Perfect Pressure

I would love to tell you all (and myself) that every Friday I am going to take about 5 minutes and write about whatever topic has recently been thrown at me. However I am realizing that I am not perfect and I will never be able to keep up with a monumental task like this. Instead I am going to say that when I have the time and remember to, I will take 5 minutes on Friday's and write about said topic.

Today's topic which has been something pressing hard on me lately is the pressure to be perfect.

I feel the pressure to be perfect almost daily. Whether I am in school, work, or even blogging I push myself so hard to strive for perfection. I will nearly beat myself up if I realize that I have made a careless mistake and this causes great stress on my body. Weight gain and loss, breakouts, anxiety. All of it is mostly self created in my pursuit to perfection.

That's why I am taking a break from perfection (indefinitely). I am learning to live a happy, imperfect life. I am no longer striving for an unattainable goal.

I am happy being me. Mistakes and all!


Loyally,
Beth

How To Wear The High-Low Trend // Guest Post

Hello all! It's Thursday which means it is time again for a guest post! Today, Emma from It'sEmmaElise is sharing her take on the high-low trend. I met Emma through the Her Campus Blogger Network and she has been a Godsend! From assisting girls in anything blog related to mentoring them about fashion choices, Emma has become a sort of "big-sis" to the group. I am so happy to have her sharing on my blog today and I hope you take some time to check out her blog and socials!

How To Wear The High-Low Trend
The high-low trend is the perfect way to be fashion-forward as summer approaches. This trend is everywhere - from bohemian skirts to glamorous gowns and breezy tanks. Here are some ideas to help you make this trend your own!

Annebet Duvall is sporting a dress from Calypso Boutiques. She says, "When the weather gets warmer, I can turn into a bit of a hippie. I love gauzy cotton; when I saw this, I just had to have it. The trend is easy to wear and perfect for the summer months, and it also translates from day to night easily."

Courtney Kenefick (Assistant Fashion Editor at Travel + Leisure) says, "Not only is my favorite high-low top super comfy, but it bears a lot of memories for me. I bought this shirt in London when I was studying abroad, and I basically lived in it as I ventured throughout Europe. The style is amazing for traveling! I added a bit of flare by wearing it with colored Hudson Jeans and a pair of booties. It’s the perfect outfit for a day at the office!”

Grace Bernicker is a country-pop singer and songwriter from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She said, "For my album cover, we chose this trend and made the dress! We literally cut the front of a dress with a pair of scissors to shorten it. It was pretty crazy!"

Jenny Diem (of Jenny Diem) states, "I love this trend because high-low hems are easy to wear and feminine! I got this sweater and skirt from Forever 21, and the shoes are Jeffrey Campbell."

Jessi is a former Seventeen Style Council member. She said of this outfit, "I paired this amazing Nicole Miller high-low tank simple black skinny pants and heels. The top itself is a statement piece, so I styled it with more subtle items. This trend is so fun and is a great way to turn an average outfit into a fashionable one!"

Kelli Acciardo is obsessed with her cobalt high-low dress by Rory Beca for Forever 21. As she says, "It’s the prettiest shade of blue for spring and the hem clearly proves this look is party in the front and business in the back.” Kelli completed the look with a pair of Chinese Laundry leopard wedges and a Nina Nguyen Triple Wrap Bracelet.

Laurie Espino (of The Closet Chronicler) snagged this skirt from Brandy Melville. She said, "Wanting to keep the look fun and casual, I paired a graphic tee with my skirt. Since I’m super short, I finished the look with super-high wedges, which keeps it from dragging in the back. I love the high-low trend because you make a statement when you leave the room, as your skirt billows in the wind."

Lily Luong (of Lily L.) says, "I love the high-low trend, especially in a high-waisted, full, spin-out skirt. It's such fun! Try looking on eBay for a similarly updated vintage skirt.
 
Melissa Belk (of Vanity/Sanity) found this skirt at LF. She said, "I love high-low skirts. It’s a fun way to wear a maxi skirt, while still showing off your legs. Also, when I walk, the skirt billows behind me in a really cool, dramatic way. My skirt is high-waisted and super long, so I styled it with a cropped cashmere sweater, black tights, simple jewelry, and my favorite heeled ankle boots by Matiko."

Natalie Liao (of Nalieli) said, "I paired this knit high-low tank from 2b Stores with acid wash jeans, a staple leather jacket, pointed-toe pumps, and a red beret to channel my inner Parisian grunge-chic side. I love how this asymmetrical trend adds depth to my silhouette."
I hope these ladies helped you gain some inspiration for how to rock the high-low trend. You can find even more posts like this on my blog, It's Emma Elise.

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Father's Day Giveaway

Hello lovelies! 

As you all know, Father's Day is coming up sooner than you think! In my opinion, the best gift you can give your dad is just your time, it is also nice to have a small gift to share as a token of appreciation for all he has done for you. With that being said, I hope you all take a few moments to enter this giveaway to win some pretty cool gifts for your Father!

 

Enjoy Life Drink Good Beer Print // Hand-Forged Bottle Opener // Gin & Tonic Soap // Cotton Flannel Tie

With Your Hosts:

Buttons & Birdcages // Briannah. // Alicia Tenise // Caramel and Salt // The Caro DiariesFrom // Campus With Love // Styles I Like // Polished Perfectly // Wandering Forevermore // Hodge Podge Moments // Love and Waffles // Mermade Moments // Pennies & Paper  // Sydney Luella // October June // Sassy Sweetheart

Rafflecopter: Enter Here!


Loyally,

Beth

If you are looking to find more Father's Day gifts, be sure to Shop Amazon - Father's Day Gifts

What I Bought - May 2014

May is nearly over! Can you believe it? I surely can't! This month has seemed to fly by with some many awesome opportunities and ventures for me. 

I am looking forward to sharing some of the good (and not so good) items I have purchased this month.

Face Products:

• Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation - After seeing several friends review this product, I decided to try it out myself. Being around $5 the price is quite nice, however it does not stand out as anything special to me. It gives a basic coverage and does not look oily which is a plus, but it seems to wear off quickly. I will probably not repurchase this item and I continue to venture for the perfect foundation!
• Neutrogena oil-free make-up remover wipes - Though these wipes say they are oil-free, they still leave my face looking and feeling oily. I am sure there are better make up wipes out there so I will not be re-buying these.
• Equate Oil-Free eye make-up remover (cheap version of Neutrogena) - Just like the wipes, these also left my skin feeling oily. I do not like the feeling it leaves on my skin at all so these are a definite no for repurchasing. 

Body Products: 

• Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser Shampoo - Not gonna lie, I picked out this particular bottle of shampoo because it was a good size and in a brightly colored bottle. It lathers well and keeps my hair clean. I do not actually see it "erasing" any of the damage my hair has (but that could be because my hair is beyond the normal standard of damaged...) I will probably repurchase this product in the future but not next time because I never buy the same shampoo/conditioner twice in a row. 
• Degree Ultra-Clear Deodorant - This is my go to DO. It smells great, lasts a long time, and doesn't get all over my clothes. What more can you ask for?! I will definitely be getting the same DO next time but I may differ up scents every now and then.  

Clothing: 

• Forever 21 Skinnies - Let's just take a moment of silence for all the individuals who have yet to find the Forever 21 Skinny Jeans. ... These are literally the best skinny jeans I have bought to date. The only thing that could make these jeans better would be if they were under $10... Oh wait.. They are! The blue jeans are $7.80 and the black jeans are $10.80 (ok.. a little more than $10 but still!) They range in sizes as well to fit shorter girls and tall girls. (trust me, I'm 6' and they fit me) Anyway, if you do not own these, go out and buy some like Now! 

That's it for this month! 

Loyally, 

Beth

Clothes Over Boys // Boutique

(For this post, Clothes Over Boys provided me with clothing to photograph and review. All opinions are my own.)

Not too long ago I came across an up and coming boutique online. I was really impressed with what they had to offer and elated when they wanted to do a collaboration with me on my blog. Being the first clothing/fashion post I have done on Wandering Forevermore, I am thankful I had excellent clothes to do it in. I may have had a little too much fun modeling for this post, so I hope you enjoy!

The boutique that provided the clothing is Clothes Over Boys. Ran by Jennifer Tso, Clothes Over Boys is a boutique tailored to young women offering styles that are stylish yet do not break the bank! (Literally nothing is over $40 and they have free shipping!)

When we first discussed a collaboration, Jennifer asked me what my typical style is. This proved how much effort she puts into her boutique just by how she wanted to make sure the clothing I received is perfect for me. I absolutely adore what she sent me!

The pink top I received paired nicely with this beautiful lace skirt for a girly bohemian look. I wore this outfit for my birthday dinner and felt very well dressed. 

Can we talk about the back of this shirt? (or lack there of) I am literally in love with the cutouts. My initial thought was that it would be too revealing for a shirt but with a bandeau it worked out perfectly!

Overall, Clothes Over Boys is a boutique that I will probably be returning to for future purchases! (Hello online shopping problem and graduation gifts!)

If you love this outfit as much as I do, head over to Clothes Over Boys to see whats in stock! Also be sure to follow then on Instagram and like them on Facebook so you do not miss a new arrival!

Loyally, 

Beth

Sunday Sum-Up 5.25.14

Another week down! I don't know about you, but I have had a jam packed week! From a trip to the beach to a wonderful birthday, I have had a wonderfully busy week.

I finished up my school schedule at my job which means summer schedule starts next week!! (I am highly excited about this if you can't tell!)

I went on a beach trip with my high school best friend, which left me with a beautiful burn.

Finally, on May 22 I turned another year older! Woot! Woot! I got my ears pierced again and did some modeling for a collaboration that will go live on Monday! (get excited?)

I also received this awesome pendant from my boyfriend's mother! It is hand made and stamped with my blog name! It is definitely one of the most thoughtful gifts I have received in a while and I am absolutely in love with it. 

That basically sums up my week! Keep your eyes peeled for some fun things going on this week including a Father's Day giveaway I am co-hosting with several other bloggers and a possible switch to an independent domain. 

Have a blessed week guys and stay safe during your Memorial Day Weekend!

Loyally, 

Beth

Memorial Day Weekend

It is officially the long awaited three day weekend. The unofficial start of summer. For some it is the weekend to go to the lake and relax. For others it is the weekend for backyard barbecues! However, for all American's it is a day of remembrance. It is Memorial Day Weekend.

A weekend to remember those who lost their lives while serving in the US Armed Forces. So whether you are spending your weekend hitting up the sales, catching up on sleep, or working on your tan, be sure to take a few moments and remember why it is a long weekend. Remember that you are blessed to live in a country where you have the freedom to do these things and remember that there are many people who are not able to spend this weekend with their family. 

Take time and say a prayer for those who have lost family members in the military and pray for those with member who are currently active. 

Enjoy your long weekend but don't forget what it's all about! 

Loyally, 

Beth 

Yoga for the Busy College Student

One thing that I really enjoy doing is Yoga! It has become a way for me to relax, strengthen myself, and gain confidence. Before heading to college, I practiced almost daily and loved taking an hour or so and spending it on my mat. However, when I got to college, I was instantly bombarded with so many things to so and my yoga practice took a backseat to studying, sorority events, and socializing. 

Now that it is summer I am rededicating myself to yoga with the goal of spending at least 10 minutes a day practicing poses. Through yoga, I have learned a lot about myself and have learned to let go in many ways. Previously I believed that yoga had to be done on your mat and had to take at least an hour. However, I am now realizing that yoga is not specific to any location or time frame. You can take ten minutes practicing one pose or an hour and a half in a class and you are doing yoga either way. 

One excuse I always made was that I did not have enough time in college to keep up with my practice. Now I realize that this was just an excuse. No matter how busy you are you can take a few minutes out of your day and continue your practice. 

As tempting as it is to try out all the "cool" poses, it is in the best interest of you to start slow if you are a beginner and work your way up.

Moves every student should practice regularly:

• Sun Salutations

• Downward Dog

• Forward Fold

• Plank 

• Tree Pose

• Warrior 1 & Warrior 2

• Camel Pose

• Wheel

• Cow Face 

• Seated Twist

• Shoulder Stand

• Child's Pose

• Savasana

A good source of motivation to keep up your yoga practice is following yogis on Instagram. They often post up yoga challenges that you can take part in. 

There are many ways for a college student to stay active in a regular yoga practice. All it takes is a little effort. 

Loyally, 

Beth

Self-Entitlement

Hello all!

Please take a moment and read along as I step up on my soapbox and express the issue that has been on my mind lately.

The issue is self-entitlement. More specifically self-entitlement within my peers.

Throughout my first year of college, I have noticed how at least half of the people I have come in contact with feel that the world owes them something. For example, I have seen people constantly skip class, not take notes, not study and complain to the professor because they think they deserve an A.

This is a huge issue!

It seems like people no longer know how to work for something because they are so used to receiving it just because they want it.

I am tired of hearing my peers complain that they didn't get the grade they wanted right after they talk about how they skipped 3 days of class in a week and partied all night before the test. I am tired of hearing my peers bash professors because they are doing their job and attempting to give you an education.

This "me,me,me" attitude that many of my peers have adopted is really a huge disgrace to our generation. I am sometimes ashamed to claim some people as my peer because of their actions and disrespect to anything that does not involve them.

(This is not me saying I am perfect and everyone else is awful because I know at some points in my life I have been the girl who is entitled to everything she wants. However, I try my hardest to not be that person because I realize how tacky it actually is.)


Instead of continuing to run my mouth, I am now stepping off my soapbox and going back to the real world.

Until next time...

Loyally, 

Beth

Beach Day Essentials

If you are reading this, I am hopefully already out on the beach! A few days ago my friend called me and told me that we are taking a day trip to the beach on Saturday. So while I am out enjoying my mini-vacation, I have left you guys with my top beach day-trip essentials. Enjoy!

• I always bring a nice dress to change into after the beach in case it is decided that we will go to a nice restaurant for dinner. This Lilly Pulitzer shift dress is perfect for summer, in my opinion. 

• I am actually probably laying out on the beach reading The Fault In Our Stars right now. I am also probably trying not to cry.

• Floppy hats are to only type of hats that work for me so I will surely be including one on this trip. 

• If you know me, you know I absolutely love tumblers. I am personally carrying a monogrammed one but I also love this Vineyard Vines one!

• If you can not tell by now, I love blue in the summer. Navy is no exception. I am currently in love with this swimsuit from Aerie (Fun Fact: I love Aeria more that Victoria's Secret in every way possible).

• Ever Since I discovered Pura Vida Bracelets, I have been obsessed! Becoming a campus rep for them only fueled this obsession. I am currently wearing three bracelets from the new summer collection. (If you are interested in purchasing from Pura Vida use code: Jenkins10 to get 10% off!)

• Everything is carried out to the beach in an over-sized beach bag. Though mine is a monogrammed one, (matches my tumbler!) I am also in love with this matching Lilly bag.

• I bring two pairs of shoes with me. One pair for the beach, Chacos, and one pair for restaurants or shopping, Jacks. 

• You can't go to the beach without a towel. I love the Tommy Hilfiger towels because they are obnoxiously large and overall perfect! 

• Last but not least, I bring lots and lots of sunscreen and tanning oil. I do not plan on burning so I make sure to be prepared with Coppertone!

Enjoy you day!

Loyally,

Beth

God's Blessings // Guest Post

It's time for the second guest post in my Summer Guest Series! This week my dear friend, Lecie from Acts of Courage is sharing a little bit of how God has blessed her in life. Lecie is a graduating senior and one of my greatest friends from high school. I am so excited to feature her on my blog today! 

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Every Christian wants to live the way of Christ. I am one of those people. However, we are NOT perfect! We never will be because of out sinful nature.

Just the other day, I was called up to the office at my school. Everyone's first thought is what have I      done? Well I walk into the office and my guidance counselor is sitting there. She tells me the BEST news!

"Lecie, you have received the Planters Electric Scholarship, which is $1,000." Yes! That says One            Thousand!  I was in complete shock and literally thought that I was being pranked.

I could not believe what I had just been told. I went into the bathroom and started crying because I was SO happy. My parents and family and all of my friends are so proud of me!

God knows what He is doing in my life. He gives me blessings every day of my life. One of those blessings   is being able to wake up every morning. Now that my Senior year is coming to a quick ending, it is scary to think that my future is about to change completely. 

I know God has everything under control!

Jeremiah 29:11

Proverbs 3:5-6

Romans 8:28

Forever in His hands, 

Lecie Fitzner

It's Not for Me

"But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." - Jeremiah 17:7

Being a college student my schedule varies from one week to another. Because of this, I do not have much consistency in my weekly activities. This is also one of the reasons why I have decided not to attend a church through my first year of college. However it is only one of the reasons, another reason is because the church is the one place where I do not feel God.

I do not know if it's my love for spontaneity or my extreme dislike of being forced into an emotion/mindset, but I do not feel close to God in a typical church service. It may be because it seems like most churches have become more about status than the gospel or it might be the fact that you are expected to sit on an uncomfortable pew for an hour or more. When sitting in church, I find myself noticing other things far too often. I notice how the youth play on their phones, how the elder fall asleep, and how the middle aged constantly check their watches. I usually jot down notes on the pastor's message, yet when every word is precisely chosen, I feel their is a lack of originality, a lack of voice, and lack of faith.

So I often find myself sleeping in on Sunday mornings, enjoying breakfast, studying, or lounging, but I rarely find myself dressing up to spend an hour in church...

...and that it ok.

Just because I do not attend a church, does not mean I do not feel my God.

Windows down, radio blaring, driving down 24, I look across a field and I know God is there blessing the lives of everyone on Earth. It is in these moments that I realize just how blessed I am. I do not need to meet once a week in a pretty dress to be blessed by my savior. I am blessed on the good days and the bad. The days where I curse and swear and throw a fit are blessings as much as the days where I spend time with just me and my Bible. My God loves me the same on both of these days and all the days in between.

I live every day with my Lord. I see him in the most absurd and most amazing places. . .

...whether it be atop a mountain looking down on a city...

... or looking over a river;...

... playing Frisbee with a child in the Dominican Republic...

... or showering His love on teenage girls, 

He is there. 

He is everywhere. He is not only in church on Sunday mornings. If it is your preference to seek him in a church, then you will find him. Yet church is not the only place to find God, and if church is not for you do not give up the search of finding your God. Instead, take comfort in the fact that he has already found you and is leading you towards him in His own way. 

Loyally, 

Beth

Sunday Sum-Up 5.11.14

Another week down! I can not even begin to describe how happy I am to be home. Even more so, I can not explain how happy I am to be back working at The Center for New Beginnings.

This week has been filled with many happy moments. First, my fish ate for the first time since coming home from Macon! Second, I got to go on a wonderful date with my bestie from high school and finally, I got to spend a bunch of time with my mommy!

Today is Mother's Day and to celebrate it we had dinner at my house with all the grandparents! Traditions never cease to exist!

For Mother's Day instead of listing the things I did do for my mom, it would be easier to list the things I did not do:

• I did not buy my mom flowers.
• I did not buy her a teddy bear either.
• Breakfast in bed did not happen. 
• An expensive piece of jewelry did not appear for her. 
• Nor did any gift at all. 
• I did not get her a card. 
• And I did not write her a letter showering her with lovely adjectives. 

I do not buy into the one day of showing your love for your mother. Nor do I enjoy celebrating Valentine's Day, Father's Day, or Grandparent's Day for the purpose of the specific audience of the holiday. 

However these are the things I did do for my mother today:

• I gave her a hug when I woke up. 
• I took the Church bulletins to the Church.
• I put together the potato salad while she was picking up her mother. 
• I cut up the ham. 
• I helped set out the food when it was time to eat. 

I helped my mother like I always do. I showed my love, not through material items, but through my actions. These are not unlike the things I do year-round for my mother. Things such as:

• Taking time at least 3 times a week to call my mom while I am at college. 
• Sharing interesting articles I find with her via email. 
• Pinning new items to our shared Pinterest board. 
• Sending funny images through text message to her. 
• Spending days shopping and acting as her personal stylist. 
• Giving my [honest] input as she decorates the house. 

And for the grandparents that were out the house today:

• I pulled up Facebook to show them pictures of me and my friends from college. 
• I gave endless hugs. 
• This includes endless "I love yous."
• I sat outside with them and talked. 
• I sat inside with them and talked. 
• I got them refills and gave them sprinkles on their ice cream. 

It was the perfect day. A day of family and fellowship. The love was shared and was present no doubt. Although there was not a card, nor gift, nor flower, but that does not make the day any less perfect. When you realize that in the grand scheme of things it's not the items but the memories that mean the most, you realize how perfect these moments are. 

Loyally, 

Beth

Brownie in a Mug

Hello all, 

I hope you are all having a great weekend and a peaceful Saturday evening. Today I want to let you all know that I finally gave into the "In a Mug" trend and made a brownie in a mug. I do not regret it at all! I followed a really simple recipe that I am sure you can do right now with the items in your pantry. 

You need:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tbsp. cocoa
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/4 cup water
• Pinch of salt

First you add the dry ingredients, they the liquids and stir until it has a nice liquid consistency. 

Then you put it in the microwave for 1 minute and 40 seconds. That's it! You now have a delicious brownie. 

Enjoy!

Loyally, 

Beth

Put a Little Fun in Finals Week // Guest Post

Hello guys! I am so happy to officially kick off my Summer Guest Series on Wandering Forevermore. Each Thursday from now through the end of August some wonderful blog friends of mine will be sharing a post.

To kick off the series, my friend Amanda from Brunette with a Bow will be sharing her ways of making finals week fun! Amanda is a 21 year old marketing and graphic design major who started her blog a little over a month ago. Despite being new to the blogging world, she is making headway and growing her blog in amazing ways.

"For most of the most dreaded week of college is upon us - finals week. Finals week means spending hours on end in the library, or curled in the fetal position crying because we just want to be done studying. Although most of our hours these upcoming days will be spent studying and sobbing while we're up all night highlighting every word in our textbooks, it is important to take just a little time to relax. Here's how you can put a little fun in your finals week! 

1. Arts & Crafts - Pick a pin from your Crafting Pinterest board (we all have one, don't we?), grab your girls and some supplies and take a crafting break! You'd be surprised how much fun and relaxing crafting is! Make some cute letters for your dorm or paint some wine glasses you can use to celebrate the end of finals week!

2. Netflix - Seriously, Netflix is easily one of the greatest things to exist. Ever. After being nose deep in every textbook you own, take a break and watch an episode or two of your favorite show! (Or the entire season…only God can judge you) I love comedy series so my show right now is Parks and Rec. Anything involving Aziz Ansari is a must watch for me. 

3. Go Shopping! - Retail therapy is my answer to all of life's questions…seriously. Having a bad day? Go shopping. Failed a test? Go shopping. Aced a test? Definitely go shopping. Buy online. I say this because it is the perfect way to motivate yourself to study harder! Buy yourself the perfect present for when you finish finals!

4. (Mani)Cure your Finals Stress - One of the best simple pleasures in life is freshly painted nails. Close your textbook, put on a playlist, and paint your nails! You may be a raggedy mess from all your finals stress, but at least your nails will be cute! I am seriously obsessed with Essie's new neon line! 

Finals week is easily the most stressful times for us college kids, but don't worry! The work will all be worth when you get that degree. Good luck to everyone! Thanks to Beth for letting me guest post, I hope you all stop by Brunette with a Bow soon! 

In the words of my spirit animal Aziz Ansari, don't forget to 

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