Life Update Mid 2016: Let's Try This Again

Hi Y'all,

I figured it's about time I gave y'all a life update since we're (over) halfway done with 2016.

I took another break from blogging to readjust to school, two new jobs, etc. While yes, it seems like excuses, I felt it was necessary and it really paid of GPA wise.

So, now for the big question: where am I in life?

(c) with southern grace

Well, I've finished my first semester of my Teaching Certificate program, and I officially have two semesters left of actual classes before I student teach next fall (Fall of 2017). I'm trying my hardest not to take any classes next summer so I can earn/save some money during student teaching. I've been working toward this since the end of 2015 so needless to say I'm happy there is an end in sight and it's getting closer.

I had some goals I wanted to accomplish this year and I'm so happy to say that I've accomplished some of them completely! Others are definitely still a work in progress...

          1. Fitness

  --Workout 3 times a week.
  --Drink more water.
       How do I hold myself accountable?
         --Tracking with apps
         --Online programs like Blogilates and ToneItUp
         --Going to the occasional class
2. Happiness
  -- Incorporating more fitness.
  --Write down three things that make me happy at least three times a week.
  --Blog more--2 times a week.
       How do I hold myself accountable?
         --Writing it down.
         --Blog posts are public for the world to see.
         --Planning ahead
3. Career
  --Take classes toward teaching license.
  --Take and pass tests (VCLA and Pracis Math).
  --Apply to post-bac program (by end of April).
  --Volunteer at elementary school.
  --Apply for TA position.
       How do I hold myself accountable?
          --Studying (for classes and tests).
         --Working hard to be able to afford said tests and classes.
         --Finish everything for application far in advance (hopefully by the first week in March).
         --Setting small goals to help reach the bigger ones.

Obviously, I haven't accomplished some of these goals, but I have accomplished all of the ones that are highlighted. Essentially, career wise, my goals are definitely getting hit. However, in the more "self pleasing" categories they aren't. It is definitely my intention to start working more on these as it is only going to hold me back in the long run. 

So besides classes and work, what have I done this summer?

Well, I squeezed in a trip to visit my college roommate who is going to be a 2nd year med student this fall. I've also done a ton of (unnecessary) shopping. Like I have a problem, ok? The first step is always admitting it. I've also managed to survive a minor/somewhat major computer problem even with a not so great solution, it still functions so all is good there. I've managed to pretend puppy shop. Literally, besides a vacation when I finish school, I'm getting a puppy. 

While my original goal was to blog twice a week, I think I'm going to take it to once a week since I've been pretty terrible at posting so far. However, that just means the content will be even better! My goal is to post every Monday. Make sure to go to bloglovin' and like withsoutherngrace so you stay up to date! I'm already starting to make a running list so y'all can tweet me, or email me with any requests!

 with southern grace,

Lindsey

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Goals vs. Resolutions + Achieving my Goals

Hi Y'all,

Today's post is all about goals, resolutions, and how I plan on achieving my goals for 2016!

First and foremost, the difference between resolution and goal:

Resolution: n. the act of finding an answer or a solution to a conflict, problem, etc. or the answer or solution to something

Goal: n. something you are trying to do or achieve, the end toward which effort is directed.

Obviously, the biggest difference is for a resolution you think there is a problem, which a goal is just something to work towards. Most people fail at their New Years' resolutions because they don't know how to achieve them.

Personally, I plan on achieving my goals this year!

I already did a blog post on my goals, but here's a quick recap for you:

I definitely sat down and thought about my goals for a while before just jumping into what they were. I also gave myself benchmarks to help myself reach them. You can find them here.

I already have a post planned for April to update y'all so we can all keep in check with our goals for the year!

What goals have you made?

 with southern grace,

Lindsey

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A Day in the Life

Hi Y'all,

Somehow it's already mid-December and the 12 days of Christmas are here.

As you probably noticed, I didn't blog much last week because I hit a very stressful period of time at work which led to a stressful period in my personal life. However, it led me to a great blog post idea! (Spoiler: It's a Day in the Life Post).

Anyways, this is what I do on a daily basis:

6:30-6:45 a.m. // wake up and start my day! AKA check Twitter, Instagram, play solitaire, etc.
6:45-7:30ish a.m. // Get dressed, eat breakfast, get ready to leave my house for the day.
7:45-9:30 a.m. // volunteer at elementary school. I'm going back to school to be a teacher, and I volunteer in a 5th grade classroom every day Monday-Friday. Since I work retail, I sometimes have days off during the week, and on those days I'm there until 1:00.
9:45ish a.m.-6:00ish p.m. // Work. I work in retail, so our hours are a little flexible (we stay open until the last customer leaves).
6:30 p.m. // dinner. I head up and dinner is usually ready or just about ready.
7:30- 8:00 p.m. // bath/get ready for bed. I get ready for bed super early so I don't have to worry about it later on when my parents are getting ready for bed.
8:00-9:30 p.m. // spend time on social media, blog, etc. I spend a lot of time watching YouTube videos and reading others' blog posts.
9:30-10:00 p.m. // turn on Netflix and fall asleep. I always fall asleep watching Netflix (it's kind of a problem).

with southern grace,

Lindsey

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je t'aime J.Crew

Hi Y'all,

Today's post is all about my love for J.Crew!

J.Crew Groups Inc. actually began back in 1947. It's an American, multi-brand and channel group. J.Crew Groups Inc. includes: J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Crew Cuts (kids' brand), Madewell, online, and catalog sales.

Originally, J. Crew Groups Inc. was run under the name "Popular Club Plan", and the idea was "a Ralph Lauren look for a lesser expense". In 1989, "Popular Club Plan" became J.Crew Groups Inc. The first store front was in Manahattan. The group opened their first international store in 2011 in Canada. Madewell became part of the J. Crew family in 2004.

That's the basics of the company thanks to Wikipedia (don't worry, multiple other sources confirm the same information).

However, here's why I love J. Crew:

1. Classic Look: I never have to worry about my items going out of style.

2. High quality. I don't really have to worry about them getting holes or fraying.

3. The cost. You're probably like you're crazy, but J. Crew often has great sales, and so does J. Crew Factory!

4. The options. I never leave J. Crew disappointed because I always feel like they have tons of options!

5. Comfort. No matter what, when I buy anything from J. Crew I know it's going to be comfortable no matter what item it is!

What do y'all love about J. Crew? Or, do you prefer another great clothing brand?

with southern grace,

Lindsey

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Thankful Thursday: a job

Hi Y'all,
As this is the "month of thanks", I thought it would be great to take some time each week to remind myself what I'm thankful for. And, in case you were curious, yes, there is still one major holiday in between now and Christmas, it's called Thanksgiving.

For this first post, I'm thankful for my job. I currently work for a small boutique that sells Lilly Pulitzer. I'm extremely lucky because the store is expanding. Lots of other small boutiques in our section are closing/going out of business. That means, people are out of jobs right before the holiday season (literally one store is closing in two weeks!).

I won't lie, sometimes my job is stressful/anxiety causing (you're looking at a social introvert so when the store gets really busy I find that taxing), but that means that I have a way to provide for myself because our store has customers!

Plus, I could be like a lot of college graduates and not have any job at all.

It's a fun work environment and I get to work with a clothing brand I love on a daily basis!

What are y'all thankful for?

with southern grace,

Lindsey

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Hey, What's Up, Hello?

Hi y'all!

I'm so happy to finally introduce myself and starting this new little era of blogging.

I've blogged previously at Lindsey's Thoughts, and I'll be honest, I started having these thoughts of "why am I doing this?" and "I don't love this anymore." I think a lot of it came from I was in a new place in my life. I started Lindsey's Thoughts right after my high school graduation. Now, here I am four years later with a BA in Communication Studies and minors in History and Leadership Studies from Christopher Newport University. Talk about a big change!

I took about a month off of blogging completely and I'm glad I did, because it led me to this new place.

I'll still be incorporating a lot of the types of posts I used to do on Lindsey's Thoughts, but I'm also doing some new things. But, those are a surprise!

Anyway, I thought I would start off this new blog with what "Southern Grace" means to me.

I have lived my entire life in central Virginia, except for the four years I attended CNU. Many people don't even consider Virginia to be a southern state (like my college roommate), but I'm so happy to say it is!

Southern can mean a lot of different things. Some people think of huge mansions on sprawling plantations, others thing confederate flags.

For me, I think of the sprawling mansions, but I also think family, time moving slower, small town charm, friendly, loving, and kind.

Grace, on the other hand, is how you handle something. Let's just say that grace is something I'm working on (both physically and mentally). Most of the time, I don't have the ability to forgive and forget. Often times, you'll see me walk into the door (how I haven't managed to give myself a concussion, or some other injury besides a stubbed toe from walking into things is a mystery to everyone).

I would define the term southern grace (at this current time) as, the ability to give a warm, heartfelt smile to your best friend, a complete stranger, and worst enemy. The care to write a thank you note over something small. To look classic at all times (no, that doesn't mean no leggings, it just means to make them look nice).

Of course, this definition can change over time, and oddly enough, I expect it to.

I would be lying if I said there was a purpose of this blog, at the end of the day I just love blogging and I'm thrilled to have this opportunity.

Now, it wouldn't be me if I didn't have some sort of goals for this blog. I absolutely love doing different series and so when I sat down and thought about what I wanted with southern grace to focus on I immediately thought series. Of course, these series may change over time, but I'm so happy with what I picked to begin with, and I'm so excited to say that this means blogging Monday through Friday!

Starting tomorrow morning, you'll get Monday's post, then each morning (at 8 am) you'll have a new post from me.