2017 Goals + Word of the Year

Hello Lovelies!

Let's be honest 2016 was a terrible year, so many shocks and surprises, so many deaths, especially in the last week. I'm glad it's a new year and hopefully things start looking up and getting better! Today I'm going to share with you my word of the year, goals, and some things I want to do this year!

I did really good with my 2016 goals , and I'm hoping that I can accomplish just as much in 2017! Let's get started!

Word of the Year: Recovery
My main goal for the year is recovery. 2016 was a hard year for me health wise, and I really want to spend this year recovering and taking care of my health. Towards the end of 2016 I had so many injuries and complications from procedures and I'm just now starting to heal.

I finished physical therapy for my lower back in November, I just came out of  a boot for my foot last week, and then Friday I had another injection for my back. Thankfully so far I haven't had any complications from this one. The injection I had in July is what started a downhill spiral for me, it's the reason I had to go to physical therapy and during that time I also fell down a flight of stairs. I've also been dealing with neck pain and dizziness from my fall!

I think that pretty much sums up how crappy the last few months have been and why I'm looking forward to a new year! So here's to recovery and here is the rest of my goals!

20 Before 20

Hello Lovelies!

Well, what can I say, the fact that my birthday was in March and I'm just now posting this isn't very promising...

I was looking through my drafts today and I realized that for some reason I never posted my 20 Before 20 list!

Plan a trip.

Visit somewhere new.

Read 20 books for pleasure.

Purchase my first pair of high heels.

Lose 30 pounds.

Get my nose pierced.
Get a small tattoo.
Buy a new car,

Start apartment hunting.
Pay off my credit card debt.
Save $400.
Start college.
Maintain a good GPA in my first semester back in a traditional school setting.
Visit a trampoline park.
Go to my first concert.
Be able to run a mile.
Get a real haircut instead of a trim. (Maybe go red too!)
Say yes more!
Actually do what's on my list!

I'm gonna try to do an update in a few months to show my progress, I've actually crossed a few off already! It's go time! Can I complete my 20 Before 20 challenge before March 13, 2017!

Have you attempted a challenge like this before?

Let me know below!

XoXo,

Lori

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May Goals

Hello Lovelies!

I cannot believe I haven't posted a monthly goals in months! Actually, I can believe it. I didn't realize until yesterday that I only posted Links to Love and Weekly Inspiration posts last month. 

Anyway, here's my goals for May!

Read 3 books.
I've been slacking in the reading department, so maybe this month I can get back to it.

Write 5 blog posts this month.
Last month I posted five times, but I only posted Weekly Inspiration posts and Links to Love. I didn't have any real content. I want to do my best this month and try to branch out.

Get back to blogging.
I want to get back into all things blogging. Reading other blogs, commenting on other blogs, link-ups, posting more, etc.

Work on Blog Design.
I still haven't got my blog design fixed from my major screw up a few months ago.

Finish my FAFSA.
I know, I know, I'm late on this one, but I already had the financial aid office at my local community college tell me that I won't qualify for any free money, my only option is loans.

Send in my high school transcript.
Now this is an easy one.

Work on managing my anxiety.
Here lately my anxiety has been acting up a lot. I'm hoping that this month I can focus on learning to manage my anxiety.

Lose 2 pounds. 
I've been going to the gym for a little over a month now and I can feel myself getting stronger and I love it!

Buy a new pair of shoes.
My current tennis shoes are worn out, between working 8 hour shifts on my feet and going to the gym 4-5 times a week, I need a new pair.

Find a new car. 
Let's be honest my Suzuki sucks, it's time for a new car.

XoXo,

Lori

Snapchat:

Happy Labor Day

Hello Lovelies! Happy Labor Day!

Today, I'm going to be busy planning blog posts and making a schedule, last month I didn't really put much time or work into blogging and I made a lot of excuses for not blogging. 

This month I'm turning things around, I'm done making excuses for not doing what I should do. Yes I work a lot of crazy hours, but I CAN blog and do schoolwork too. I just have to learn how to manage my time and plan things out. S

That's my main goal for this month, I'll be sharing my monthly goals with you tomorrow, so that's all for today, I hope you have a great day!

XoXo,

Lori

Links to Love

Hello Lovelies!

I hope y'all have had a great weekend, I spent this weekend working and I am so happy that I get tomorrow and Tuesday off. I was planning on posting this Yesterday, but I was too tired. I worked Friday night 5pm-2am, and then I had to be back at work Yesterday at 10:30am for another shift. By the time I got home last night I barely had the energy to take a shower and once my head hit the pillow I was out and didn't wake up till 1pm.

Thankfully I only work 4 1/2 hours today, so maybe I won't be too tired tomorrow. Tomorrow I have to get bloodwork done and an MRI on my lower back. After that I'm planning on coming home to work on some blog posts for the week and get some homework done!

5 Uncommon Ways to Keep Burnout at Bay

20 Things People in Debt Say (That Will Keep Them in Debt)

Creative Small Space Storage Solutions


Inside Taylor Swift's New York Penthouse

An Instagram Strategy That's Completely Authentic & Effective

That's it for today, since I didn't get to post it today I'll be posting my Weekly Inspiration tomorrow!
What links have you been loving? Let me know below!

XoXO,

Lori

August Goals

Hello Lovelies!

I hope you all had a great weekend! Sadly I had to work and I was also sick over the weekend, so that made working even worse. Honestly I'm still not feeling all that great, but thankfully I already have an appointment with my doctor today, so I won't have to wait too long to see what's wrong.

Before I get into my goals for the month I have some really exciting news! I finally got a new internet provider!!!! No more data caps and no more limited bull crap. I can finally go back to blogging like I used to and I can FINALLY finish my blog re-design! It's been so long since I first started the re-design process, and I'm so happy I can finally finish it.

It won't be finished this week, but I'm hoping that I can finish it by next week or the following week!

Hello August!

Finish College Prep American Government.
Finish College Prep English 3 Part 1.
Finish Algebra 2 Part 1.
Start Studying for the ACT.
Clean Out Closet.
Get Organized.
Read 3 Books.

Open A Savings Account.

Save $100.

August Beauty Ban.

10 Goals!

Finish College Prep American Government.
I think I've finally found a study pattern for this class and so now I'll be able to finally finish it pretty quickly.

Finish College Prep English 3 Part 1.
I just started this class, but I should have it finished by the end of the month. I have the course outlined and I know what I have to get done and I'm gonna make it happen.

Finish Algebra 2 Part 1.
I hate math! I can finish this class this month, it's just hard finding the time and motivation to do it.

Start Studying for the ACT.
Since I've decided to put off college for a year, I decided I'm going to retake the ACT so I can get a better score.

Clean Out Closet.
I really need to clean out my closet, I have so much stuff I never wear and I'm tired of looking at it.

Get Organized.
I really need to get organized this month, my closet, my desk and my bathroom counter are my problem areas.

Read 3 Books.
I've been working so much recently I haven't been able to read, but I want to make time for it, so my goal is to read three books this week.

Open A Savings Account.
This month I want to open a savings account, I really need to start saving money for college. So my next payday (August 12) I'm going to go ahead and get an account.

Save $100.
I want to save $200, but I don't wanna push it, so I'm going to set my goal at $100 and then maybe I'll be able to save more.

August Beauty Ban.

I've been spending way too mcuh money on beauty products recently and it needs to stop. I'm putting myself on ban for this month, except for two things. I have two things I need to order from Sephora (only $28), but other than that I'm not buying anything else!

What are your goals for August?
Let me know below or leave a link to your blog!

XoXo,

Lori

A Little Bit of Inspiration + A Big Life Decision

Hello Lovelies!
Need a little bit of inspiration? I've got you covered. I've been feeling a bit uninspired lately, so I thought I'd share with you some quotes that always get me inspired.

I've been thinking and I'm tired of putting off things I want to do and I'm tired of settling. I've been working on myself and I'm trying to do better for me, I'm doing what I think is best for me mentally and physically at the moment.

Lately I've been feeling a little bit down, I feel like every time someone asks me about my plans for the next few years all I get is negative feedback or snotty remarks. But I'm done with that. I'm done caring what other people think, I'm going to do this my way and if they don't like it then I don't need them in my life.

I think the biggest decision I've made that is causing me to get the most negative comments from the people around me is that I decided to put off college for a year. I didn't come to this decision easily, but at the end of the day I think it's what's best for me and my health.

I'm going to spend this next year working, saving money, and studying so that I can retake the ACT and get a higher score so that I can get better financial aid and scholarships.

It's taken me a few months to make this decision, but I think I'm finally at peace with it and hopefully everything goes the way I want it to.
XoXo,
Lori

Links to Love

Hello lovelies!

I hope you all had a great week and a great weekend. This week was slightly insane, I worked 33 hours and I finished two online classes! The good news is I was able to bring my GPA up .4 points and hopefully when I finish two of my current course,s I'll be able to bring it up even higher than that.

Overall it was a great week, I worked hard, I studied hard, and I finished a book. So on next blog schedule is a book review and a Influenster VoxBox Review! (If  you follow me on Twitter then you already know what VoxBox I received).

Anyways, here's this weeks Links to Love! 

5 Mistakes To Avoid On Social Media

7 Obsolete Social Media Tactics You’re Wasting Your Time On

Quiz: Which Taylor Swift Lyric Best Sums Up Your Love Life?

What American City Should You Actually Live In?

How to Prioritize Your Website Tasks to Make the Most Impact + A Printable Task List

That's it for today, I hope you all had a great day. And I'm sorry this post is up a little later than it normally is, I had to go in to work at 7am, so I just now got home!
What links have you been loving? Let me know below!

XoXo,

Lori

June Goals

Hello Lovelies!
I hope you all had a great weekend! I can't believe it's already June, it feels like yesterday we were celebrating the new year, and now it's almost halfway gone! 

This month I'm focusing on finishing up as much schoolwork as I can, the last few months I haven't been able to stay on schedule because out internet sucks and I only have internet for two or three weeks out of the month. I'm really hoping that by the end of the month we'll have a new internet provider, but I'm not sure.

Anyway, regardless of what happens my main goal this month is to be productive and work as hard as I possibly can. School is still my main focus, but I'm also hoping to start working this month so I'm going to have to work on my time management once that happens.

Here's my goals for June!

Finish Vocabulary Studies Part 2.

I should be able to finish this by the end of next week, if my internet will work with me and not go out for days at a time like it has been here lately.

Finish College Prep Algebra II Part 1.
I just started this class so it's a long shot that I'll finish it this month, but I'm gonna try!

Start & Finish College Prep American Government.
I just got this class opened, but it looks like it's going to be a pretty easy class and I'm looking forward to getting it done and over with.

Start & Finish College Prep Economics.
This one also looks to be pretty easy.

Work on better time management.
I really need to work on this this month, since I have such terrible internet, I really need to find ways to spend my time more wisely than I have been.

Read 5 books.
Last month I didn't read that much, so this month I want to read more, I have so many ARCs that I need to read and I've decided I'm not allowing myself to request or accept any invitations for more ARCs till I get my current list read.

Lose 3 pounds.
I want to do a weight loss update later this month, I haven't done one at all this year, so I think it's time.

Find a job.
I'm really hoping to have a job by the end of the week, so fingers crossed!

Open a bank account.

As soon as I get my first check I'm opening a new bank account.

XoXo,
Lori

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

April Goals

Hello lovelies!

It's April! I have just under three months of high school left and so much to do, I have 10 classes left to finish, plus I'm still trying to decide what to do about college!

This month I'm hoping to get back on track with school, my health, and this blog! I can already tell that this month is going to be great! How do I know? Because I've already accomplished two things that I've been putting off for three years, and at the moment I feel like I'm on top of the world!

Here's the thing, I realized that I'm the only thing standing between myself and success, I'm 18 now, and it's time I start acting like it. So I did what I had to do, and I completed something that I had been terrified of doing, and I realize now how stupid that fear was. I completed the task in an hour, and I felt so much better afterwards!

So, my advice to y'all for the month of April is to do something you're scared of, or something that you've been putting off! Trust me, once you get it done and over with you're going to feel so much better!

Lose 4 Pounds.
I've started working out more and I really want to see some results this month. Four pounds isn't much, but it's a start.

Workout twice a week.
I've been working out twice a week for a month now, some weeks I do more, some weeks I don't. My plan for this month is to keep doing the 2x weekly workouts and I'm really hoping that I can get a gym member ship this month and then I can do more.

Start & Finish Spanish 2 Part 2.
I finished Part 1 pretty quickly, so I'm expecting to get this one done just as fast.

Start & Finish Vocabulary Studies Part 1 & Part 2.
I wanted to start this class last month, but I couldn't, so I'm starting it now, and it seems like it's going to be a pretty easy class.

Start & Try to Finish Algebra 2 Part 1.
Bleh, I'm not looking forward to this one, but my goal is to do it and get it done as quickly as possible.

Start College Prep US Gov. & Economics Part 1.
I'm pushing it with this one, I probably won't make it to this one this month, but I can try!

Spend More Time On Social Media.
The last two months I've been neglecting my blog and my social media, I didn't do it on purpose, but it happened, and I want to spend more time this month focusing on social media.

Try to get my drivers permit.
I'm actually going this morning to take the written test, so hopefully by the end of the day I'll be driving!

Design A New Blog Header.
It's time for a new blog header, I've been trying to decide on a new header since December, so this month I'm going to finally get it done!

Update About Me Page.
I haven't updated my About Me page in about a year, so it's definitely time to get that done.

Read five books.
I read four books last month, so this month I decided to aim for five!

Open my own bank account.
I have my own debit card and my name is on my moms bank account, but I really want to get my own bank account opened up and start saving some money.

Be employed by the end of the month.
I've put in a few applications already and I'm going to keep putting them until I find something, I really need to start saving some money.

Be Productive.

I have 14 goals this month, I really need to focus on managing my time so that I can make as much progress as I possibly can this month. I have so much to do, but if I manage my time and don't get distracted I can do it!

What are your goals for April? Let me know below!

XoXo,

Lori

March Goals

Hello lovelies!
I hope you all had a great weekend! This month I have big plans, I have so many ideas and I can't wait to get started and share some of my new projects with you! I'm also excited for this month because it's my birthday month and I'll be turning 18 next week!

Here's this month's goals!

Lose 5 Pounds.
I lost two pounds last month, so this month I want to aim for 5 pounds.

Finish Spanish 2 Part 1.
I just want to hurry up and get this done and over with. Honestly I really don't like it, I wish my school offered more than just Spanish and French, but for now I just gotta deal with it.

Start & try to Finish Spanish 2 Part 2.
Like I said, I'm just ready to hurry up and finish it.

Start & Finish Vocabulary Studies Part 1.
I'm really looking forward to starting this class, it sounds really interesting and I think I'm going to be able to finish it pretty quickly.

Start Vocabulary Studies Part 2.
I'm pretty sure that part 1 will only take a few weeks to finish, so I should be able to start part 2  by the end of the month.

Start & try to Finish Algebra 2 Part 1.
Bleh! I am not looking forward to this at all! I'm not a fan of math, but I'm ready to get this done and over with so that I can get back to the classes that I do like!

Exercise twice a week.
This month I want to get back into a exercise routine. Twice a week isn't much, but it's a something.

Read a book every week.
Reading relaxes me and at the moment I'm super stressed and I need as much relaxation as I can get.

Start writing again.
I've haven't written anything in two months! I've been dealing with writers block and all of my projects are just sitting in documents waiting for me.

Blog more.

Last month was a bad month for me in blogland. This month I want to get back on track and get back on my normal schedule!

That's it for today, I'll be back tomorrow!

What are your goals for March?

XoXo,

Lori

February Goals

Hello lovelies,
Today I'm just going to dive right on in because I don't have much time left before I lose access to the internet.

Okay, so I want to let you know that I  probably won't be posting this week. As I mentioned in Friday's post I moved over the weekend, because of this move I'm not going to have access to the internet for about a week or two. I'm going to try to find a way to get on, but for the meantime I will probably only be posting once a week.

Normally I would plan for this, but this move was unexpected and we didn't realize that AT&T doesn't offer internet where we're moving, so we have to find someone else to do our internet through! It really sucks, but there's nothing we can do about it, I just really hope we can get an internet connection back soon!

Here's my goals for February!

Lose Weight

Buy a new stationary bike.

Finish Chemistry Part 1

Finish English 2 Part 2

Start & Finish Chemistry Part 2

Start & Finish Spanish 2 Part 1
Read two books.

Move and get settled into new house.

Work on blog design (Header & Background).

Get measured for a bra for the first time ever.

Try to downsize my book collection.

Go through and clean out my closet.

Make the most of UE's RoadTrip weekend.

Make sure all college applications are complete and that colleges have everything they need.

14 Goals!

Lose Weight.
I didn't lose any weight last month, so this month I really want to focus on exercising and getting fit.

Buy a new stationary bike.
In order to accomplish goal #1 I'm going to need some new equipment, I've decided it's time to buy a new stationary bike.

Finish Chemistry Part 1
This was a goal I set for last month and it didn't happen, but it will this month!

Finish English 2 Part 2.
This is another goals I set last month and didn't finish, but I will get it done!

Start & Finish Chemistry Part 2.
I really hope I can finish this class this month, I'm ready to get it done and over with!

Start & Finish Spanish 2 Part 1.
This is a new class that I just got opened, so I'm excited and I hope I can get it finished this month!

Read two books.
I only read one book last month, so I really want to get back on track with that this month.

Move and get settled into new house.
I love out new house, we're moving from a two bedroom apartment into a four bedroom  house, I'm so happy we'll finally have room to breathe!

Work on blog design (Header & Background).
This month I want to work on my blog design. Winter is almost over, so the background isn't going to work for much longer, and overall I'm ready for a change.

Get measured for a bra for the first time ever.
This is something I've been wanting to do for a few years and I just haven't done it. This month I'll be going up to Evansville, Indiana, and they have a Victoria's Secret in the mall there, and I'm planning on going in there to get sized/fitted for the first time in my life.

Try to downsize my book collection.
With the move I realized I really need to downsize my book collection, it's time.

Go through and clean out my closet.
Again, this is something I really need to do, I have so many clothes I never wear and I just really want to get rid of them.

Make the most of UE's RoadTrip weekend.
I'll be spending a weekend in Evansville at the University of Evansville and I really want to make the most of it!

Make sure all college applications are complete and that colleges have everything they need.

I think all I have left is sending in my transcripts, but I want to check in with all the admissions counselors and make sure they have everything they need.

Sadly, that's it for today, I'll try to post again soon, but I don't know when that will be.
What are your goals for February? Let me know below and I'll respond as soon as I can!

XoXo,

Lori

School Essentials

Hello lovelies,

Since most of you are probably starting back to school this week I thought it would be a good idea to share some of my school essentials with you today! I started back to school on the 2nd because I took an early winter break, so far it's going great, I've already had two tests and I have many more coming up!

If y'all don't mind could you comment below and tell me how my picture below looks. I've tried re-uploading it several times but each time it looks really blurry, I'm hoping it just looks that way in editing and that when I publish it, it clears up. If not I apologize, and please let me know below!

Laptop

Because I'm an online student having a laptop is an absolute necessity, without it I couldn't do anything! Right now I have an HP Pavillion TouchSmart Notebook, but I'm looking to upgrade very soon! Because I'm a blogger and I do my schooling online I need something that's going to last, so I'm planning on ordering a Macbook Pro before I leave for college this fall, maybe even sooner, we'll see! 

Kate Spade New York Tackle Box

I really like the idea of having a school "tackle box". I think it's a great idea to have all of your necessary study items in one place, I actually have one myself that I keep my post-it notes, paper clips, and white out in, and I love it!

Paperchase Gold Large Diary Planner

I really, really want this planner, I have a small planner already for my blog, but I really want a bigger one to keep track of my schoolwork and deadlines.

Studio C Silicone Valley Small Week/Monthly Planner

I like to keep a small planner like this with me for when I take a study break. Usually during my study breaks I'm writing new blog posts and coming up with new ideas, so having a small planner nearby really makes it easier to plan out my blog calender!

Staples 1 Subject Notebooks, College Ruled
These are my favorite notebooks, I love the way the paper feels, it really smooth and strong, I always wait till August during the Back-To-School sales and I buy them in bulk to last me the year!

BIC Xtra Comfort Round Black Ballpoint Pens
I actually don't like pencils, I'm okay with lead pencils, but I hate wooden pencils! Usually when I'm taking my notes I just write in plain back ink.

BIC Atlantis Pink Ribbon Ballpoint Pens

These are my other favorite pens, I like to use these to underline, and write words that I really want to stand out! Also the ink in these last a REALLY long time!

What are your school essentials? Let me know below! Also if you have any recommendations on what type of laptop you think I should get please let me know below!

XoXo,

Lori

January Goals

Hello lovelies,
I hope your first weekend of 2015 was a great success! I spent the weekend doing Chemistry, Geometry, and English homework. I also spent some time scheduling some blog posts for this month!

Last week I shared with you my goals for 2015, and today I'm going to share with you my goals for January! Honestly, I didn't even realize till after I had typed out all of my goals and goal explanations that I had picked 15 goals, I think that's very fitting considering it's the first month of 2015!

Here's my January goals!

New Blog Header

Finish Chemistry Part 1. 

Finish Geometry Part 2.
Finish English 2 Part 2.
Start Spanish 2 Part 1.

Try to go take my permit test.
Work out twice a week.
Get more sleep.
Find a new neurologist.
Finish Belmont University application.
Finish WKU application.

Use Instagram more.
Read three books.

File the FAFSA.
Find out when RoadTrip is for UE.

New Blog Header.

I need a new blog header because last month I made a themed one with a Santa hat. After Christmas I changed it to a plain white with black text header and now I'm thinking it needs something more. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it, but I need something more, I might just make it bigger, I really don't know, we'll see how it goes!

Finish Chemistry Part 1.
I started this on January 2 and so far I'm really loving it, I've already finished one lesson and I'm almost finished with my second lesson, so only five more to go after that!

Finish Geometry Part 2

I should be finished with this in about a week, I don't have much left, but since I took a two week break for the holidays I didn't finish it last month like I'd planned.

Finish English Part 2.
All I have to do in this is write two papers and read one full book and excerpts from two other books. I'll definitely have it done by the end of the month.

Start Spanish 2 Part 1.
I can start this either later this week or early next week, my Spanish classes really aren't that hard, I should definitely be done by the second week of February.

Try to go take my permit test.
I've talked about this before, but basically because I'm not enrolled in school in the county I live in the I haven't been able to get my permit. I'm going to try again and if I can't get it this time then I guess I'll just wait till my 18th birthday in March and then there's nothing they can do about it to stop me.

Work out twice a week.
It might not seem like much, but I'm starting out slow, I don't want to get burnt out and give up. So I'm starting with twice a week and then I'll work my way up!

Get more sleep.
I have the weirdest sleeping schedule and being an online student doesn't help any. I usually stay up till 3am, then sleep till 7am, eat breakfast, then go back to sleep for a few more hours. I'm a nigh-towl and I love staying up late, but I also love to sleep, and I get my best sleep at night when it's dark outside. So this month I'm going to work on getting more sleep and trying to get into bed before 3am.

Find a new neurologist.
I haven't seen a neurologist since 2011 and I really need a checkup. I never was a fan of my old neurologist and sadly he died last year, so I can't see him anymore, to be honest I don't even know how I'm going to get my medical records since he run a private practice and it's now closed. Anyway I think I'm going to look in Nashville and get a doctor down there, Vanderbilt is the best, so we'll see how that goes!

Finish Belmont University application.
Speaking of Nashville, I decided on New Years eve that I was going to go ahead and apply to Belmont. I can't put my application in till Friday when my mom gets paid and has the money for the app fee, but thankfully I was able to get my essay done, and hopefully I'll have an admissions decision by the middle of next month!

Finish WKU application.
This is another one I have to wait till Friday on, but honestly I haven't even started it, thankfully there's no essay or else I would be in big trouble!

Use Instagram more.
Last month I didn't really use Instagram all that much. I want to try to use it more this month because I love discovering new people and because it's pretty much an essential for every blogger.

Read three books.
This should be pretty easy to accomplish, I finished book number one over the weekend, and I have to read Ethan Frome for English class this week, so then I'll only have one more left and my goal for the month will be complete!

File the FAFSA.
Every high school senior and every college students nightmare come January 1st! I'll be doing this one day this week probably tomorrow or Wednesday, it just depends on what day my mom gets off work.

Find out when RoadTrip is for UE.
Road Trip is something that the University of Evansville does every year for high school seniors who have been accepted. We get to spend the weekend in the dorms and experience college life for the weekend!

Whew! That's a lot to do this month, but I can do it! I've made a plan on how I plan to get it all done this month and hopefully I can stick to that plan!

What are your goals for January? Let me know in the comments below!

XoXo,

Lori

Happy New Year + Goals for 2015

Hello lovelies, it's crazy to think another year has come to close, but 2014 was a great year for me! I learned a lot, I grew a lot as a person, and overall it was the best year yet!

I believe every year brings a new opportunity to start fresh, this year is the year I learn to take care of myself before others, I'm going to make sure of that! I believe there's always room for change and improvement, and that's what I plan to do, change and improve!

This new year is a chance to 'get it right', I will graduate, I will learn to drive, I will do so many things I've wanted to do for so long, without caring what other people think about me. This is my year, 2015 is going to be my year, and no one's going to get in my way!

I'm letting go of my past, and I'm letting go of the people in my life who can't let go the old me. I'm ready for a new start, and I'm gonna get it, I'm tired of waiting around for someone to save me from myself. I'm going to be my own hero and I'm going to make my dreams come true, this is me, this is who I'm supposed to be!

Today I decided I would share with you my goals for 2015! Usually I make a very vague list and I never accomplish any of it, so this year I decided to make clear goals! I've organized my goals into categories, and I've decided that I'm going to do a few updates on my goals throughout the year, my first update will probably be in March or April!

Here's my goals for 2015!!!!

Blog Related

- Reach 150 blog followers.

-Write five guest posts.

-Buy a new camera and learn how to use it.

- Network, network, network.

-Clean up everything, blog content, blog design, social media profiles, EVERYTHING!

School Related

-Graduate high school.

-Decide where I'm going to college.

-Sign up for at least one class in graphic design or website development.

-Find a tutor for math.

-Stop being so antisocial and make friends!

Health Related

-Lose 60 pounds or more.

-Be in a size 10 by the end of the year (Currently 18)

-Find a doctor willing to do allergy shots.

-Get fitted for a bra for the first time ever.

-Find and see a new neurologist.

Okay, so you've seen my new years resolutions, here's a few more things I want to do this year!

Things I Want to Do:

-Open a savings account.

-Buy a new laptop

-Find a pair of glasses and start wearing them.

-Read 60 books.

-Get a job.

-Get my license.

-Look into buying a car.

-Go to Atlanta for my graduation!

-Nashville (Taylor Swift concert & maybe move there for college).

-Get my hair back to being completely blonde.

-Clean out my closet
-Put more of an effort into finding a church.
-Try Pilates.
-Buy my blog URL.
-Sign up for Google AdSense.

My #1 goal for the year is:

To get my shit together. I'll be 18 on March 13, it's time to get my shit together!

If last year was a terrible year for you, then I hope you're able to leave it in the past where it belongs, it's a new year, you can do anything, you just gotta go out there and do it!

XoXo,

Lori

October Playlist

Hello lovelies, I hope you had a great weekend! Last week was amazing, I got an 85 on my Algebra final, and I also got to start my new English course!

Over the weekend I went to my cousins birthday party and I think I found the perfect place to do my senior pictures at, so now I can finally make an appointment to get that done!

This week I have a lot to do:
Write my college essay for Heidelberg University
Write an English essay
Start my college application for Liberty University
Finish my college application for Trevecca Nazarene University.

So as you can tell I have a very busy week  ahead of me and I'm actually excited and ready to get started!

Here's this months playlist, I hope you like it!

Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud

Taylor Swift - Eyes Open

We Are The In Crowd - Manners

Whitney Duncan - Roll All Night

Bomshel - 19 & Crazy
Carrie Underwood - Flat On The Floor

Demi Lovato - Got Dynamite
Black Veil Brides - Heart of Fire

So that's it for today, I hope you like this months playlist! Don't forget to check back tomorrow for my Influenster Deans List VoxBox Review!

XoXo,
Lori

September Goals Update

Hello lovelies, can you believe we're in the last few days of September? This month has been crazy busy and next month is going to be 100x worse, I actually managed to accomplish more this month than I thought I would, so I'm excited to see how next month goes!

Start using MyFitnessPal again.

Finish Algebra 1 Part 1 and Part 2.

Read 3 books.

Finish college app for Trevecca Nazarene University

Finish college app for Bethel University - Tennessee
Finish college app for Converse College.
Lose weight.
Blog more.
Be a better blogger.
Buy more Fall scented candles!!!

6 out of 10!

Finish Algebra 1 Part 1 and Part 2.
- Sadly I didn't do this, I've been reviewing and so hopefully I'll feel confident and comfortable enough to take my final tests and finish the course.

Finish college app for Trevecca Nazarene University.
- I didn't finish my application, but I did start it and so far I feel really good about it!

Finish college app for Bethel University-TN
-I was going to start my application a few days ago, but then I got an e-mail saying that if I apply next weeks then I won't have to pay the application fee, so I'm going to wait till next week that way I can save $30.

Finish college app for Converse College.
-Honestly I didn't even start my application, I've been really busy and I forgot about it.

So that's all for this months goals! Did you accomplish your goals for this month?

XoXo,
Lori 

How To: Write A Paper

Hey y'all, since the new school year has started in most places by now, I thought I'd share some of my tips for writing papers this semester! In school my favorite subjects have always been History and English, I've passed all of my English classes with no less than a final grade of 97 and in one class my final grade was a 100, so I'd say writing papers are definitely one of my strong suits.

Below I've listed the process I go through when I'm writing a paper and I also included some links to help you out!

1. Write a good thesis statement. 

2. Outline. Write one sentence for each paragraph.

3. Research. Find evidence to support your thesis.

4. Add some fluff. Add information and facts to support your thesis.

5. Proofread.

6. Edit. 

7. Ask a friend or teacher to read it and make suggestions. 

8.  Let it sit for a few hours, then go back and re-read it with a clear mind.

9. Make final edits.

10. Turn it in, sacrifice a chicken and hope for the best!

If you're still having trouble writing your paper here are some links to help you out!

How to Write A Research Paper
When to Cite
Paper Rater-Paper Grader
How to write a kickass essay with 1/2 the stress
Guide to Writing Thesis Statements

Well that's all for today, I hope this helps you this year! If you wanna see more posts like this or similar to this, let me know below, I'm open to any suggestions or requests!

XoXo,
Lori

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day, lovelies! I hope you all have a happy, safe last day of summer before school begins!

Today, I'm going to be busy planning blog posts and making a schedule, I took last month off from school and I didn't really put much time or work into blogging, and I feel really sad about that, but that's all going to change today!

With this being the first Monday of September usually I would be sharing my goals for September, but I decided that since it's a holiday I'm just going to wait and post it either tomorrow or Wednesday.

So that's all for today, I hope you have a great day!

XoXo,

Lori