Five Ways to Adult Better (Part 2)

Adulting is hard and I feel like we can all use a little help in that area...so here's five MORE ways (plus an extra bonus!) to adult better and instantly feel more like you've got yourself together!

1. Actually get enough sleep.

This one can be so hard! You should really aim for that full 8 hours if you want to be on your adulting game though.

2. Wash your sheets and bedding.

Let's be honest, it's probably time.

3. Bake something yummy.

Look at you using the oven; so adult! (Bonus points if it's something seasonal.)

4. Read a book instead of watching Netflix.

Believe me, I love Netflix as much as the next person. But there really is something so cozy about curling about with a book and knowing you're expanding your mind through reading. For books suggestions, check out my miscellaneous tab for some Book Fives!

5. Sit down and actually make a budget.

The thought of creating a budget makes me want to run from the room screaming (clearly haven't mastered adulting). But it can help you out a lot in the long run and is one of the most responsible (i.e. adult) things you can do for yourself.

BONUS. Start using a night cream or anti-aging serum.

Dermatologists say that your skin can start showing signs of aging as early as your mid-twenties so why not go ahead and start giving your skin the TLC it needs?

Happy adulting! -Annie

Five Things I'm Totally Loving Right Now

HAPPY FRIDAY!
Even after Labor Day being on Monday and this being a short week, it sure felt long to me. Very happy that Friday is here and the weekend can begin! 
On this beautiful Friday, I'm bringing you five simple things that I'm totally loving right now in no particular order. Here we go!

1. Bralettes
Gahh I love them! As soon as I heard there was a trend that catered to small-chested girls I hopped right on it! Bralettes are super comfy and very easy to wear. I have a couple white or beige ones and a black one that I just love. Aerie has a great selection of high quality bralettes that won't break the bank. Plus there's typically some type of deal like buy one get one half off so that's always a bonus! This is one trend that I definitely hope sticks around for a while!

2. The Premature Pumpkin Spice Man

This Philadelphia man has made national news for his "Stop Premature Pumpkin Spicing" signs that he holds outside of Starbucks and coffee shops. He cracks me up with his dedication to his cause and I have to say, I support him. I love as pumpkin spice latte as much as the next girl, but here in North Carolina, we're still battling the upper nineties so it's still far to hot to be thinking about fall flavors.

3. Sharpie Mugs

I happen to be a bit of an accidental coffee mug collector. I didn't intend to build a collection, but there are just so many cute ones out there that I simply can't help but to purchase more. After discovering that I could make my own designs of my mugs with Sharpies, I was hooked! I followed an excellent tutorial from Destination Decoration that made the whole process super simple and fun and I loved the way my mugs turned out. I created a stencil to do the lettering and my mug has held up through multiple washings. Here's a pic of it for you to see!

4. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

You know that anything created by Tina Fey is bound to funny! I started this show out of boredom, figuring it would be nice to have in the background while I do other tasks like fold laundry or paint my nails. Boy was I wrong though! This show is hilarious and there wasn't a second of it that I wasn't glued to the screen or laughing out loud! If you're looking for a quirky, feel-good show to get hooked on, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is the way to go. Bonus: it's only two seasons so you can binge watch and finish it pretty quickly!

5. This wallpaper

Finally, I'm loving this cute wallpaper that you can download here! I'm one of those people who changes my phone/laptop wallpaper constantly because I'm always finding new things that I like. After a crummy week, it's nice to be able to look at my phone and see a cute little reminder that brightens my day!

I hope y'all have a fabulous Friday and enjoy your weekend! -Annie

Five Ways to Cut Calories & Save Money on Coffee

I LOVE GOING OUT FOR COFFEE. 
And not just because I love the taste of coffee. I love the excitement of picking which fancy sounding drink I want. I love taking in the atmosphere of quaint local coffee shops or bustling Starbucks stores. I love the experience of going out for coffee.

The problem however is that going out for coffee can get really expensive and all the calories in the beautifully designed lattes and wonderfully blended frappucinos can add up really fast!

Expenses and extra calories won't keep me from treating myself though!

Instead of avoiding something I love so much, I have compiled a brief list of ways to cut down on costs and cut a few calorie corners when treating myself to specialty coffee. Hopefully these will help you too!

1. Always ask for light ice when ordering iced coffee drinks.
I love iced drinks but I absolutely can't stand it when I order an iced vanilla latte and end up with a cup full of ice topped with two small sips of latte. I feel like I've paid $5 just for a cup full of ice! A good way to make sure you actually get a decent amount of coffee is to ask for light ice. Typically when I ask for light ice, baristas fill my cup about a quarter or a third of the way up with ice (rather than a half or more) and there's more room for coffee in there! Bonus: you're drink doesn't get as watery from all that ice melting. Light ice = more coffee for the price. (You can hum that little jingle to yourself next time you're in line at Starbucks. You're welcome.)

2. Try flavored coffee rather than a flavored latte to save yourself a few calories.
If you're a sucker for a vanilla latte (unashamedly raises hand) then you probably won't want to hear that a grande vanilla latte from Starbucks can have around 290 calories and 11 grams of fat (sadly lowers hand). However, asking instead for just a vanilla coffee and then adding milk or half and half to it on your own (it's almost always provided in stores near the sugar) can bring your drink down to about just 10 calories + however many calories and grams of fat is in the milk you choose. Not only can you avoid extra calories by doing this, but you can also save yourself some money since lattes are typically a good bit more expensive than regular brew.

3. If you're treating yourself to a frappuccino, don't treat yourself to whipped cream.
Every now and then I get the major craving for a Java Chip Frappuccino and all it's sugary, frosty goodness. However, I have made the compromise with myself that if I get the extra sugary (and extra delicious) drink, that I'll forgo the whipped cream that comes on top. Saying no to whipped cream can spare you between 12 and 24 calories and about 2 grams of fat, which doesn't sound like much, but if you're a regular Starbucks goer, then it can really add up! Plus you can still ask for the yummy chocolate or caramel drizzle even if you don't get whipped cream. I've also realized that when my cup isn't topped with whipped cream, I typically get a little more coffee than I would if I'd asked for whipped cream because there is leftover room in the cup!

4. If you're getting coffee to go, bring your own travel mug.
My friends on campus laugh at me for doing this one sometimes, but oh well. Most coffee shops provide a discount ranging from $0.10 to $0.25 on your coffee if you bring your own cup for them to put it in. Not only does this get you a discount, but it's also good for the environment because you're producing less waste! The discount is small, but it can add up!

5. Take advantage of refill policies.
Depending on how long you're planning on staying at your coffee destination, you may be able to take advantage of their refill policy. For example, I know Starbucks offers a $0.50 refill on any size of hot or iced coffee and hot or iced tea. Even if your drink was a specialty drink, you can ask for a refill and just fill it with hot or iced coffee or hot or iced tea. It never hurts to ask about the refill policy at whatever coffee shop you're at because sometimes one cup just doesn't cut it!

This was my delicious vanilla latte from Benelux Coffee here in Raleigh.

If you have any additional coffee tips, let me know in the comments below! -Annie

Five Ways to Adult Better (Part 1)

Adulting: acting like an adult or engaging in activities usually associated with adulthood—often responsible or boring tasks.

Looking to master the art of adulting? Here's 11 things you can do to instantly feel like you've got a handle on your emerging adult life.

1. Floss your teeth. 

Literally what's more adult than getting into the habit of flossing?

2. Plant something.

There's just something highly adult about being able to care for and keep something alive. Plus succulents are so in right now and they're super low maintenance. Double win!

3. Paint your nails.

Classy, taken care of nails make you look much more put together.

4. Take just 5 minutes to clean up any clutter or clothes laying around.

It's easier to be productive in a clutter-free environment and productivity = major adulting win.

5. Light a nice smelling candle.

You know who's allowed to use matches? Adults.

What are some adulting tips that have? Have you had any major adulting moments/breakthroughs lately? Let me know in the comments below! :) -Annie