May Madness

I think 99% of us would agree that the month of May is perhaps the craziest of the year. With final projects, speeches, final exams, summer class registration, job hunts, interviews, and vacation planning, who has time to think? Is it possible to manage it all and remain completely sane? Yes, but it's not easy- here are my go-to tactics for managing May Madness.

1) Detailed To-Do Lists

          If I don't write it down, it doesn't happen. Why try to juggle it all in your head when you can keep all your odds & ends in a cute journal? Plus, who else loves the satisfaction of checking off items on your to-do lists just for the heck of it?!

2) Google Calendars with Reminders on my Cell Phone

          I literally live by Google Calendars. Total life saver. End of story.

3) Sleep

          This cannot be stressed enough. Easier said than done, I know. However, find a routine that works for you and try your very best to stick to it. 'Early to bed, early to rise' is my new mantra- and surprisingly it works and I feel better than ever before.

4) Some Time for Myself

          I consider time for myself to be spending time with friends, spending time outdoors, watching a few episodes of Gossip Girl, going for a run, journaling, blogging, and sometimes, even squeezing in a nap. Don't feel bad about taking time for yourself, just do it in moderation. :)

5) Coffee

          If anyone knows me they know I can't go without my Starbucks on the road or Westrock Coffee every morning! I'm always on the lookout for new coffee recipes to try- like Chocolate Coffee Floats for instance! If anyone has a sweet tooth, I highly recommend it! Check out Westrock's Blog for tons of fun, easy recipes!

That's all for now, friends!

xoxo

Morgan

From Crop to Cup

What little things each day can you do to make a difference in the lives of others? I'm a Westrock Coffee Ambassador and I'm calling out to all of you coffee-drinkers: if you are going to drink coffee every day, why not choose to be sustainable and purchase from a company that is truly focused on improving the lives of others?

Through honest, direct trade with our coffee farmers and being a part of the entire coffee supply chain (exporting, trading and roasting the coffee), Westrock is able to ensure that our farmers are paid a proper wage for their crops and our that we are delivering high-quality coffee to the consumer - from crop to cup! 

That being said- I encourage YOU to take the small step in making a difference in the lives of others by purchasing Westrock coffee to keep changing the lives of these farmers and their families. #FromCropToCup

https://www.westrockcoffee.com/

Life-Changing Coffee

Why I Choose Westrock Coffee

If I'm going to drink coffee every day, why not purchase coffee that is ethically sourced? Westrock Coffee Company, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, starts at the origin. They work together with farming communities, with partnerships in Nicaragua, Peru, Brazil, Ethiopia, Rwanda, & Tanzania, to provide real returns for farmers and their families. Westrock ethically sources coffee from smallholder farmers across the globe. #OneCommonGoal #FromCropToCup

Fair, Direct Trade

Westrock personally connects with farmers to offer higher compensation based on the coffee's quality, as well as training and educational opportunities. Through Westrock's Agribusiness Training Program, they are able to teach farmers improved agricultural practices in an environmentally and socially sustainable way. These partnerships provide opportunities for the farmer's and their families to have access to education, clean water, and healthcare. 

Linking Community to Community 

Westrock's goal is to be a catalyst for change in the lives of farmers and their families through honest, direct trade. The end result is sustainable growth at the origin and a quality product for consumers.

Where Can I Buy Westrock Coffee?

Kroger

Ingles

Food City

Bi-Lo

Winn Dixie

Harps

King Soopers

- Morgan

Realistic Resolutions

NEW YEAR, NEW FEELS, NEW CHANCES. SAME DREAMS,  FRESH STARTS.

Below are some ideas for resolutions that are doable and fun to lead you to your best self.

1. Have 10 minutes of quiet time each day. No phone, no computer, no distractions. Just you and some silence to clear you mind, relax, and collect your thoughts.

2. Build exercise into your daily routine. Take the stairs. Walk instead of riding the bus. Do calf-raises or squats while you brush your teeth. A little cardio here and there adds up.

3. Journal. I'll be the first to admit that I have the worst hand writing and my journal entries aren't visually appealing. However, getting your thoughts out on paper can be beneficial for self reflection and relieving built-up stress.

4. Stretch in the mornings. Slowly develop your own routine. Stretching is a great way to wake yourself up and it feels amazing.

5. Watch 20 minutes of Netflix every day. This is a personal goal for me because it helps me de-stress a little throughout the day and stay up to date on my favorite series. 

6. Read a little each day. Books, newspapers, food labels, magazines, blogs, anything. Just read more. Easy enough. 

7. Say I love you and thank you more often. Let people know they are appreciated.

8. Be intentional. If you say you're going to do something, do it. If you want or need something, say it. Be more straightforward. This saves you some time and stress.

9. Be spontaneous. Drive an hour to surprise your best friend. Order dessert. Go out for pizza at 3am. Do crazy things and be proud of it. 

10. Appreciate your surroundings. When's the last time you star-gazed? When's the last time you stared in awe of the mountains or the shore? Cuddled your pet? Hugged your parents? Time flies and half the time we're too caught up with materialistic things we forget how lucky we are. 

-Morgan

50 Things I Love

I’d like to kick off the New Year by reflecting on 2017 and sharing 50 random things I love (in no particular order).

1. Picnics at sunset
2. Early morning walks (has to be before 7 a.m.)
3. Finishing a book (I have a bad habit of starting books and not finishing them)
4. Clinique Happy perfume
5. Planning trips
6. Collecting mugs
7. Donuts
8. The movie, Sisters
9. Spontaneous road trips
10. Black skinny jeans
11. My large, crazy, & dysfunctional family
12. Anything coconut- food, lotion, perfume, etc.
13. The song, Young Dumb and Broke
14. Crumb cakes
15. My soulmate and best friend, Carly Porter
16. Red roses
17. Ice skating
18. Mango smoothies
19. Homemade chocolate chip cookies
20. My mom
21. Black dresses
22. Shemar Moore
23. New Girl
24. Shrimp tacos
25. Iced dirty chai lattes
26. Hiking
27. Hand-written notes
28. The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks
29. Avocado & egg toast
30. Snow
31. Drive-in movie theaters
32. Evergreen trees
33. Gold jewelry
34. Laying out and watching the stars
35. Late night talks
36. Sushi
37. Jillian Michaels workout DVDs
38. Dallas Cowboys
39. Science (nerdy, I know)
40. Long drives (preferably early in the morning)
41. Musicals
42. Red lipstick
43. Glitter
44. The Color Run
45. Fluffy cats
46. The feeling of sand in my toes
47. Kayaking
48. Freshly cut wood
49. Cinnamon
50. Saying I love you

I am grateful for new beginnings in 2018. 2017 was a rough year for my family, and I am ready to put 2017 behind me and have a fresh start. I had too many great memories to count, I survived my first semester of college, gained the most wonderful friends, and discovered some new passions. 365 New Days, 365 New Chances. Make 2018 the best one yet.

-Morgan

Kayaking in Boothbay Harbor

My family has always been into outdoor activities and kayaking is no exception. Here are few memories from out kayaking experience in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. We sailed out to a small island with a beautiful view before coming back into the quaint little seaside town for lunch. The blueberry buckle at the streetside cafe was the best part. Would definitely recommend.

The blueberry buckle we had over lunch (gone in less than a minute).

Sailing in Maine

As someone who has an unhealthy obsession with navy stripes and boat shoes, it's surprising that I've never gone sailing before. But today, I had the opportunity to check off my bucket list the item that was long overdue. My family and I took an introduction to sailing lesson, spending 4 hours on a windy boat. It was a ton of fun! Also more complicated than you would think. But the best part was definitely the up-close view of the classic Maine shore.

S

Park City, Canyons

To no ones surprise, my family's spring break trip this year was yet another ski vacation. This time we visited Park City in Utah. Despite being one of the most well-known resorts, this was only our first time skiing. But definitely not the last. For its great combination of challenging terrain, diverse restaurants, and good shopping, Park City/Canyons lands a spot in my top 5 favorite ski resorts.

By far my favorite run and view from the Canons side of the resort. We were especially lucky to have skied there on the beautiful sunny day. If you look closely, you can see my brother wiped out on the side.

What's a ski vacation without the classic family picture?

Nothing like a warm frothy drink to finish a long ski day. This small coffee shop on the side of the mountain made delicious (and beautiful) cappuccinos.

On the first restaurants, we ate at and definitely my favorite over the whole trip. It was called Harvest and had a great assortment of healthy bowls, pastries, and specialty drinks. Next time I have to go back to try the golden milk.

My mom and I got the avocado toast. (Disclaimer, the one in the picture is hers because she chose to add bacon)

What I pack for Skiing

Some people absolutely hate packing and find it to be the most stressful part of travel. But for me, it's strangely uplifting. There's something about folding clothes neatly, packing toiletries into zip-lock bags, and choosing accessories to match every outfit that gives me immense joy. Rather than being exhausted, I get even more excited to travel. Since most (if not all) of my vacations are spent on snow-covered mountains, I thought I'd share what I take with me whenever I go skiing.

Navy Wrap Dress

With the weather reaching eighty degrees today, it looks like winter is finally coming to an end. I'm always sad to watch my favorite season go but luckily, there was a silver lining: getting to wear my one of my all-time favorite dresses!

Stationery Favorites

Is there an adjective that can describe the small thrill of opening a beautiful new agenda? Or the delight at the smoothness of your favorite pen as it glides across a page for the first time? Seeing the layers of unmarked paper signifying the new year, I always get giddy with the thought of filling them with colorful writing, sticky notes, and memories.

So for all of those who, like me, still prefer the pen and paper method in this digital world, I've rounded up my favorite stationery items that help keep my life (and desk) colorful and organized.

March To Do List

Can you believe we're already 3 months into the new year? I certainly can't. It seems like only yesterday I was writing down my New Years Resolutions plans. Speaking of which, it's often around this time of the year that we begin to settle into the routine of things, often times forgetting the goals and aspirations we committed ourselves to. So this month's To Do's are all about trying new things.

Healthy Snack Ideas

I've always been a passionate snacker, whether I'm at my desk doing homework, sitting through a lecture, or watching my favorite show. In fact, the first thing I do when I come home from school is make myself a small treat. I find that having something to nibble on while I complete my tasks makes them more bearable. Although I don't always choose healthy snacks, (I'm looking at you, nutella) I try to as often as I can because they give me more energy and keep me satisfied for longer. And with so many delicious options to try, why not eat healthy? Here are a few of my favorites.

February To Do List

It's that time of year again when boxes of delicately wrapped chocolates decorate the fronts of stores and red roses are sold in bunches by the dozen. Everything this time of year seems to be some shade of pink or red (including my nose) but I don't mind at all. I love February! The chilly weather lets me continue wearing my favorite winter outfits and Valentines Day gives me an excuse to bake treats. Here are some things you can enjoy, whether or not you have someone special on the 14th. 

Coffee In Carborro

Today, I had my first college alumni interview at the Grey Squirrel Coffee Company in Carrboro and I'm glad to say that it went very well! I came in not really knowing what to expect, as this was my first college interview, but I was wonderfully surprised.

Skiing in Montana

Big Sky, Montana

Every January for as long as I can remember, it's been my family's tradition to take time off school and work to go skiing. For a whole week, my parents attend medical conferences at a ski resort and my brother and I enjoy full-day ski lessons. Due to the hustle and bustle of my junior year, we were't able to go last winter. But this year, I was beyond ecstatic to return to our favorite resort for the last time before I graduate. Here are a few highlights from our trip...

January To Do List

Happy new year friends! Can you believe it's already 2017? The past year has been so busy for me with college applications and such, I've hardly noticed the time go by. While I definitely enjoyed many parts of 2016, it's also very refreshing to open my planner to a brand new page. That's what I love most about resetting the calendar—the opportunity to reflect on the past as well as plan what's to come. As they say, "New chances. Same dreams. Fresh starts." That said, here are some things to make sure to try in January!

My List

With my college applications finally coming to an close, I've started dreaming of the things I could do with my free time. So in honor of 2017 coming around the corner, I humbly present to you My List: a constantly growing compilation of things I hope/plan to do in the near future.

Dream big, friends!

FITNESS

Run a half marathon
Run  full marathon
Participate in a triathlon
Go sub 1:25 in 100 breaststroke

HEALTH

Try going vegan for 10 days
Eliminate processed foods for a month
Attend a yoga class

TRAVEL

Visit Rome
Visit London
Visit Paris
Ski at Whistler-Blackcomb
Ski in Japan
Ski with friends
Go on a cruise
Visit all 50 states

ADVENTURE

Go sailing in Maine
Ice skate on a frozen pond
Swim with dolphins
Go indoor skydiving
Join a ski team
Ski down a mountain peak
Ski down a double black diamond (out west)

SPREAD JOY

Help turtles hatch and make it to the ocean
Hand out "care-kits" to homeless people
Read books to children in the Philippines

PERSONAL

Get a dog
Get married
Live in the Northeast
Live next to a frozen pond for ice skating
Name a daughter Cadence

SKILLS

Learn to figure skate
Successfully make croissants from scratch
Create beautiful latte art
Become fluent in Spanish
Read Tagalog fluently

CAREER

Graduate from college
Graduate from medical school
Work at J. Crew
Work as a barista
Work as a mountain doctor

BLOGGING

Start a blog

Quotes to brighten your day

Hello everyone! I hope you all have been having a great week. I only wish I could say the same for myself but I've honestly been so bogged down with school work and college applications. I thought I'd share my favorite quotes for inspiration in case any of you have been having a week like mine, or if you just need some uplifting :)

December To Do's

Anyone who knows me knows I have an slight obsession with creating lists: packing lists, gift lists, shopping lists, you name it. But by far the most common has to be To Do lists. For me, there's nothing more satisfying than putting an X in a box next to a completed task. So I thought, why not create even more of them, but make them enjoyable.