Back-to-School Organization

      I am super EXCITED about writing this post because I love organizing for school. However, this will be my first year not going back to school (so it's a little weird for me). I really believe that staying organized can help you excel during stressful times. I wanted to share some tips that helped me survive college and law school:

 Organizational Tips:
(1) Write it Down: Invest in an agenda or planner. So maybe you didn't need an agenda in high school but for college or grad school.... it is a MUST. Studies suggest that if you write it down, you are more likely to remember it. It also makes you feel really accomplished when you can check it off in your agenda. Sometimes if I have a big deadline for an important paper or test, I'll even write in "days till.." so I can make sure I don't fall behind. (Prevents procrastination). I also love to look back at my old agendas a few years later and see "Evan's Graduation" or "3 Weeks till our Wedding!". It's so fun to see what I was doing each day. Anyway, here are a few planners that I love:

• Ban.do: This is my current favorite and the one I am using for the next year. I love how the agenda is small and can easily be tossed in a bag or purse. This agenda has a monthly overview and a week-by-week overview. It even has little random holidays, so you won't miss "National Donut Day" or "National Coffee Day". This agenda even comes with cute stickers to give your agenda a little love on those special days. The Ban.do agenda is the lowest priced which is perfect for all those college girls on a budget. ($20)
• Lilly Pulitzer: I used the Lilly Pulitzer agenda all through college and law school. The Lilly Pulitzer agenda has super cute patterns that are released each year in August. The agenda also has a monthly overview and week-by-week overview. The Lilly Pulitzer planner is a tad bigger and they even have a jumbo agenda if you prefer a large agenda. Lilly Pulitzer agendas also come with stickers to add some fun! ($30)
• Kate Spade: Kate Spade agendas are also out for purchase. These agendas are a little more conservative in color and decor. If you tend to not need color or stickers... this planner is for you. It has the same features as the calendar but with less fluff. These agendas lean more into the sophisticated realm. ($30) 

(2) Color Coordinate Highlighting: This is something I started while in law school (because I had so much work and extracurriculars). Basically, I make it easy to quickly skim my agenda and see what's happening for the week. I use one highlighter color to each represent work, exams/reviews, fun activities, and practice or chapter meetings. So for me... pink is work, blue is exams/reviews, orange is fun activities, and purple is practice or chapter. It seems silly but it keeps me focused on what I have each day. I can easily look and say ok on Wednesday I have a review and work. This also gives me a chance to see what additional things I have to do each day on top of my school work.

(3) Super Important= Sticky Note: If i have something extremely important to do that I haven't gotten around too, I write it on a sticky note. I put the sticky not on the corner of my laptop. I use this for important things like "Reply to Professor Smith's Email", "Go by and pick up Midterm at 4pm" or "Submit Quiz by 11pm". I use this to remind me again that something must be done. E-mailing professors back in a timely manner is a great way to ensure success and show that you do care about your class. Side note, I used like a million sticky notes during law school. I wish I used this trick more in college!

(4) Storage Space: Buy something to store your books in! Whether that it a book shelf or container, it is crucial when you live in a dorm. I bought a really cute storage piece that is an ottoman and storage. I bought it at Staples for under $30. I used it to prop my legs up on long study days and for storage or notebooks, books, etc. This is an easy way to prevent your books from being everywhere and scattered. My storage ottoman was a life saver. You always feel more prepared if your desk or room isn't covered in books and papers.

(5) Buy Extra Supplies: Always buy a few extra items that are not on your "list" such as folders and notebooks. Just one or two extra of each is so helpful because at some point you're saying " I need something to put all these lab sheets in?!" and voila... you have an extra. I hit this point at least twice in the semester. I have all these random handouts stuck in a notebook and I end up using an extra folder to stay organized. This little trick can help ensure that you have everything in one spot in case you need to go back and review it.

I hope these tips were helpful as you begin your new school year! Stay organized and success will follow! If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to me at diamondsonhersoul@gmail.com. Good Luck!

[2017 Agenda]: Ban.do, [M Notebook]: Kate Spade, [Fierce Notebook]:  Paper Destiny [Glitter Pen]: Swavorksi, [Jean Jacket]: Gap, [Necklace and Cross Ring]: BaubleBar, [Watch]: Apple [Romper]: Francescas, [Shoes]: Toms

**Ban.do, Lilly Pulitzer, and Kate Spade Agendas are linked in photos above (even if item is not shown in photo). 

Summer or Fall?

     Can you believe fall is right around the corner?  Almost time for cozy sweaters, boots, and scarfs. Today's post is to help ease some pieces into your wardrobe that you can wear now and when fall hits. Here in North Carolina, it has been a very HOT summer! We are still in the 90's! However, in a few weeks...that will start to change. This past week, I went shopping (caught the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale) and noticed everything out in stores were fall pieces even though it's 90 degrees outside. I'm so tempted to buy fall items and wear them immediately. That's when I thought of this blog post!
     I remember in college I would walk to class and be freezing and by the time I left class it was 80 degrees out (and I looked ridiculous in my sweater and scarf). So today's post is how to buy items for now and later. This top is perfect for the now and later. Side note: the back is so adorable!! The top is linked in all pictures. For a summer look, I can pair it several ways. Like pictured here, I pair it with white pants for a polished look for dinner. However, on a more casual day, I pair it with distressed jean shorts. For fall, pair the top with dark denim or leggings. This top can easily be worn with a faux fur vest for a more chic look.  So here are a few summer/fall in-between tips:

(1) Pair a Long Sleeve Shirt with Shorts: I love bell-sleeved tops or embroidered tops to pair with your favorite pair of jean shorts. The look is so complementary. I can grab cute sandals for a quick errand or wedges for a more polished look. You can still beat the heat and bring in some of those fall pieces you've been dying to wear. This is currently my outfit of choice.

(2) Wear White Pants: Okay, so I still believe in not wearing white after Labor day. I'm a southern girl at heart and that's how I was raised. I'm working on it (so maybe sometime in the future I may wear white after labor day). However, pair those cute fall tops with white jeans. This look is perfect for dinner. I pair with some cute wedges or heels and I'm ready to go.

(3) Open-toe Booties: Open-toe booties are so in style right now! They are so adorable for this in-between weather. You can pair with both looks mentioned above. Likewise, these adorable booties will pair well with dresses for work or church. This look can continue late in the fall. These are an essential wardrobe piece for this fall.

I hope these tips helped you transition from summer to fall! Good luck to everyone starting school this week! Next week, I'll be sharing some organizational tips for students. Have a great weekend!

[Top]: Altar'd State, [Pants]: Just Black [Necklace]: Stella & Dot [Earrings]: Kendra Scott, [Wedges]: Reddress Boutique, [Bracelets}: David Yurman & Fabrik 

** Follow me on instagram @themeganwhite for more pictures. Likewise, follow me by email. Add your email on the home screen for posts straight to your inbox. 

Give 'em the Cold Shoulder

   

      Still itching for a beach trip? This adorable romper is perfect for that last minute beach trip. I spent the weekend in Hilton Head Island. We went to the beach and enjoyed some pool time. We took our girl, for a walk alongside the beach. On our walk, I wore this adorable blue and purple romper.  Although the weather is still pretty hot, this romper is comfortable and cool. The "cold shoulder" adds great detail and a feminine touch. The romper is versatile and can easily be worn into fall by adding a blue jean jacket.
     This romper is also great for college students. The romper is $25 from Target (we all know how quickly money goes during school). I remember those days of walking from one class to another across campus. The long walk often requires comfortable shoes. This romper can be worn with cute sandals or even converse sneakers.
     I hope everyone has a wonderful and productive week!

[Romper]: Target, [Shoes]: Tory Burch, [Sunglasses]: Ray Bans, [Necklace & Earrings]: Kendra Scott, [Short Necklace]: Stella & Dot, [Cross-Ring]: BaubleBar, [Bracelets]: David Yurman

   

Summer Disney Trip Recap

After a weeklong "surprise" vacation in Disney World, I am back to blogging. I love to share my trip details with ya'll, so I hope you don't mind. I get lots of questions of do's and do not's for Disney, so I enjoy sharing what we did so you can better plan your vacation. This trip was kind of a surprise and wasn't planned until last minute (which some of the best trips are). However, we fit in a lot of celebrating in during a week. My parents celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary (Wow!) and then my mom's birthday. Also, little disclaimer... please excuse some of the photos. My camera decided to not corporate for most of the trip. I believe I have it fixed now for the future. Fingers crossed.

Where We Stayed
During this trip, we stayed at the Fort Wilderness Campground located near Magic Kingdom. Fort Wilderness is a beautiful nature preserve located on Bay Lake. Fort Wilderness has both camping areas and cabins. During our trip, we biked around Fort Wilderness. Talk about burning calories. While we biked we had the opportunity to see all kinds of animals like deer, rabbits, and birds. I really felt like a real Disney princess (even though they didn't talk to me). Fort Wilderness has a pool, miles of walking/biking, horseback riding, fishing, canoes, boating, beaches, and much more. Fort Wilderness is on Disney property and is considered a "Magic Kingdom" resort (because it is so close to Magic Kingdom). You can even watch Magic Kingdom's fireworks from the beach every night.

(Main Street Confectionary) 

(Beach Club)

Where We Ate
Disney Resorts have some of the best food! For my parents' anniversary, we ate at Cape May Cafe. Cape May Cafe is located at the Beach Club near Epcot. Cape May offers seafood but has other options for kids or adults who aren't seafood fans. I love crab legs, so it's always a favorite. For my mom's birthday, we ate at the Yachtsman Steakhouse. My parents love this restaurant because it offers  the best steak. I'm not a steak person but I always love the chicken and dessert. The Yachtsman is more upscale than Cape May Cafe but both are delicious. Make sure to check them out on your next trip.

(Do you spy the Mad Hatter in the background?)

(Kimono: Francescas, Tank: Gap, Shorts: Gap, Necklace: Francescas, Sunglasses: Ray Bans)

(Colorful Bracelets: ShopMelvin, Silver Bracelets: David Yurman, Cross-Ring: BaubleBar)

What I Wore
First of all, kudos to all you Florida bloggers. I have no idea how you make your hair look perfect and can wear anything other than a tank top. During our trip it was around 100 degrees. Excuse the crazy hair.  It's also Disney where you walk around 6 miles a day. So for comfort, I recently purchased these shoes. They are from a company called Bibbidi Bobbidi Bling. They have disney inspired sneakers to complete your Disney look. I am wearing the "White Rabbit". I ordered my mom the  "Wishes" sneakers for her birthday. She is obsessed. Currently, all "Wonderland" sneakers are on sale. Make sure you check it out.  Also, one of my favorite shops, Pretty Little Monograms, has the cutest Disney tees and tanks. So cute for working out or heading to the park. Pretty Little Monograms also offers a variety of other monogrammed items if you aren't a Disney person. My mom and I are wearing the "Home" tanks.

(Top & Bottom: Target)

What We Did
Disney offers so many attractions and are making so many great changes. For a family who goes a few times a year and are annual pass holders, we always find something new to do. First, we saw "The Jungle Book Alive" at Animal Kingdom. The show was beautifully done. It includes Indian dancers, waters, and lasers. If you have kids, this is perfect. However, it will only be in Disney for a limited time. We also did the Safari at Night (go around sunset or it will get too dark). Many of the animals that are low-key during the day were more active. We saw the lions, cheetahs, and even the rhinos were moving more than usual. They must dislike the hot weather too. Finally, if you are going before October-catch the Electrical Parade in Magic Kingdom. The Electrical Parade will be moving out around October.

(Shorts: OneTeaspoon, Hat: Dicks Sporting Goods, Tank: Disney Store)

I hope you all enjoyed the Disney Recap. We will be heading back in October for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. We have so many adventures coming up including Hawaii and Mexico. Stay tuned for more fashion and lifestyle posts. Have a wonderful week!