DIY for Your Next 3-Day Weekend

Since my 3-day MLK Day weekend consisted of me and my boyfriend laying around and watching the playoffs, I thought I'd share some of the projects that I hope to soon get accomplished.

1. DIY 3-Strap Bra
First on the list is this DIY 3-Strap Bra that I was directed to from Buzzfeed, but the tutorial is found at http://whatido.com/posts/diy-3-strap-bra. This look is awesome paired with an open-back shirt and prevents the necessity of a very uncomfortable and a not-so-sticky sticky bra.

The look does require a bit of sewing which although I cannot sew, it is a challenge I am willing to take. This is what the finished project looks like with an open-back shirt and you can pick any color for the straps. Definitely on my to-do list.

2. 10 DIY Ways to Brighten Up Winter

If you're like me and don't get along to well in the cold, this one's for you. On my daily surfing of Buzzfeed, I came across this article http://www.buzzfeed.com/kollabora/ways-to-brighten-up-winter. Although winter here in Virginia has been a bit bipolar, when it is bitterly cold, I don't have much motivation to leave my room. But since that is necessary, these tips are very helpful. These tips are to make you happier and brighter which leads you to tricking yourself that it is pleasant outside but I'd have to agree that "8. Add some dots..." is a good way to look at the bright side of winter. 

3. Be organized! It's 2014!

Since we've just started a new year (although I can't believe that January's almost over), everyone likes to start the new year off right. Another Buzzfeed article (I know, I'm the Buzzfeed queen) incorporates cute DIY projects with things you'll actually use to keep yourself organized and sane that you can find at http://www.buzzfeed.com/kollabora/ways-to-get-organized-in-2014. I can't pick a favorite from this article because every one of these things I would LOVE to do, but I have to add this picture because it fits me perfectly.

Never be ashamed for making lists because they are life saving! I make lists for everything and they keep me extremely organized and my life in check. Organization is the key to happiness.

4. DIY Gold Mug

Okay, last one for the day. I originally found this on Pinterest and it lead me to this website (http://www.handmadecharlotte.com/7-diy-projects-gilded-table/#more-37023) and all of these projects are so cool but especially the DIY Gold Mug. I bought myself 3 plain, white mugs so that I could do this project although finding a gold Sharpie is a bigger challenge than I originally thought. But writing anything on a mug looks awesome and homemade and makes an awesome gift. 

Also, it's so easy because you can free-hand it or use tape to make geometrical shapes. So why not try it? Makes giving a gift more special.

So in conclusion (wanted to sound fancy), these are awesome projects that you can do in your free time that make you feel productive and have amazing final results.

With love, 

Bailey

xoxo

Today's Life Lessons

The first day back at classes at JMU has taught me the syllabi of three very different subjects but I was also reminded of a life lesson that I am hopefully really learning this time.

It has taken me so many times to learn the thought of the day: "BE CAREFUL WHO YOU TRUST" but I'm hoping that now I've got it.

Making true friends is hard no matter what stage you are in life because things happen so unexpectedly but know a person's tendencies to share information is key. I'm not saying that you shouldn't trust people because I am a very trusting and honest person (this is probably why it's taken me so long to learn this) but it is definitely necessary to be careful. Now don't get me wrong, trust is a good thing. Trust is very important in every relationship that you have. But being cautious is also a key phrase in this post.

I've also learned today that every second breath you take comes from the ocean thanks to my oceanography teacher, Dr. Whitmeyer, as well as that the Romantic period was one of the shortest literature eras thanks to my English teacher, Dr. White. If only they taught a class on life lessons that one could learn without having to experience it but I've been told times before and it's just not starting to stick.

Now don't get me wrong, trust is a good thing. Trust is very important in every relationship that you have.

All in all, a new semester of classes leads to a new window of opportunity and that is always something to be optimistic about.

With love,
Bailey
xoxo

2014 Resolutions

As 2014 begins, I've decided that beginning a blog is a good way to share my thoughts and inspiration with others. The name of my blog, Crisp in the Fall, comes from an F. Scott Fitzgerald quote that I have seen in many places but most frequently my Pinterest that reads, "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall."

F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of my personal favorite authors and my favorite season, like many girls, is fall. Fitzgerald uses beautiful words to evoke many thoughts and feelings and fall is a beautiful season with its colors and overall good feeling. 

This year the goal is to see the beauty in everything. Everything happens for a reason and beauty stands in the eye of the beholder (cliche, I know) but being optimistic creates a whole new attitude in life. This not only leads me to want to be optimistic but also to take every opportunity I can get here at JMU. I want to be more involved at JMU and in Phi Mu so that I can make the most of my college experience so this year I want to be invested in everything I do and be the best I can be. 

Other goals of the New Year:

• Get in better shape and work out. I want my body to be in the best condition possible and it'll also make me feel great to stay in shape and not gain weight from the food at JMU that I'll mention is #2 in the country according to the Princeton Review.
• To get all A's in my classes. Although this will be tough because yes, I am in college, I hope that with hard work and time management I can get the good grades I desire.
• Spend time with the people around me. With 2013 bringing me not only new friends at JMU, I now have 210 new sorority sisters that I want to get close with. I no longer want to put off spending time with people and say that I'll do it later. I must live in the now in 2014.

So 2014 brings me new resolutions and a new blog. I hope you all have good luck with your resolutions like I hope to have with mine.

With love, 

Bailey 

xoxo