandals? I do! These Madden Girl Bryceee (yes, spelled with 3 e's) sandals in the color Cognac are a staple in my wardrobe! I wear them just about everyday with the Brooklyn Slouch jeans! I scooped mine up from Belk, but they are all over the internet as well.

Let's talk about body wash. About 2 or 3 months ago, my mom and I went totally sulfate free with our hair care and soap products. Let me tell y'all how expensive sulfate free products can be! Especially body washes. I am a strict body wash girl and I hate using bar soap. It was really hard for me to find a sulfate free body wash. Tree Hut body wash is sulfate free and smells so good! It can be found at Walmart and other department stores. There's a variety of scents and you can't beat $5!

I finally jumped on the setting spray train and I have to say that I'm loving it. I was using beauty blenders for a while without wetting them, because I honestly thought it was a waste of time! I am no makeup expert, so I kind of ignored that rule. I bought the Wet and Wild Setting Spray one day out of curiosity and it sat on the counter for a long time. I came across a video one day on Instagram and I saw this girl spray her setting spray on her beauty blender to wet it. Genius! I have done that everyday since I saw that video and I will never go back.

Lastly, my absolute favorite bathing suit I have ever had! I'm all for the one pieces this year and I would buy this one over and over again if it wouldn't be weird to have 100 of the same bathing suits in my closet. It's by the brand Nlife and I ordered it through Walmart online. I saw this same suit on different websites, but Walmart had the best price. It has a complete open back, not too cheeky, and the lace-up front detail is my favorite!

OOTD [Weekend Style]

Happy Saturday!

I love a good weekend-approved outfit and I added a new piece to my closet yesterday that I think's going to be a fresh staple.                                                  

These shorts came from no other than Bass Pro Shops! Yesterday, I went with my parents to look for a new gadget for the boat and came across these beauts for $19.97. I have never been a booty short gal, mostly because of these thighs (one step closer to being a mermaid, right?), but I'm not a fan of butt cheeks hanging out of shorts. These are the perfect length and they roll up as well!                      

The gray V-neck tee was a TJ Maxx score. I love the split neckline, it takes the simple t-shirt look up a notch. A halter lace bralette underneath peeks through the splits perfectly!                                    

The cardigan was scooped up at Ross and is the greatest oatmeal neutral to pull an outfit together. It's also hooded, which is a bonus! The weather on the coast of NC today is pretty crappy, so a light cardigan was a good idea. I threw on a pair of my Birkenstock wannabe's and I was out the door! Be on the lookout for these shoes in Monday's post because they are magic. I hope y'all are having a great Mother's Day weekend!

Preparing to #Adult

Hey y'all!

Welcome back. Since college graduation last December, I've been slowly hoarding gathering items and decorations for my own apartment. It has been so fun finding little things in thrift stores or from family and friends. The very first thing I bought for my "own place" was a teeny, tiny footstool. If you know my mama, you know this was a fitting purchase. I have a corner of the guest room filled with stuff and it is not organized whatsoever. It's a pile o' junk honestly if you're just looking at it.

However, I do have some of my favorite pieces that I cannot wait to see in a place of my own! I wanted to share those with y'all. If you're needing some decoration inspiration of your own, maybe this will help. Every room I've ever decorated or have helped to decorate has had a theme. This imaginary apartment does not (yet) and I'm pretending like that doesn't bother me. We'll see how everything comes together in the end, but for now I'll keep collecting my little pieces. Also, be warned these are pretty ordinary pictures. Let's all focus on the big picture.

Teeny Wooden Footstool
This original purchase made so much sense for me. My mom and I were shopping at Habitat one afternoon and came across this little baby for $5 and I could not leave it there! It reminds me of home and how my mom decorates, we genuinely have a footstool in every room. Why? I don't know, but you would be surprised how it can pull a room together. I've linked some similar ones here, here, and here.

Welcome Doormat
Technically, I don't have this goody yet. I don't get it until my birthday next month, but I know it's coming and I'm super excited about it! My mom was at Roses (we are avid Roses shoppers, it's amazing) and found this mat for 12 whole dollars. She scooped it up for me! I stole it out of the trunk of the car for a quick snap. I believe it captures my personality perfectly. Nice undies! I have linked similar ones here, here, and here.

Diploma Frame

My brother graduated from college a few years before I did and ever since then I have been thinking about how I wanted to frame my own diploma. Silly? Maybe. I didn't just want a big, plain frame. I wanted something that was going to be a staple piece for a gallery wall! I found just that at my go-to, good ole faithful Hobby Lobby. It's rustic, hints of turquoise peek through, and it's shabby chic! Plus, there's always a 40% off coupon awaiting your usage! [Tip for upcoming graduates: do not buy an expensive diploma frame! An 11x14 frame is all you need!] You can find mine here, and two similar ones here and here.

Those are just a few staple pieces that are going to make my future apartment feel more like home. Find all of the linked goodies under the Shop the Blog tab! I can't wait to style these and show them to y'all again! Hopefully, these will be put to use in August! Keep your fingers crossed for me. Under the 'Shop the Blog' tab above, you can find all of these goodies linked. Check it out!

Preparing to #Adult: Shop the Blog

The linked images to my Preparing to #Adult post are below. Happy shopping!

Teeny Wooden Footstool:

$41.00 - Click here.

$12.99 - Click here.

$16.00+ - Click here.

Welcome Doormat:

$7.97 - Click here.

$38.00 - Click here.

$12.99 - Click here.

Diploma Frame:

$29.99 (use 40% off coupon!) - Click here.

$28.74 - Click here.

$7.97 - Click here.

Business Partner Jackpot

Hey y'all!

As many of you know, I am a co-owner of a small online business with my best friend, Sammy. Sam started Fineapple last year and I thought it was a great idea and sounded like so much fun! I soon hopped on with her and Fineapple officially launched in July of 2016.

I won't say this entire journey has been easy for both of us. Many days we are discouraged, we can't find the time or we feel like we're stuck, but we do a really great job at being each other's encouragers. My favorite thing about our partnership (and friendship) is that we get excited over the little things. The littlest victories keep us going. Every sale, rockin' product picture, Facebook or Instagram tag/post, handmade piece of jewelry, inventory delivery, office decoration, pop-up shop, and post office trip is celebrated. There's not a day that goes by that one of us doesn't text the other something positive about the business, even if we're frustrated with one another or the world.

My biggest pieces of advice, and I think Sam would agree with me, is to always have fun running your business and be each others' biggest supporters when things start getting a little cray. Fineapple has been more fun than I ever thought it could be. I think a huge part of that is because Sam and I work really well together. We know when something isn't right, whether it's personal or business related, but most importantly we know how to fix it, or at least how to help. We balance each other out because we are so opposite.

We are always bouncing ideas off of one another and trying to figure out how

we can better the business as a whole. Since it is the two of us running the show, our opposite traits really aid our decision making. For example, Sam and I have very different styles. You can usually catch her in jeans, a t-shirt, and checkered Vans. I love a good pair of boyfriend jeans, simple sandals, and a flowy top. This helps in giving us a variety of clothing in the shop. We are close, so it's no big deal for one of us to say, "I don't think that will work" or "That doesn't sound like a good idea." Most of the time we bust out laughing when we disagree, but some days we need to take time to individually think about the tougher decisions or how we feel about something. That's okay too. We're not afraid to tell each other exactly what we're thinking and I think that has worked wonders for Fineapple.

These things help to make Fineapple successful in it's little corner of the internet. All-in-all, I'm so thankful for Sam, her business partnership, honesty, and her friendship. I couldn't imagine pulling this little business off with anyone else. Each high-five, 'YAY!' text message, disagreement, lunch coffee date, conversation, business meeting, joke, happy dance, photoshoot, and "You're my best friend" line is appreciated more than you know! Tough weeks and decisions happen, we get frustrated, but we know how to turn it around.

New blog, who dis?

Hello, hello, hello!

If you've been around this part of the internet before, then you know the blog has undergone a little makeover. Figuring Out Post-Grad, formerly Because College, has a whole new look! There's also a new URL, so if you bookmarked the last one, that's time for an update too!

Each new post will be "filed" under one of the new tabs at the top of the page and the new URL links directly to the updated homepage (insert heart-eyed emoji here) that I am so in love with! My goal is to post at least once a week on different things, but we all know I've said that before. We'll see how this goes.

For now, I want to introduce y'all to the "new" blog on the block. Browse around, see what you think, & then comeback when there's more!