2016 Summer Bucket List!

Have I told you how much I love summer? Here's a little list of 30 things I hope accomplish in the next few months (and I'll cross them off as I go) :)

• Go to an outdoor concert   Ellie Goulding; Keith Urban
• Attend a Wedding  Yay Corey and Sarah! 
• Go to a Royals Game
• Lots of pool days
• Do more yoga
• Paint the Starry Night
• Read more books
• Watch Fireworks
• Eat a snow cone 
• Watch a sunrise
• Have a picnic  Took my favorite kiddos to the park
• Have a BBQ with friends
• Sit by a fire
• Have a dance party
• Stop worrying so much
• Do some fun DIY projects
• Go see a new movie Me Before You
• Stargaze
• Rock a new outfit
• Be more spontaneous
• Play in the rain
• Go hiking
• Play on a playground
• Learn a new song on the piano
• Go to a drive-in
• Release a paper lantern
• Second cartilage piercing? 
• Get a passport
• Update resume
• Post more!

What do you want to do this summer??

Dear Semester Finale

Spring is one of my favorite seasons.  While my allergies may hate it, I just love seeing everything bloom, and life return to the world after a cold winter.  The air always seems fresher, the sun brighter, and Abbi happier ;) Spring break, however, is always such a tease.  A relaxing week off is just what I needed, and while it has been mostly that, my mind is a little cluttered.  I am on the downhill slope of finishing my first year of college, and boy has time flown by. It seems like yesterday we were moving in, settling into our new ways, and starting our new journey. I am now six weeks away from moving back home for the summer, with still so much stuff that needs to be done with school before then. I feel like I am running out of time! I need to finish the semester strong, but I can't stop dreaming of those summer days! If you're like me, you may be struggling to find that little burst of motivation to get you through, because I am definitely lacking this. So here are a few of my tips to productivity. Let's get motivated together!

1) Take advantage of those sunny days! I always find myself more productive on nicer days (as opposed to rainy ones when I never want to leave my bed).  It is easier for me to get up and moving when the sun is shining, and I tend to get a lot done in a shorter amount of time so that I get a chance to get outside and enjoy the weather! I also like to sit outside and do homework, because its just much more pleasant :)

2) Sleep. Rest is important people.  You may feel like you are running out of time, I feel it too, but you will be so much more productive after a full night of sleep than you will after trying to pull all nighters. Trust me, it is not worth it.  Get your Z's.

3) Make lists. I am a list girl. I make To-Do lists every single day.  I like to take things one-step at a time, so I make a list for today and I do not think about tomorrow until I get through my list for today. I sometimes even have several sets of lists: I'll have my over-all list, and then I will have sub-lists (a list for what needs to be done in studio, a list for my other classes, a list for the gym, etc.) Don't get overwhelmed! You do not have to go list-crazy like I do! But writing down what you need to do each day and then checking them off as you go can be super helpful!

4) Take care of yourself. This falls in with getting plenty of rest.  Lots of us have tendencies to sacrifice our health when it comes to school.  It really is a simple fix though.  Take time to exercise. Fuel your body with good foods.  Take breaks.  Only you know your body's needs, so make time to take care of it. You will feel so much better if you do.

5) Kiss your technology goodbye. Don't worry, not forever.  I am the queen of checking my phone while I'm supposed to be studying (ask my roommate), and then spending the next hour and a half reading articles about who even knows what.  Put it on airplane mode, leave it in your room, whatever it is you need to do. Remember my post about being fully present in whatever you're doing? Try being fully present during your study time.  I bet you'll retain a lot more.

6) Reward yourself.  You know as well as I do that we cannot be productive all the time. It's just not possible.  So reward yourself! Maybe you can watch one episode of whatever your heart desires after each hour of studying. Personally, I try to get as much done in studio each week so that I can take Saturday's off to be with friends.  Whatever it is you need to do, just be sure you get right back to work afterwards!

8) Use a planner.  I loooooove my planner! Similar to making lists, use your planner to keep track of what you need to do this day, this week, this month, etc.  Write down everything in your planner. It will keep you organized and on track.  If you don't have one, get one, and once you do, USE IT!

Just remember, you are in control of your future.  Work hard, strive for success, but remember to breathe.  Do not sacrifice your health and well-being, and do not sacrifice your happiness.  Just six short weeks until summer, finish strong. You got this!

Here's to a productive end to the semester!

Yours Truly,
Pantless Sunday's



 

Tips to a Successful 2016!

It's almost that time! We are ready to be refreshed, to start with a clean slate.  2016 is going to be the best year yet! That is what we're all thinking right? It's what we all think every December is it not? So why do we often fail to succeed? More often than not, it is because we are not approaching our goals in the right way.  Today I am sharing 5 tips to creating your perfect New Year's Resolutions.

1.) Be realistic
This year I'm going to eat healthy every single day, I am giving up ice-cream and cookies forever. Yeah.  You spit lies.  One of the biggest reasons that New Year's Resolutions fail is because they are not realistic.  The minute you eat an oreo you have broken your resolution, feel like a failure, and give up.  Try to be realistic, it is incredibly important.

2.) Be Specific
This is especially important when it comes to holding yourself accountable.  I am going to be happy. ...okay? This is too vague. Be more specific. But Abbi! That's what I want! To be happy! If that is as specific as you can get, then you need to specify the steps you will take to achieve this.  For example, I am going to be happy by finding the best in every situation, and taking more time for myself when I need it. If you are too vague it is very easy to say well I was happy on Wednesday right? That counts right? WRONG! Be specific with your goals!

3.) Understand Goals vs. Bucketlist
Often times people find themselves failing because they are putting "Bucketlist items" on their list of resolutions.  Skydiving is not a New Years Resolution.  If you find yourself coming up with things like this, consider making two lists.  One for goals (the object of a person's ambition; directed towards bettering yourself) and a separate Bucketlist (experiences you want to achieve).

4.) Be Concise 
My list usually has a hundred things on it.  A long list breaks rule number one because it simply is not realistic.  If there are more than 10 things you want to achieve this year, try and fit them into categories.  This is not the only time you can set goals this year.  Try to find 3 or 4 very important ones, and then you can set new goals as the year goes on.  Think short but powerful.

5.) Write them Down
This is crucial if you're like me! I have a tendency to say one thing in my head, and then manipulate it to fit certain situations.  If I say I'm giving up chocolate, then I eat m&m's, I tell myself it's okay, because I'm only giving up chocolate bars.  That's logical right? No.  Write them down, that way they cannot be manipulated!

So these are my tips for keeping your goals! Just remember, if its something you really want, you do have the power to achieve it.  Keep your chin up, eyes on the prize.  And if you mess up? Congrats, you're human! Just start back up the next day! We all have the power to be the people we dream about being! The only way to get there is to start!

What are your New Year's Resolutions? How do you stay on top of them?

10 Songs to Boost Your Mood

Music is magical people.  I'm serious.  It never fails to change my mood.  The music I typically listen to everyday is not mainstream, but every once in a while I get into a mood where I just need some happy jams, and I switch it up for a day.  So let's not confuse this list as one of my favorite songs, they aren't necessarily my favorite, but they never fail to make me smile.  So whether you're having a solo dance party in an empty house, or cruising back roads with the windows down, sometimes you really just need to belt out lyrics like no other, and these are some of the songs I choose in those moments.



1. Cecilia and the Satellite - Andrew McMahon In the Wilderness
This is my favorite one at the moment.  I listen to it when I get ready in the mornings.  I'm really not sure why, but it always lightens my mood and makes me want to really live a little!

2. Marvin Gaye - Charlie Puth
This is just a great song to blast and sing your little heart out.  It just makes you feel good!

3. John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16
You know, the John song

4. Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon
Funny story about this one; for the most part, this list will change within the next few months. My "happy songs" come in phases. (Don't worry I'll keep you guys updated ) This song came out towards the end of my senior year of high school and I instantly loved it.  It is one of the only songs that has stuck around for this long, and it still has yet to get old! One of my favorite dance songs!

5. Summer Girl - Leighton Meester
If you haven't heard this one girls, listen to it.  Now.  It is such a feel good song, it makes me feel very empowered.

6. Sweet Serendipity - Lee DeWyze
Another confidence booster.  This is one that definitely makes me feel like I can do absolutely anything.

7. Boomerang - The Summer Set
Check out this band, a lot of their songs are fun! This is just one of my favorites :)

8. Best Day of My Life - American Authors
Really no explanation needed, the title says it all.

9. Dancing Queen - Abba
I was a dancer for 15+ years.  This has always been such a fitting song for me, and come on, we're all dancing queens at heart aren't we?

10. Beautiful Day - Michael Buble
This was my alarm the entire summer before junior year, and nothing could've started the day on a better note.

So these are my ten go-to's at the moment!
What are some of your favorite "Happy Songs"?

A List of Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving y'all! I hope everyone had a fantastic day.  I know I did! I realized today that I have SO many blessings, way too many to list them all. I condensed my list to only 25 of my favorites to share with you guys! I hope when you read this you can think of all the wonderful things that you have in your life, and take some time to remember how blessed you are!

So here we go.  Today I am SO thankful for:

• My puppies and their unconditional love
• My parents and grandparents for being my biggest supporters
• Music for so many reasons
• Dance for being my escape 
• My wonderful roomie, and (not)roomie, for being such a joy to live with
• My sister for never leaving my side
• My faith for getting me through tough times
• My best friends for making life a million times more enjoyable
• My education particularly design school at the U of A :)
• My soulmate wherever you may be, you will one day be very important
• My many talents that I use everyday
• Long hair although a pain to maintain, it makes me happy
• Fuzzy socks because they are perfect and you can never have too many
• Earth and all of its hidden beauties
• Peanut butter for being enjoyable on a spoon at all hours of the day (or night)
• All 5 senses for allowing me to fully enjoy my surroundings  
• Sunshine and blue skies no reason needed
• Green tea preferably hot with a tbs of honey! (but iced is amazing too)
• My health physical and mental
• Emotions because they remind me of all that I have (even the bad ones)
• Cute Boys I mean they're fun to look at right?
• Cell Phones because I would probably actually really die without it
• Everyone reading this blog although its not many, I very truly appreciate it
• My ambitions in life and my strong determination to achieve the unthinkable
• My bed for being one of the greatest places on earth

What are you most thankful for?

8 Ways to Bounce Back!

This past weekend, my wonderful mother and sister came down to celebrate my birthday with me. We had a great time! When it came time to say goodbye Sunday morning, even though I have said it many times before, I still struggled a little bit.  They just never get any easier.  So they left, and I was alone, and it was Sunday, and I was sad.  I know we all have those days when we're feeling a little down, so I have compiled 8 of my favorite tips to being your most resilient self!

1. Get it out
As quickly as possible, get it all out.  Any anger, sadness, stress, etc. However you deal, do it.  For me this is usually crying.  Set a timer, only allow yourself a brief period, an hour at max.  Lay in bed, play on your phone, cry, do whatever you need to do.  Just get it all out. And then move on.

2. Take a shower
Or bubble bath! Just get clean! I always feel so  much more refreshed and ready to start anew once I have bathed.  So take a shower (or bath), and spend a few extra minutes just enjoying the hot water.  Take some deep breaths.  Do not get out until you're good and ready.  (okay but do not stay in there all day, lets be reasonable people)

3. Turn on some music
Music is magical! Turn on some happy songs (I'll be posting some ideas in a few days).  Have a solo dance party, it helps.  It doesn't matter how silly you feel, always dance it out.  Or, if music isn't your thing, turn on the TV.  Just have some noise in the background to lighten your mood.  Silence can be deadly when you're sad.

4. Do a little extra pampering
Just one little extra thing to make yourself feel good.  Whether it be exfoliating, moisturizing, painting your nails, curling your hair, I don't care.  Do one thing to beautify yourself.  Look good, feel good!

5. BE PRODUCTIVE
This step is crucial.  You need to find something to do, do NOT crawl back into that bed! Do some homework, clean up a little, check some things off your To-Do list, just DO SOMETHING! Being productive will keep your mind off of whatever has you feeling down, and will make you feel better in the long run, because look at all the stuff you got done!

6. Call a friend
If you are finding that being alone is the problem, call a friend.  Sometimes you just need to talk.  Be careful choosing who you talk to though, some people (although they don't mean to) will only add to your stress.  So find someone loving, call them, sometimes just talking can help you realize that everything is really okay.

7. Get some sun
As little as it may seem, sunshine has a serious effect on your mood.  So open the curtains, let all the light in that you can.  Even better, get outside! Some fresh air can really do you good as well! Just get some sunshine.  As much as you can!

8. SMILE :D
Yes, just smile.  I don't care if you don't want to.  Fake it 'til you make it, right? The more you smile, the more you can convince yourself that you really are happy.  So, I know you don't want to, but try to smile.

Always remember, tomorrow is a new day.  This (whatever it is) hurts right now, but it will not hurt forever. You are strong, and you are capable.  Just keep that in mind :)

What are some of the things you do to better a bad day?  

19 for Nineteen

Hello! Today is my 19th birthday, and it has been an amazing day! To add to yesterday's post, I have made a list of new goals, 19 things I want to achieve in my nineteenth year! Some are long term, others are rather simple, and some are just bucket list items that I hope to check off before my twenties.  By the way, have you tried something new yet this week?

1. Adjust the attitude
I definitely do not think I have an attitude problem, but I have my pessimistic days (don't we all).  So I just want to have these days less often.  Attitude is everything, and the better the attitude, the better the day!

2. Do more reading
I love to read, getting lost in a book is one of my favorite things.  I just do not have time for it anymore.  I'm going to make time, even if its just a few minutes a day, or a few days a week. Reading is good for the mind.  We should all do it more.

3. Say "Yes"
Be more spontaneous! Mom may not love this one, but I do.  I do not want to look back on college and remember nothing but the countless hours I spent laboring over projects and assignments.  I do think school is important, and it should be a top priority... most of the time.  I want to look back and remember the nights I spent laughing with my girlfriends, cheering on my hogs, and shaking my little booty like its my job! So rather than saying "no" to every fun event that comes my way, I'm going to say "yes" and say it often.  More often than not I end up really enjoying the times I decide to go out and live a little.

4. Stay on top of things
While I do want to live my life, it will be easier to do if I'm not stressed out about the pile of work waiting for me when I return home.  I want to get on top of everything: assignments, projects, this blog, etc.  Less TV, more productivity.  It's that simple.

5. Put Down that dang phone
It is taking over, I admit it.  My cell phone is always in my hand.  I am constantly checking social media, texting, snapchatting, yik-yaking, you name it, I'm probably doing it.  Talk about a time-waster! I wrote a research paper my senior year of high school about how cell phones are taking over, and I am a poster-child for how true that statement rings.  So I'm going to put it down more, to not only be more productive, but to enjoy the real world around me a little bit more.

6. Keep Blogging
I am the queen of starting projects and giving up.  Not this time! Blogging is something I have tossed around for awhile, and since I have started, I will continue.  I will not give up!


7. Run a 5k
Woah baby. slightly terrified of putting this on here.  I do not run.  I just don't. But I have always wanted to! So, why not in the next 12 months? Maybe I'll love it and it will lead to more.  or maybe not. But the least I can do is try.

8. Journal daily
I am in the process of establishing an effective morning routine, and one thing I am trying to do is journal.  Even if its just a quick one-minute scribble, it is something.  I want to make a good habit of this, because keeping a journal really has the power to make incredible changes in ones life.

9. Enjoy a Sunrise
I don't remember the last time I saw the sun come up.  It was probably after an all-nighter with some friends that had me way to groggy to enjoy.  It is super easy to take advantage of and neglect the simple beauty of the world around us.  I want to wake up early and truly enjoy a sunrise (or nineteen), drink some tea, and have a freaking good day.  Because why the heck not.

10. Be more generous
I do find myself to be a fairly decent human being.  Having said that, there is always room for improvement.  I can always do more.  So I want to do better, be more generous, a better roommate/friend/sister/daughter/etc.  Just be nicer to everyone around me.

11. Commit to a fitness routine
I have said this SO many times in the past years.  I actually got good at it first semester of my junior year in high school.  I lost like 17 pounds or something.  Ever since then I have fallen off.  I have zero will-power.  Its awful! So no fad diet, nothing extreme, just taking care of myself.  Make healthier choices, cut the snacking, workout when I can (make time so I can), get lots of z's, and drink LOTS of H20!

12. Try new things
Stop being such a baby.  I have always been terrified of venturing out of my comfort zone.  New foods? No thanks.  New activities? Heck no.  Stepping out of my comfort zone in any way? Absolutely not going to happen.  Well, I am pushing that mentality out! That's right! Bye! Escaping your comfort zone is so incredibly good for you.  So when the opportunity arises to try something new, do it.  Please.

13. Be more outgoing
Along with stepping out of my comfort zone, I am going to be more outgoing.  I have always been extremely shy, and it prevents me from reaching my true potential.  Being social is simply not my cup of tea.  But I am going to try.  All I need to do is talk more.  Talk to anyone, everyone, about anything.  Even a simple hello.  You have a voice for a reason.  Use it!

14. Vote
This one is simple.  This is a privilege that you now have.  Take advantage of it.

15. Be more independent
I am the kind of girl that always has a buddy with her.  Eating lunch? With a friend.  Going on a walk? With a friend.  Bathroom run? With a friend.  Now, I have gotten a lot better at this, but I want to continue to improve.  Next time you find yourself begging other people to run your errands with you, just do them by yourself.  My RA once told me doing things by yourself is a "freeing" experience.  So free yourself!

16. Cut the complaints
This one is huge.  There is always something to complain about isn't there? If something is not absolutely perfect, we complain.  It's life.  This goes along with having a better attitude.  There is no reason to complain, especially when the things you are complaining about are out of your control.  So cut it out.  You will be much happier.

17. Release the tears
Most of these goals are centered around finding happiness and positivity.  But lets be real, life is not perfect.  It will never be.  You will break down, and you will cry, its inevitable. Do not hold back your tears, let them go. Its OKAY.  If you need to cry, just do it.  put on a sad song, cry, and cry hard. Get it all out.  And then? Be done. Wipe your face, and get on with life.  Because it will not stop and wait for you.

18. Love
Another simple one.  Just be more loving.  Love more, love lots, love everyone and everything.  You are blessed with so many magical things, so just love it all.  Love life.

19. Actually accomplish these goals
And finally, a goal to achieve my goals.  Like I said earlier, I have a tendency to fall short on the things I start.  But for the next twelve months, the last year of my teenage self, I am going to work everyday at achieving these goals.  And I WILL succeed.

So here's to my personal New Year, and I hope you can apply some of these to your lives as well! What are some of your goals?

Happy Monday :)