Let’s be real, shopping for clothes can be pretty expensive. You walk into the mall looking for one thing and the next thing you know, you blew $200 on a pair of shoes you didn’t need. Though adding to your wardrobe can be pricey, it doesn’t have to be! Finding the right stores and the right pieces can make all the difference, and finding a good designer dupe every now and then never hurts. Whether you like to shop online or in person, the options our endless. Let’s talk a bit more about where to search for inexpensive, trendy clothes!

Forever 21

☆ Faux Leather Mule Wedges ☆ Cheetah Print Romper ☆ Tinted Cat-Eye Sunglasses ☆

This was an obvious first choice, but who doesn’t love Forever 21? I won’t lie, sometimes walking into this store gives me an instant headache; there are just so many options, and it can tend to seem all over the place. You can fix this by knowing what you’re looking for before going in! Forever 21 has pretty much anything you could want, from swimwear to dresses for a night out. Nearly everything is within a reasonable price range, and this store is a great stop if you’re looking for cute tops or jewelry to add to your collection.

Windsor 

☆ Chasing Fame Gold Star Earrings ☆ Lavender Wrap Around My Heart Dress ☆ Essential Suede Platform Heels ☆

If you’ve never been to Windsor, you’re missing out. This store is one of my favorite locations for ‘going out’ clothes. They have such a great selection of cute outfits that are perfect for parties, bars, clubs, etc. and even gowns if you’re in the market for that! The best part about Windsor is that everything is very reasonably priced, and there is almost always some sort of sale going on for shoes and accessories. If you don’t find what you’re looking for in the store, they have an even bigger selection on their website.

SheIn

☆ Fringe Trim Open Front Kimono ☆ Rib Cami Bikini Set ☆ Classic Metallic Slip on Sandals ☆

Surfing the web for clothing deals has helped me come across a lot of great online shops, and SheIn is one of them. If you regularly shop online you’ve probably heard of SheIn before, and you might even think it’s sketchy. I initially felt the same way but after ordering from them multiple times, they’ve earned my trust! One thing to be weary of is their location; they are based outside of the U.S. so depending on where you are, the delivery can be lengthy, but the customer service is great. I love SheIn for their extensive swimwear options; you can find almost any swimsuit (among other things) on this website and they’re rarely above $20!

Tobi

☆ Celia Black Satin Lace Bralette ☆ Style and Lace Black Lace Crop Top ☆ Belmont Shore Light Wash Wrap Skirt ☆

Tobi is another one of my favorite online shops when it comes to dressier clothes, but I love that they also have a great selection of loungewear. This website is super versatile (activewear, lingerie, etc.) but my favorite pieces to shop for are trendy daywear. They have tons of fun skirts, rompers, bralettes and other items of the sort, and there are constant sitewide discounts on all items. There is also a small selection of cosmetics if you want a little extra something!

These are just a few of my favorite inexpensive online and in person stores to shop at! There are so many more options out there, and no excuse not to shop!

Ever wish you could change your life with just your thoughts? It might sound far-fetched, but it’s actually very possible. If you haven’t heard of the law of attraction (LOA), I’d basically describe it as the practice of using your thoughts to attract the things you want into your life. That being said, there are a bunch of different ways to practice the LOA and make it work for you. I wanted to feature this on my blog because it’s a large part of my life, and I think everyone could use a little personal power in their lives. If you’re interested in hearing a little more about how you can make your wishes come true, keep on reading!

Vision boards

A very large part of the LOA is envisioning the changes you want to see; sometimes just our thoughts alone aren’t enough to bring our desires to life. By creating vision boards, you’re bringing your thoughts to life by making them into something physical that you can live by. I like to make a vision board for each year, and start by making a list of all the things I want to bring into my life that year. To create it, you’ll need a poster board and pictures of all of the things you want to manifest – I just print them! I also like writing encouraging words on my boards – remember to be specific! 

Believing it’s already yours

You want it? You got it. By believe what you want already belongs to you, you’re on the road to manifestation. Like I mentioned before, our thoughts hold extreme power, especially when we truly believe them. On that note, changing the way we think is important. For example, instead of thinking, ‘I wish I had a new car,’ you should be thinking ‘I’m so grateful for my new car!’ This shift in your attitude will make a huge difference. 

Gratitude 

Being thankful for what is already yours is not only great for the LOA, but all aspects of life. We can’t expect to receive more if we’re not thankful for what we already have! By being grateful for even the smallest things in life, we are opening ourselves up to accept even more. You can start this from the moment you wake up – give thanks for waking up to another beautiful day, for having a bed to sleep on and a roof over your head. Take nothing for granted, and love the life you live!

Practicing the law

Though it’s pretty easy to get a general understanding of the LOA, there is so much more to learn. Thankfully, there are a crazy amount of resources there dedicated to the practice to help you become even stronger. The perfect book to help you dive in is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. This book is widely popular and is often peoples’ first introduction to the LOA. It covers the basics such as what it really is, how to manifest, how it originated, and much more. The YouTube community is also great for research – a LOA YouTuber I love is Leeor Alexandra. She posts amazing videos about the best ways to make the law work for you, and how to improve other areas of your life as well. 

These are just some general tips about the Law of Attraction, and I encourage you to explore it even more! It’s such a life changing practice that literally anyone can utilize.

As we all know, traveling as a college student isn’t always easy. Not only are we constantly booked with school and other obligations, but saving money can be hard as well. Little things can get in the way, but that shouldn’t stop you from travelling! The world has so much to offer and with the right steps, you can go out there and enjoy it for yourself. Let’s chat a little bit about how you can still travel while saving yourself some coin!

Search for the cheapest flights

This is a pretty obvious tip, but will take you a long way. When saving money on planning trips, it’s important to be aware of when you’re booking flights. Flights that are midday or near holidays tend to be a lot more expensive, so be sure to look for early morning or late night flights. It might be a little less convenient, but will save you money nonetheless. Also be sure to check all your airline options, as some will be cheaper than others. Websites like Expedia and Google Flights are great at helping you sift through options and compare your choices.

Book a place with kitchen amenities 

You’d be surprised at the crazy amount of money we actually spend on food while traveling. I know, when you’re in a new place, it can be tempting to eat out for every meal and try out the different cuisines, but it’s not very cost effective. By booking a hotel or apartment with a kitchen, you’ll be able to go grocery shopping and cook some of your own meals, which will save you tons in the long run.

Avoid tourist traps

For most locals, spotting a tourist is pretty easy, and some businesses make take advantage of that. To get the most of your money and avoid paying more for less, do your research before traveling so you can avoid ‘touristy’ locations. In these spots that many tourists frequent, most restaurants, stores, and other businesses will bump up their prices to get an extra buck from unsuspecting visitors. Though they’re still fun to visit, try not to do much shopping or eating in these areas.

Stay outside of a city

Though staying directly in the city you’re visiting can be exciting, it’s definitely not the cheapest route to take. When booking hotels/AirBnb’s/etc., you are mostly paying for the location. For example, a hotel directly in New York City would be significantly more expensive than staying in a nearby city. Before traveling to your destination, be sure to do your research and find what nearby cities have the best transportation options, so you can easily get to your destination.

Check out free or inexpensive entertainment 

Getting to your destination can be pricey, but so is looking for activities while you’re there! Personally, that’s where most of my money goes while traveling. To avoid spending too much money on entertainment, make sure you look for free or cheap options. Trust me, there is tons to do for free no matter where you are! You can find lots of free options by looking at guides online, or even talking to locals.

Travel with snacks

I’m bringing up food again because it’s honestly so important. Like I mentioned before, eating out while traveling can get expensive, but airport food is a whole new level. If you’ve ever stepped foot in an airport, I’m sure you’re aware of how crazily overpriced everything is; who wants to spend $10 on a water bottle?! To avoid spending unnecessary money on snacks on the go, travel with your own reusable water bottle, and stay stocked on things to munch on such as granola bars, chips, trail mix, etc.

As I’ve mentioned before, I am obsessed with all things beauty, from skincare to makeup. The fun thing is that it doesn’t stop there – over the years, more and more beauty-related technology has showed itself and I’m loving trying it all out. Though some can be pricey, I believe it’s worth the investment if you’re in need of a certain service it provides. If you’re interested in exploring the beauty technology world a little more, let’s chat about some products I already adore and some I’d love to try!

Clarisonic Face Brush

I honestly can’t rave enough about my Clarisonic. If you haven’t heard of them before, they’re a line of electric face (and body) brushed designed to deeply, yet gently, exfoliate and cleanse your skin. There are tons of different models to choose from depending on what your skin needs, and you can even purchase models specifically for your body. I have the ‘Mia 2’ model and it’s designed for delicate, daily cleansing. I started using this brush when I was in high school and it helped clear up my acne tremendously. I don’t use it daily anymore, but I use it whenever my skin needs some extra attention.

LuxSmile Teeth Whitening Kit

If you’re anything like me, coffee is a daily part of your life; I can’t lie, I’m kind of a caffeine addict. The unfortunate side of our beloved beverage is the damage it does to our teeth; over time, coffee, tea, and other foods and drinks stain our teeth and leave them looking a little lack luster. This whitening kit is the perfect fix to that; my mom gifted it to me and I was instantly obsessed. I’m not too sure about the science behind it, but the kit comes with vials of whitening liquid and an LED light for your mouth that makes the magic happen. I’d highly recommend this kit to anyone who wants to give their pearly whites some TLC!

Gel Manicure Kit

When I was younger, I went through a phase where I was obsessed with nail polish. I had a crazy collection of polishes building up in my room, then I was introduced to gel polish – it changed everything for me. Though I take frequent nail salon visits, there are times where you just want to do your nails yourself to save money or time. I purchased this gel manicure kit a while back, and got tons of use out of it. It comes with an LED light, essential for ‘curing’ your polish, and a few gel polishes to start you off. The process is super easy and simple, and gives you a perfect manicure that will go weeks without chipping.

Sonicare Electric Toothbrush

Bouncing back to the topic of teeth, an electric tooth brush really is an essential. I’ve always been pretty big on oral care, but never really thought much about an electric toothbrush. After a recent trip to the dentist I was encouraged to start using one, and now I’m wondering why I didn’t start earlier. I have pretty sensitive gums and teeth, and using this brush has eased all pain and discomfort. You might be wondering why this is considered a beauty gadget, but a healthy mouth is a beautiful mouth!

Sunkissed Skincare Fridge

Though I don’t own this fridge, I sure wish I did. You’re probably wondering, ‘what in the world is a skincare fridge?!’ and I don’t blame you one bit. A skincare fridge is used for storing various skincare products such as skin creams, oils, masks, etc. Believe it or not, many skincare products are more effective and quite soothing when applied cool. This fridge is designed to keep your products chilled and ready for use.

No matter if you’re moving from a dorm or from home, moving into your first apartment is a huge and exciting milestone in anyone’s life; I’ll never forget the feeling of switching from my tiny dorm on campus to living with my best friend in my apartment. Shopping for your apartment is a whole ‘nother game – you’re gonna need a lot of new décor and appliances to keep your new place functional andtrendy. Here are a few items that I couldn’t live without, and you shouldn’t either. 

Keurig

Running on caffeine has become a daily part of my life, and my Keurig keeps me fueled. Having a coffee machine readily available in my apartment is not only super convenient, but helps me save a little money by cutting back on those Starbucks trips. I’d highly recommend any model of the Keurig to keep in your home!

Pots + Pans

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but you won’t get very far in the kitchen without them. During dorm life, I got so accustomed to not cooking, so a nice set of pots and pans was essential; get to cooking with a nice set of stainless steel pots and pans.

Plates + Bowls set

Another self-explanatory one, but these will obviously come in handy! Nice quality plates and bowls will last you years to come, and getting decorative ones can add a nice touch to your new place.

Makeup Caddy

A makeup caddy is a must-have to keep your bathroom organized. I used to keep all my makeup in a huge makeup bag, and it digging through it every day to find products drove me crazy. A caddy fixes that problem, and is cute, too!

Throw Pillows

Throw pillows spice up just about any area, from your bedroom to your living room. Playing around with the styles and colors is fun too, and can help you match your color scheme or add a pop of color.

Wall Art

Art can really take any environment from 0 to 100. I feel like your décor really sets the tone for your living space, and pulls everything together. This can range from abstract paintings, posters, mirrors, tapestries, and so much more – get creative! I love looking at Etsy and Urban Outfitters for fun and trendy pieces to spice up my home.

Essential Oil Diffuser

I am in love with my diffuser and refuse to go a night’s sleep without it. If you don’t know, a diffuser is used to spread a light mist of essential oils throughout any given room. Each essential oil has a different purpose, and you can decide which you want to use depending on how you’re feeling. It always relaxes me and seems to boost my mood!

Jewelry Holder

This is another thing that keeps me organized and overall sane. Not only is a jewelry holder perfect for keeping all your precious gems safe and organized, but also can be a cute centerpiece or nightstand accessory for your bedroom.

Bathroom Curtain + Matt

Honestly, finding a cute bathroom curtain and matt was one of my favorite things about apartment shopping. Through these 2 trusty essentials, you can create a theme or color scheme for your bathroom and make it feel homey! 

I know I’ve been doing a lot of travel related posts lately, but I can’t help it seeing as it’s summer time! Whether you’re a Florida native or just visiting, Miami is such a fun place to be. Being a South Florida girl myself and growing up just minutes away, it’s exciting atmosphere will always have a special place in my heart and I always have a blast visiting. If you get the chance to visit SoFlo, there are a few spots that I’d highly recommend stopping at for a good time. 

Wynwood Walls

If you love art and are a fan of beautiful atmospheres, Wynwood is your spot. It’s one of Miami’s art districts and the walls are covered in gorgeous graffiti-like art created by Miami’s very own artists. Wynwood is also great for photo ops, so don’t forget to take a few pictures for Instagram while you’re there! Besides the art, there are tons of fun bars, restaurants and shops to visit while you’re there. My personal favorite stop is Dasher & Crank, an ice cream shop with really unusual and unique flavors (try the Salty Beach!).

Ocean Drive

This street is the ultimate location for Miami’s nightlife. It’s located on Miami Beach (I’ll get to that soon!) and it’s a long strip of bars, restaurants and shops. This location is a blast for the 21+ crowd day or night, but I find it especially fun at night. From hookah lounges to rooftop bars, you’re guaranteed to have a good time on Ocean Drive. If you’re in need of a recommendation, check out the Clevelander; this bar is mainly outdoors and even has a pool and stage for the DJ.

Miami Beach

I couldn’t forget the beach itself! Miami Beach is definitely one of my favorite Florida beaches. It has beautiful, light sand and such a lively atmosphere. It’s perfect the perfect spot for relaxing with family or having fun with friends, and there are tons of restaurants and hotels nearby. Whether you’re renting a jet ski or just getting some sun, there’s always something to do. 

Pérez Art Museum Miami

This museum is filled with modern and contemporary art of all kinds, as well as many exhibits. I’m including a lot of art related things in this post, but Miami is so artsy, it’s hard not to. This museum is also great for education purposes, as it’s from all over the globe and most is collected from years ago. If you’re hungry, the museum also has a delicious restaurant for all your foodie needs.

Little Havana

If you’re looking for an authentic experience, Little Havana is the place to find it. It is packed with genuine Cuban culture, from the people to the food. It’s definitely an experience you don’t want to miss, especially if you’re big on food – the amount of bakeries and restaurants available will not disappoint. From the live music, dancing and culture, it’s hard not to fall in love with this place. It’s also full of history and stories that will help you understand how it came to be!

These are just a few personal favorites, but there is so much more to do! No matter where you end up exploring in Miami, have fun & safe travels!

One of my absolute favorite things to do in my free time is explore new places to eat. I am constantly searching through Instagram for food posts or asking friends for recommendations. I am currently living in Tampa, Florida where I attend school and I’ve had a blast eating my way through the city. Not only do I love food, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to love eating healthier; food that is good for both your body and your taste buds isn’t impossible to find! Here are a few restaurants that 

First Watch

I had actually never heard of First Watch until I moved to Tampa, but it can be found all over the U.S. This restaurant is the perfect brunch spot if you’re in the mood for the healthier version of a traditional breakfast. They have a great selection of delicious options such as frittatas, bowls, sandwiches (the Elevated Egg Sandwich is my fave!), and so much more. They also have a juice bar with freshly-made, delicious juices to start off your day. This restaurant has become a breakfast staple for me!

Swami Juice

Since I talked a bit about juices above, I felt it was only right to go a little more in depth. Swami Juice is my favorite juice spot located in Bayshore. Not only can you purchase freshly pressed juices that are made daily, but there is also a huge selection of smoothies and smoothie bowls, so there’s really something for everyone. I personally can’t get enough of the Sweet Treat juice. Additionally, if you’re not in the mood for liquids, you ca grab a quick snack like avocado toast or a flatbread.

Fresh Kitchen

I honestly can’t rave enough about Fresh Kitchen. Though it can be a little pricey depending on what you get, it has become one of my all-time favorite lunch spots. At this restaurant, you get to create your own bowl by picking a base, protein and vegetable. They have a range of delicious options depending on what you’re in the mood for. If you want a classic recommendation for your first visit, I would highly recommend the sweet potato noodles, parmesan broccoli, and BBQ chicken. You can also pick up a fresh juice or coffee on your way to check out!

Ciccio Cali

Ciccio Cali is another tasty bowl spot, but it’s different from the last. Instead of creating your own bowl, this restaurant has a selection of premade bowls (you can pick your base, though!), and none of them disappoint. Each bowl is different, from sweet to spicy flavors, and there are tons of vegan options. Additionally, there are also brunch options on the weekends that include wraps, bowls, and flatbreads. Before we move on to the next spot, I also have to mention that Taco Tuesday is a thing here, complete with bottomless sangria. You’re welcome.

Loving Hut

Out of all the options I’ve listed, Loving Hut is the only completely vegan restaurant. Vegan food can seem unappealing to some people that haven’t tried it, but I can assure you that this spot will give you a great experience. The atmosphere is really cozy and personable, and the food is delicious. The menu is pretty broad, and ranges from simple meals like salads all the way to vegan drumsticks. There is really something for everyone here and it’s a great opportunity to get out of your food comfort zone! If you’re looking for a quick yet satisfying bite, I recommend the buffalo cauliflower wings!

After a long school year, I think we’re all pretty excited that it’s summer; It’s finally that time to trade in our textbooks for bikinis and soak up the sun. With all the free time you might have over the summer, it can honestly be a hard time deciding how – or where – you want to spend your days. If you’ve been itching for a tropical getaway, look no further, because I have the perfect spot for you. St. Croix is located in the US Virgin Islands and is actually near and dear to my heart because it is where most of my family is from. Not only is it filled with gorgeous beaches and welcoming locals, but the atmosphere is like no other. If you need a little convincing on why you need to visit, let me help you out.

Hotel on the Cay

This hotel is home to one of my favorite beach spots in St. Croix. You don’t have to stay at the hotel to enjoy it’s beach; in fact, you can catch a boat ride over to it at almost any time of day. From its clear waters and white sands, this spot is perfect for just relaxing or enjoying a drink at the bar. 

Snorkeling

Like I said before, the water in St. Croix is so crisp and beautiful. If you wanted to explore it further than just taking a dip, there are tons of options for snorkeling services. No matter which you decide on, you will get the same wonderful experience of getting to glide through the water with the tropical marine life.

Buck Island

Buck Island is a gorgeous reef filled with flourishing coral and marine life, so this excursion is super fun and like nothing else you can find in St. Croix. Something really exciting that I actually haven’t tried there yet is wall diving! You can dive along the large Cane Bay wall and explore all the clear ocean has to offer, especially the beautiful, colorful reef. 

Mt. Pellier Hut Domino Club

This spot is really unique for one reason in specific – beer drinking pigs. Don’t worry, the beer is non-alcoholic! This little bar is tucked away in a rainforest of St. Croix; if you’re not grabbing a drink or a bite to eat, you can pay a small price to feed the resident pigs a can of beer, and watch them crush the cans open and drink it. It’s definitely a fun experience and a landmark!

Christiansted 

There are only 2 towns on the beautiful island – Christiansted & Frederiksted. Though I love and have great memories at both, I think I love Christiansted just a bit more. It’s filled with so many shopping opportunities, from jewelry shops filled with native jewelry to delicious restaurants. If you’re in the market for some local jewelry, be sure to check out Sonya Ltd. Sonya’s is the home of the classic and very popular hook bracelet that you can spot people wearing all over the world.

This is just a little taste of all the treasures that this lovely island I call home has to offer. There are so many more things to discover and enjoy on the island, and I highly encourage everyone to visit and explore for themselves! Along with all of its landmarks, it comes with an amazing history as well. If you’re interested in learning a bit more about its riveting backstory, I would highly recommend checking out Fireburn by Angela Golden Bryan. It’s a short but interesting read that will give you a bit more insight!