I'm 18, Now What? College? Gap Year?

Hello lovelies!

As some of you may know my 18th birthday was on March 13th and since then I've been thinking a lot. I'm an adult now, but I don't feel any different. 

I've been thinking over the past few weeks about what I want to do with my life, and honestly I have no freaking idea what I want to do!

Do I want to go to college this year? Or Should I take a gap year?

The problem isn't that I don't want to go to college, I do, but I don't want to settle and go somewhere that I'm not going to be happy at.  I only applied to four colleges, and I'm only seriously considering two of them, one I've been accepted to, and one I'm still waiting to hear back from.

Here's what really got me thinking, I got my financial aid package for the college I've been accepted to a few weeks ago and it looks like for freshman year alone I'm going to have to take out a $15,000 loan just to attend. Next year will be worse because my mom just re-married. I don't want to be in debt for the rest of my life, and if I attend that college by the time I graduate I'll be over $50,000 in debt. I don't like that and since I'm thinking about going to Graduate school or Medical school after getting my bachelor's it makes the decision harder.

So what's the plan?

I'm thinking about taking a gap semester or gap year to get my finances in check and once I do I'm going to move to Nashville, Tennessee. Once I get there I'll spend a few months working and then enroll in college. If I get rejected from Belmont University, then I plan on applying to Nashville State Community College, it'll be cheaper and then later on I can transfer to a bigger school.

My other option is staying in my hometown for a year or two, attend the local community college, save some money, and then transfer out of state. However, I really don't want to do that, I want to be in Nashville, I've known for years that that's where I want to be and I want to make that happen.

Gif Credit

Honestly I don't know what's going to happen right now, I can't predict the future and there's nothing more I can do to convince Belmont to accept me. I just have to wait and see what happens. I have to let go and let God, it truly is up to Him at this point.

So my questions is, I'm 18, now what?

XoXo,

Lori

Blogmas Day 11: Under $100 Holiday Gift Guide

Hello lovelies,
Today I have for you my Under $100 Holiday Gift Guide! I have lots of goodies for you today, and I'm so happy I can finally share them with you!

Let's get started!

Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush $89.50
I've had my eye on this brush for a while, I love Clinique and I love the design of this brush. I've been wanting this for about a year, the only problem is I already have a brush by another brand and even though I want it, I really don't need it.

Anne Klein Hinge Case Watch, 32mm $55.00
The one thing I really want for Christmas this year is a watch, I don't have any watches, and I really want to get a nice watch before I go off to college next year.

Hunter Original Ballet Flats $89.00 Final Sale
I'm in desperate need of a new pair of flats, the problem is I can't find any that come in my size and that give my feet the support they need. Unfortunately because these are final sale they no longer have my size, but I decided to go ahead and include them in case any of you can find your size, it's a great deal and they have five colors, enjoy!

The Fine Pearls 6-7mm Black Akoya Pearl Earrings AAA Quality $58.00
When you think of pearls you don't think of black pearls, you think of pretty white or cram colored pearls. That's why I love this pair of earrings, you still get your traditional pearls, just with a twist!

Urban Decay Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette $54.00
I really love the rosy colors in this palette, I never really was a fan of the Naked 2 palette, but I immediately fell in love with the Naked 3 as soon as I saw the first pictures after it's release!

Nordstrom at Home 'Deer Date' Plush Throw $38.00
I really love this Red Earth/Cream Turtledove color, I love buying soft blankets, and this one is so cute, plus at the moment it's actually on sale for  $28.49!

Nordstrom Buffalo Plaid Cashmere Scarf $99.50
I've always loved buffalo plaid, so the fact that it's super trendy right now makes me really happy! This cashmere scarf would be perfect for that special guy on your list that you want to keep warm and toasty this winter! ;)

J. Crew JD Wolfe Heart Bowels $36.00
When I first saw these bowels my first impression was oh my God those are so cute! Then when I saw the price my mind was blown, I was expecting these to be over $100, I think this would be the perfect gift for anyone who's just got a new place!

Tuckernuck Christmas Sweater Needlepoint Flask $65.00
I don't think there's any explanation needed for this one!

Barefoot Dreams 'Cozy Chic' Multi-Stripe Throw $98.00
I love the color combo on this throw!

Ted Baker London 'Small Bow' Cosmetics Case $45.00
I love this Mid Pink color, it's so bright and fun, the only thing I would worry about is keeping it clean.

Tory Burch 'Evie' Faux Pearl Stud Earring $68.0
I've had my eyes on these for a few months now and my love for them still has faded! They look so classy and timeless and I'm in love!

Torrid Strappy Riding Boot (Wide Width) $70.00
I love the design of these boots, they're exactly what I've been searching for and I love that they aren't a shiny black, it's more of a matte black, which makes them even more versatile! AND they have my size! Honestly, my bank account hates me, and I hate it because it doesn't have enough money in there to buy them, college applications and the ACT are killing me! *Finds a corner to go cry in*

Renne Rouleau Cio Calm Repair Masque $52.00
I'm really interested in trying this masque, the only thing stopping me from buying it is the price tag and the fact that I'm scared my sensitive skin will have a bad reaction to it.

Scout Miss Manors Blackout Scout $59.00
So I've already mentioned that I want to buy a watch before going off to college, I also want to invest in a really good bag. I found this bag a few months ago and I still haven't found anything else that tops it! I decided to include this because of the price and because with an extra $12.00 you can personalize it!

Fashion to Figure Plus Size Glenda Glitter Dress $44.50
I'm in love with this dress, I love the color, the ruching under the bust, and the length!

Before I sign off for today I did want to mention that one a few of these items the prices are actually lower than I listed above. At the moment Nordstrom is doing a sale, I'm not sure how long it will last so I decided to put the regular price, instead of the sale price on the items I included from Nordstrom.

So that's it for today, I hope you enjoyed it! Don't forget tomorrow I'll be posting my Over $100 Holiday Gift Guide!
Let me know below what you think!

XoXo,

Lori

Warby Parker Concentric Collection

Hello lovelies,
Have I ever mentioned that I'm supposed to wear glasses? I used to never wear them because my eyes weren't too bad (I'm near-sighted), but for the past year I've been having problems and I've started wearing them more and more every week.

I've been searching for an new pair of glasses because the pair I currently have really bug me, for a while I'd stopped looking and gave up hope that I would ever find any glasses that I like, but I think that might have just changed. When I first saw Warby Parkers new Concentric Collection , it made me want to start my search again! 

In this new collection there's a pair for everyone, personally I'm not a fan of  Tortoise frames, but if you like it, they have the Benchley frames , which I actually do like. They also have my personal favorite from the collection the Everly frames in Whistler Grey .

The new Warby Parker Concentric Collection is available online in stores today; starting at $145!

Here's a quick peek at some of my favorites from the collection!

Benchley in Oak Barrel $145

Everly in Whistler Grey $145.00

Murphy in Crystal $145.00

What makes these glasses even better is that with every pair sold, Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need through their non-profits. That's what makes it perfect for this time of year, you're giving a gift to yourself and a gift to someone in need! And isn't that what this time of year is about anyway, giving to those in need?

Have you checked out the new Warby Parker frames?

XoXo,

Lori

Two Year Blog Anniversary!!!

Happy Wednesday everyone!!! Guess what??? Today is my two year blog anniversary!!!

I know recently I haven't been blogging much, and I'm sorry for that, but it's been a really busy past few months. 

So I've spent the past few days writing up some blog posts and I should be getting back on schedule soon, so please just bear with me. I can't promise that I will always be on schedule, but things are going to get better, that I can promise.

XoXo,
Lori

5 Things You Should Start Making Time For

Okay, so I still didn't finish my book, so no book review this week either. But that's okay I always make sure I have a little somethin' waiting around to be posted just in case.

I made this list, 5 Things You Should Start Making Time For, a few weeks ago, and I've been wanting to share it with you, but I hadn't found the right spot. Since it's now been two weeks and I still haven't finished my book, I'd say I definitely need to make time for #3!

I think #1 is really important because society and the media is always telling us to do for others before ourselves. But I think it's really important to take time to care for yourself, because if you don't then you're going to end up sick, tired, and burnt-out (burned-out??).

So that's all for today's post, let me know what you think in the comments! What do you think people should make more time for?

XoXo,
Lori