If you know me, then you know, sweets are my kryptonite!!! I try to eat an extremely healthy and balanced diet, but personally, I’d choose a cookie over cheesy mashed potatoes any day of the week.
In our dorm, I started keeping a treat jar (eerily similar to the one we have for my puppy…) that is always stocked with something yummy! My roommate and I love to grab something small after dinner or if we are feeling slumpish; it seriously just brightens any day!
I love to change it out depending on the season and my current cravings (lol), so here is the current lineup of sweet treats for my sweet tooth:
Sugar Cookie Hershey Kisses
Oatmeal Creme Pies
Coffee Caramels
Reese’s Cups
Dark Chocolate
Kit Kats
Definitely nothing good for your body here… but totally good for your heart! Life is best the lived in balance 😉
Well hey there, party people! Midterm season can be INTENSE, full of late night study sessions, excessive homework, homesickness, and burnout. The newness of college has worn off, teachers aren’t treating you like freshmen anymore, and everything- all of the sudden- feels a whole lot more intense than it was it September. While I can’t pass your classes for you or grind out the late nights in the library, I can share some of my own personal tips & tricks to make the mid-semester slump a little brighter and lighter!
Set boundaries!! Physical, mental, & emotional boundaries help you give your all to each facet of life, from your relationships, to grades, to health. A huge way I do this is by getting out of my room to study/do homework! I love the library, local coffee shops, or even a bench outside when it is warm. This allows me to truly relax when I’m in my room, and to clearly define the line between work and play.
In this same breath, I also let my dorm room be a place I can breath and enjoy time to myself; keeping my space clean, organized, and decluttered makes it a place I cannot wait to come relax to!
GOOD SNACKS ARE KEY! I love apples, bananas, nuts, dark chocolate, dates, or anything else that is good for your brain and body. Keep study in your backpack so you can keep on studying!
Also- stay hydrated!! Sometimes when we get in the groove of schoolwork, it is easy to neglect and forget the fact that your body needs nourishment to keep your mind working at tip top speed. Drinking tons of water makes me feel a million times better in every way! Bonus points if your cup is cute!
I have to reward myself and set scheduled breaks to keep myself going strong and steady! Some of my favorite “rewards” include a piece of chocolate, a walk around campus, seeing a friend, getting to workout, coffee breaks, or even just scrolling through Pinterest for 10 minutes. Makes all the world of a difference!
The Podmoro method has proved to be extremely helpful this semester; I installed an app on my laptop that sets up tasks in 25 minute working-5 minute break periods. This helps me to work diligently and efficiently without burnout.
Finding way to enjoy studying helps the most.. through music, good coffee, a friend, or even just remembering the fact that I get to learn and experience this incredible education!
Hiya, everybody!! Today, I am going to share with all of you my most-used but never-abused study technique that keeps me not only sane, but actually joyful during high-stress seasons of college life!!
I am the type of person that absolutely lives for the aesthetic/vibe/feeling of a moment, and I truly believe that taking the extra effort to create an enticing atmosphere makes all the difference in any mundane activity.
So during the longgg hours of homework and studying that I’ve been introduced to during these last few months of freshman year, I’ve discovered that instrumental, mood-setting music is the key to surviving and thriving in academics!
Here are some of my favorite playlists found on YouTube! I put my phone away, connect my AirPods, put this music on in a new tab, and get to grinding!
Well, hey there!! This month, I reached my 19th trip around the sun, and I’m feeling pretty dang blessed to be exactly where I am in life right now. This year has brought upon a whole new chapter of growing up, For the past few years, I’ve spent some time reflecting on the last year of my life in my journal, but this year, I thought I’d share on my lil corner of the internet!
Jesus is the only constant, and He is so perfectly enough.
If I play my cards right, I can keep my hair curled for about 5 days!
Seasons are just that- seasons. Nothing ever stays the same, so enjoy right where God places you.
And if you’re in a winter-ish season, spring always comes quicker than you think!
Food is fuel and ice cream is never a bad idea.
Boys are fun, but not the epitome of life! I’d rather wait on prince charming than kiss some frogs…!
Keep on waiting for true, genuine, and reciprocal friendships… your girls are out there!!!!
Virtue is so so so important; what we think, feel, and even do when no one is watching demonstrates the pureness if our heart. While no one is perfect, it is essential to hold your character to a higher standard than the world.
Everything worthwhile is uphill.
Your family deserves the same respect, effort, and grace that you pour into your friendships.
Lipgloss and an iced coffee can turn any day around!
There will be days that you go to bed wishing you did something, or even everything, differently. We can’t go back and change the past, but we can always do the next right thing.
Everyone around you has a story, and it is always worth it to discover it.
Joy is a choice & goodness is found where you look for it!!!
Comparison, envy, and pride sneak in where there is the greatest opportunity for genuine friendship and community. Don’t let them rule you!
Change is scary, but oh-so worth it.
Life is fun when you make it fun!!!!!
Gratitude is everything; life changes when you view it as a blessing.
Just a few thoughts about this sweet chapter that came to a close. I got to celebrate my birthday with sweet friends and my incredibly perfect family. My heart is so full!! 🙂
Remember to count your blessings today!!! Even if that just means getting to wake up this morning.
Good morning party people!!! I am coming at you live Tuesday morning, bright and early, with a little bit of inspiration to throw your way.
I have mastered the art of curling my hair since the literal 4th grade. I can do it with my eyes closed, without a mirror, and in 12 min flat. I consider it a talent of mine! The number one compliment I receive is about my hair; I feel like it’s become a bit of a trademark to the whole Sydney Bush look ;)))
What many people don’t know is that I actually have naturally very curly hair! No one in my stick-straight haired family knows where the heck it came from, but it’s definitely there.
exhibit A: goofy library selfie 😉
I remember being in elementary school and feeling so insecure about how big and frizzy my hair was compared to the other girls in my class (no wonder I love Hermione Granger!), I would have my mom help me put it in sponge rollers, braids, buns, ponytails, and anything else that would make it poof down!!
When I got a bit older, I discovered the curling iron and learned how to make my hair look smooth, cute, and polished without any of the frizz!! This became part of my daily routine, something I latched on to to make myself feel more put together. Soon, I noticed that I got more compliments and attention from boys when my hair was “fixed!” Looking back, I see that this is the point in my adolescence that I started to place my identity in my outer appearance, and the way others perceived my outer appearance. Simply curling my hair is in no way a bad thing, but this also led to a fixation with makeup, selfies, and a “me me me” centered mindset that was nothing short of vain.
I also truly believe in stewarding well what the Lord has given us, taking care of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, and reflecting the beauty of our hearts through our outward appearance. I am a girly girl to the MAX and have always absolutely loved makeup, hair care, and fashion! But where does the line lie between expressing our God-given femininity and pridefully flaunting our looks? What I’m learning is that it all comes down tothe source of our identity.
Here’s the difference; when I am placing my identity in the hands of the world, I never feel “good-enough.” I am left feeling drained, desolate, and very down. But when I turn to the Bible and read the consistent truth about who God says I am, the purpose He made me for, and the goodness of His Son, I am filled to the brim with appreciation for the beauty He so specifically and intentionally gave me- just as He did ALL of y’all!
Be encouraged, sweet friends, that our hearts are seen by the Lord, and He calls them beautiful. Not because of our innate goodness, but because of His perfect son, Jesus! All that beauty will shine through when you place your joy, trust, and confidence in God. And the natural curls, freckles, or whatever else you got is just a cherry on top!!!
Post coming SOON about my hair care routine + my deserted-on-a-desert-island hair products and tools!
Happy HALLOWEEKEND, everybody!!!! Today’s post is short & sweet.. all about the joy of having older girls to look up to in life!! As I’ve gone through this semester as a freshman in college, I’ve realized that I never knew how much I needed someone to look up to that is just one step ahead of me in life. Lucky me, the we have such a good God that knows what we need before we do! Through my sorority, church, and classes, He has provided so many incredible women that I am honored to strive to emulate.
Sweet Elle knows my LOVE for cutie matching PJs!!!! :))))
This season of life is tricky.. it’s proving to be harder than I thought it would be to stay on this “straight and narrow” path when everyone around me seems to be living it up in a lifestyle that just doesn’t personally fulfill my heart! (Absolutely no judgement here… just how I choose to live!) When I feel like I’m stumbling through the dark, not knowing if it’s possible to be who I truly want to be, the brightest lights have been girls who have gone through it before me. Girls who are seeking Jesus with their whole heart, staying true to who they are called to be, lifting each other up, and enjoying life to the fullest. Girls who encourage me to stay kind and true, to prioritize my education, and show me what it means to be generous.
When deciding to join a sorority, one of the biggest aspects of the experience that I craved was having a “big sister!” As the big sister of my family, I have always wished to have that sort of role model- someone who has gone through the scary stuff before me and made it out alive! This is where sweet Elle comes in.. I loved her before we were Thetas together, and I know she is someone I will love forever! She is bright, loyal, fun, and is loving Christ in a culture that rejects Him. She doesn’t try to be my role model, she just wants to be my friend- which is exactly why I adore her so much.
I encourage you all to seek wisdom, guidance, and mentorship in older girls that have hearts for Jesus and His people. Seeing that someone else can do it, inspires me that I can do it, too! Now, I’m excited to be the same role model for the younger girls that the Lord brings into my life.
Reminder to thank the people that fill your cup, and do your best to fill their cup too :)))
Hiya!! I hope whenever and wherever you’re reading this, you’re smiling 🙂
Today’s post is all about some practical and realistic ways to live a happy & healthy lifestyle while in the midst of alllll the college craziness. This season of life is nothing short of hectic; change seems to be the only constant, and a new environment creates many an opportunity to neglect the necessary stability our mind and body craves.
Cutie pic from my walk yesterday.. I just love October!!!
My broken road to health is a story for a later time, but sweet friends, I would love to encourage you for just a moment: the Lord designed us not to be perfect, but to reflect His perfect image. He does not desire us to rigorously train our bodies to look a way that He did not design, or to frugally dwell on every bite we take. This is a sweet life that Jesus died so we could live; our striving for excessive control limits our ability to rejoice and walk in the freedom He gave us.
I am by NO means an expert in the vast field of nutrition/wellness/etc. (and my friends will tell you how huge my sweet tooth is…), but I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite practices to foster a little bit of balance during the frantic freshman experience.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, who you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with you bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Try to get your body up and moving every day!! While I used to be a bit more rigorous when it came to my exercise routine, I am learning to appreciate the ebs and flows of physical fitness, and trying to not put so much pressure on cramming a workout into my busy day if it does not fit into my schedule. Don’t get me wrong- I love a good sweat sesh, but sometimes a nice long walk around campus is just what my body needs:)
EAT YOUR FRUITS & VEGGIES!!! This is harder in college than it was at home, but I’ve learned how, where, and when I can get the nutrients that help me thrive with full capacity
Stay flexible with spontaneous plans! Go to ice cream or Insomnia with your friends- the extra calories are worth the extra memories. I promise. Ice cream is goooooooood for the soul :)))
Take advantage of your walks to class- put your AirPods in and a little pep in your step! Closes those Apple Watch rings real fast lol
On that note- take the stairs!!! (says the girl on floor 9…) A quick way to get your heart pumping!
On the side of mental health… sister, read your bible. Nothing else will fill the void in your heart but Jesus- trust me.. I’ve tried it all! Get into the Word & talk to Jesus like He’s your friend, because He is! When we invite Him into every aspect of our lives, our King of Kings works and intervenes on your behalf, for your good, and for His eternal glory. Don’t undermine this power!!!!!!!!!
Sleeeeeeeeeeeep!!! People really rag on me for going to bed early, but I just have realized how important sleep is to me, personally! Rest is so necessary and yet so neglected in “hustle culture.”
In vain you rise early and stay up late… for He grants sleep to His beloved.
psalm 127:2
Stay hydrated! Guys, water is legit so good for you AND it is so fun to drink out of a cutie cup! SO fun!
KEEP UP UR HYGENE. Don’t be the person that smells bad in the elevator… lol but this also means taking care of your hair, skin, nails, laundry, sheets, etc. etc. !!! Clean = calm 🙂
Get out of your dorm!!!! Study with friends! Go on walks! Go to dinner with your neighbors! It is soooo easy to get so stressed & overwhelmed that you isolate yourself- but life is so much sweeter in community.
Call your mom!!! Do it. FaceTime her. Right now. It will make her day & yours.
Eat an apple! SO random but literally I eat one every day.. so yummy, full of fiber, and gives me energy!!!
SKINNY POP AND OATMEAL. Need I say more ??
Steal bananas from The Caf LOL
There you have it! Some of my realistic ways of living a healthy and balanced life in COLLEGE! So fun! So worth it! Now go treat your body like the temple of the Holy Spirit that it is ;))
Not gonna lie here, guys… I do not have the most sophisticated movie taste. While I love a film that will make me think and grow and challenge myself, most of the time, I watch movies to give my brain a break from thinking about the hard stuff of life! My mom and sister both love deeper movies, or ones with a… darker… plot line (do not make me watch a horror movie. I will cry and scream and run away. legit)! One of my favoriteee things is cuddling up with no phone, lights off, skinny pop, and a great movie that just makes me HAPPY and INSPIRED about life and love again!! Soooooo, here is a list of a few of the movies that make my heart happy 🙂
Valentine’s Day!!!! Random movie, but one of my all-time favorites. Never fails to make me happy! And jam-packed full of CELEBS! Fun fact Taylor Lautner is my celeb crush #one #free #passAny old Disney movie definitely makes the comfort-list.. alllll the warm and fuzzy feels here!!! Cinderella has been my favorite since I was a little girl- reminds me of the power of a kind & generous heart ❤️ Ok this is a new fav of mine- I just watched this at a sweet friend’s house and we all DIED because of the cheesiness overload!!!! SO. STINKIN. CUTE. Also the main British guy>>>ANY HALLMARK-TYPE CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVER. On repeat from Oct 31-Dec 25th… nothing makes me giddier!!!! It’s my pipe dream to be in a Hallmark Christmas Movie one day…13 Going on 30!! Classic feel good movie, cutest romance story, best fashion, I could go on and on and on!Forever and ever will love this movie- nothing gets me dancing like this soundtrack!! I grew up with my mom playing ABBA alllllll the time- so this is such a sweet story to me!Literally this is so random but this specific remake of the Sound of Music is my FAV!!! I always used to watch it when I was sick so it just is super nostalgic for me! Loooooove Carrie Underwood too soOK if you know me then you know… I am obsessed. And not ashamed. Will never turn down a Harry Potter marathon.
Alright folks, that’s it for today!! If you’re ever in a funky mood, consider turning on one of these sweet stories and let your heart be happy in another world for a bit ☺️
Hiiii, Y’all!! I hope whoever is reading this has a smile on their face, but if not, maybe you will by the end of this lil post! 🙂 This past week has been DIFFICULT & sort of a BUMMER for me… I’ve been sicky and I hate being sick!! Especially now that I’m in college.. my mom isn’t here to take care of me! 🙁
this week sponsored by messy buns, Jesus, & Body Armor
This new week is here, and I’m determined to not let my physical circumstances steal my joy… soooo, I’m going to a compile a list all week of all the things (big or small) that made me smile each day, and post this on Friday! Join me in this next week, if ya want to!
MONDAY:
an iced green tea latte with oat milk and SF vanilla from Starbucks!! Perfect pick-me-up
sweet friendships that are beginning to solidify 🙂
made good progress on a research paper that I’m currently writing!
a BUCS boy handed me a rose at chapter!
at chapter, a cutie friend nominated me for Theta of the Week and wrote the SWEETEST message to me that was read in front of everyone! Really made me feel seen in a week that I felt overlooked… ❤️
my walk to Theta for dinner (SUPER YUM) in the sunshine ! Isn’t the big White House BEAUTIFUL?!
hiiiii Theta :)))
TUESDAY:
my roomie is HOME after a loooong weekend of being gone.. all is right in the world!
we are back on the floor of Phi Delt for USING rehearsals because… THETA MADE THE SHOW! I’m so excited for the opportunity to compete in OU’s University Sing Competition
got a sweetie voicemail from a new friend… heart is melted ok ok
slept in braids so I woke up with crimpy hair oooo ya
WEDNESDAY:
guys not gonna lie this was a hard day 🙂 still feeling super sicky
BUT still gonna choose joy !!!
saw the drum line perform while walking down the sidewalk!
ate a bagel
went to bed early
sometimes the best part of the day is going to bed!! that is okay!
THURSDAY:
went to urgent care and the doctor was super nice 🙂 🙂
got a Bondi Bowl last night & saved it for this morning for brekky!! YUMMY
only went to one class bc I was at the doctor… ig this is a happy thing ?? ??
DALLAS TMRW HOLLA
made this cutie insta story while waiting at urgent care…. #love #reality
FRIDAY:
legit had the best day!!!!!! was up bright and early with my sweet friends and drove to D-TOWN BABAY!!!!!
had the best intentional and hilarious conversations in the car on the way down 🙂
shopped and shopped and shopped and shopped #mydream
went to a yummy dinner & then to Billy Bob’s to TWO STEP THE NIGHT AWAY
spent the night giggling and cuddling with my best friends… so happy xoxo
I hope y’all had an AMAZING week and chose to find the joy!!! Circumstance wise, these last few days have been rough by being sick & overwhelmed with so much to do!!! But I’m learning that when I keep my eyes on Jesus and live for the happy lil moments, my days are so much sweeter.
HI FRIENDS! On this happy Wednesday (well, sort of happy.. I’m feeling a lil crummy and my DayQuil makes me dizzy.. but we are counting our blessings today regardless), I decided to whip up a short & casual post about one of my favoriteeee places- MY DORM ROOM!
Ever since I can remember, I have been decorating, re-decorating, and re-re-decoratng my bedroom; it’s one of my all time favorite things! I love changing things out with the seasons, following new trends, and creating a space that makes me happy, relaxed, and inspired.
Coming into college freshie life, I was honestly really sad about leaving my beloved bedroom at home… I had cultivated it perfectly to the point that it truly felt like me, and it made me super happy!! But, with the help of my amazing mom who has the best taste in the world, and my sweet, down-for-anything roomie, I am just as in love with my dorm room at OU, and am excited for all the memories that will be created in this tinnyyy space!
Here are some of my favorite lil spots in our dorm; I hope they bring you as much joy as they do me, or even inspire you to create your own happy space!
THE ACTUAL COMFIEST BED. Also an actual pain to make each morning!!!! #realitysuxMY DESK!! Not much actual studying gets done here… def acts more as a vanity.. but still a happy space! feat. MY PLANNER AH ILYlil affirmations + inspirations on the fridge! This is for real super helpful for memorizing a bible verse or just reminding yourself to focus back on TRUTH!We have this huge cubby shelf where we keep all the cleaning, eating, fixing, etc. things! I LOVE these cute blue floral bins from Target. AND most importantly… we have my Keurig & TREAT JAR LOL!!! Currently holding mini honey biscuits and caramel candies…
I hope y’all enjoyed this little peak into our room! As followers of Christ, I believe it’s important to not only open your heart to others, but also to open your door; let the people that God has placed in your life into your life.. & your space!! He commands us to love our neighbors for a reason!!! And nothing is more an inviting than a smile and a pretty room that fosters true connection and community.
Who is someone that you can invite into your space this week?!
How can you beautify and steward well the environment God has trusted you with?
