busy, busy bee

I've had an extremely busy summer!

Some of you may have noticed my last post hasn't been since May (I'm extremely ashamed). Others may just be directed here for a particular pinned post, and don't pay much attention. That's cool too! :)

Just want to share with you guys what I've been up to.

I show horses competitively and since graduating in December I've been working freelance PR through a few horse mediums. Primarily, with a local author and championship judge on her series, The Good Rider. Since I can, I'm going to use my blog to promote her book ;) so check it out guys! It's extremely inspiring and majorly helpful. It's based on improving your riding skills, inside and outside of the showpen. I know most of you probably don't ride horses, but if you do I definitely suggest investing in this series! It will make you a better rider and a better horse owner. Check it out at TheGoodRider.com

Okay, now I promise I'll make an OCD and style inspired post soon :) 

Inspire Me Pretty

Just a few inspiring photos to brighten your day :)

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What's in my school bag?

If you're like me, you probably have been known to linger in the office-supply section of your local retailers, and hoard supplies. While many items in your collection are a necessity, it can get a little heavy trying to lug everything you need around. I like to be extra-prepared, especially when I'm going to be on campus for a long time period, and want to have my desk with me at all times! Instead of trying to carry around my three-drawer wooden oak desk my Grandfather made for me, I have found these items to fill my essential needs and save my shoulder and arms in the process!

To start, I like to stay stylish and don't like the look of backpacks, so yes... I carry around a Coach bag as my school bag. Judge me all you want but it is super functional and I'll show you how!

First things first, in the front pocket I have a pencil pouch which I will spill open for you with all of those extra nick-nacks you know you will need at some point in time.

In the middle I carry my notebooks and laptop (usually two spiral bounds with my 13" Macbook Pro, they fit perfectly!). Along with these items, I have my wallet and planner, naturally it's pink to brighten my day anytime I look at it.

For those items you are grabbing constantly, I leave mine out and loose in the front pocket of my bag. They include cough drops (it's that time of year!...also convenient for the person sitting next to you with that annoying tickle), gum, my ID carrier, lip balm, highlighter, pencil, pen and white-out. 

For the less-used but still necessary items I use a pencil pouch stuffed in the front pocket of my bag along with the loose items. Inside are extra pens, pencils and highlighters, my phone to computer cord, lotion, a stapler (yes I have a stapler in my coach bag!), erasers, hand-sanitizer, Kleenex (again with the cold season), and of course post-it notes.

So you see... everything fits functionally and effectively! Some may say I'm asking for back problems later in life, but it truly weighs less than my high school backpack and looks ten times more appealing :).
How do you carry your school/work supplies around?

Follow these promises to yourself to ensure that you're living your life to its fullest, while maintaining healthy relationships! Promises from Marc and Angel.

Detoxify Yourself

It's that time of year again, cold and flu season is upon us. As a student I can vouch that it gets really hard to stay healthy and happy when you're cramming for exams and pulling all-nighters to finish up projects. It's really important to take the time to get yourself back on track. I've started to take detox baths, and I've noticed a definite difference in my health and overall mentality.

Check out Healthy Living How To's guide to detox bathing:

How to Draw a Detox Bath

1. Add 2 cups epsom salt to a standard tub full of water. If your tub is bigger, add more salt. 2. Ideally, you want the water as hot as you can stand it. We are looking to create a nice sweat. 3. If your bath water is not filtered, add 1 cup of baking soda as this helps neutralize the chemicals, primarily chlorine, as well as increases mineral absorption. 4. Immerse yourself in the water, all the way up to your neck. You want as much of your body underwater as you can. Close your eyes, do some breathing exercises and soak for at least 20 minutes. 5. Once you are done soaking, rise out of the tub very slowly and cautiously. You may feel a little dizzy and light headed, this will go away as you shower off quickly in cool water. 6. It is important not to use harsh soaps or shampoos as your pores are open and will just absorb the chemicals found in those products. 7. Once dry you can apply a natural moisturizer like shea butter or coconut oil, but again no lotions with perfumes, dyes or chemicals. 8. Do not eat immediately before or after taking a detox bath. 9. Instead hydrate yourself with water before and after. 10. Allow time after your bath to rest and rejuvenate.

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I've also heard of people adding ginger to make their bodies sweat even more encouraging pores to open and more toxins to be released. Hopefully you will see results like I did. Take care of the body you were given!

Putting your heart into business

Being a public relations major, communication is essentially important to me as a value, in my education and in my future career. This semester, I am taking five class, four of which have group projects all semester long. I'm the type of person that would rather do something myself, and not have to rely on others.
One of my groups, that requires the most time from me, has a big problem getting along lately. I ran across these tips from OMHM and decided they were definitely worthy to share!
(These are directly from the site, no credit to me!)

"Be honest- always.

Never ever lie to others or yourself. If you are not happy with something say so, if you have made a mistake put your hands up and admit it. Honesty is always the best policy.

Be authentic.

Who you are is what makes you and your business special. Each and every one of us brings a different truth into this world. Be proud of who you are and stay true to yourself. As Sarah Ban Breathnach said “the authentic self is the soul made visible”. Allowing your soul to shine will help your business stand out from your competitors.

Always use your own voice.

Before when I’d try to write really “clever” posts on marketing and branding I’d attempt to write in what I thought was a professional manner. The problem was that tone didn’t come naturally to me and it didn’t show my personality. As soon as I started writing posts as though I was talking to a dear friend (which of course you all are!), it became easier to distinguish myself from others. Your voice is important, use it.

Be transparent.

Let people see you. The real you. Don’t try to hide the little things that make you, YOU. Putting it all out there is scary but it’s the only way to connect with people on a real and personal level. If you are a closet geek, why hide it? If you secretly hate something that people are calling “the next big thing”- it’s fine! You don’t have to hide who you are to succeed.

Making sure your heart and soul come through in your marketing is the best way for people to understand your business, products and how you are unique from your competitors. Keep this in mind when you write website copy and product descriptions. Instead of trying to be someone you’re not, use your own voice and watch your business shine!"

Life

Although it can be scary, thinking and planning ahead is so important. Keep a goal and dream journal to keep yourself on track with reality and help succeed in what you wish for yourself!

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Also, keep in mind...

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