Want to keep up with current events but don't have the time? The Everygirl has you covered with five easy tips, from finding your favorite news roundup (mine is theskimm) to combining unbiased sources with more opinionated sources for a well-rounded view on what's going on. 

Are you trying to balance working full time with freelancing? Scheduling and blocking off time (and being realistic about how long things take) is crucial. Kelsey shares her scheduling method to make it all work so you're not spending all of your time working.

Bored of sandwiches every day at lunch? Try these three lunches and be the envy of the office break room.

Planing for #GermanyAustria2015 has been going on for almost a year and these tips will help when researching a destination so you don't have to worry about missing any of the cool spots.

A whole week of meals made with quinoa. Still a little skeptical that I wouldn't get sick of the grains after three days.

So you've downloaded PhotoShop to add the finishing touch to your photos. Now what? Scour the Internet for tutorial videos. Here is a quick look at five of the main tools you'll need clean up images for your blog.

The walls of my apartment are covered in prints of iconic Paris scenes and this one of the Louvre is a must to add to my collection.

Photos from Jamie's trip to Croatia has solidified it as the next adventure on my (slightly distant) horizon. I can't wait to get lost in the winding staircases and panoramic views of the sea.

Looking to save money and stick to a budget? Well Samantha Rose is right there with you with a humorous take on suggestions to pinch a few pennies. 

If you've ever scoured photos of homes on trulia then you know the importance well-lit and semi-stage photos can play in choosing your dream home. Unfortunately these home-sellers missed that memo. 

Perfectly portioned healthy snacks to hold off hanger when you're on the go are a must.

The itinerary for my trip to Germany and Austria (in less than two months!) is coming together with help from a few lists of must- see sights and must-eat cafes including: best cafes in Vienna, the Everygirl's sights, flavors and culture of Vienna, and Salzburg: Downtown + Hohensalzburg Castle.   

The moment that you can't remember the last time you blogged is a wake-up call. Do you completely throw in the towel and say sayonara to your online space or do you get back in the saddle? I'm a firm believer in not forcing yourself to write when you truly feel uninspired. Writing and blogging shouldn't feel like a chore or just another item to cross off your to-do list. During my hiatus, several people mentioned that they enjoyed following along with my blog and I felt a little guilty about ignoring this space. I say all of that to say that I'm back!

And now onto a few of my favorite posts, recipes and thoughts. 

The idea that "you can just shorten a bridesmaids dress and wear it again" 100 percent applies to these. I wouldn't complain one bit to have 27 of these bridesmaids dresses hanging in my closet.

There is something about summer that makes you want eat healthier and local. Perhaps it is all of the pool and beach days that act as motivator to say no to the office doughnuts and yes to the salad. 

Looking for a few new clean eating recipes? I've tried the roasted veggie salad from Day One, the nicoise salad from Day Two (I would suggest swapping the canned tuna for steamed shrimp or salmon) and the roasted pepper and spinach egg muffins from Day Nine of this Buzzfeed Two-Week Clean Eating Challenge. I haven't quite decided to give the full challenge a try yet.

And while you're in the habit of eating healthier, you typically want to also get moving more. If paying $15 per barre class is not in your budget, try this 15-minute barre workout at home. Trust me, you'll feel it the next morning. 

Oh Nashville, how I love you. I can definitely see myself living in Nashville and part of me wants to move sooner rather than later before I become too settled in Tallahassee. 

I grew up going to St. Simons Island for family vacations and besides the gorgeous views of the intercostal and the moss covered oak trees, the food is the best part. I thought I had tried all of the good restaurants until I came upon this list.

It's time to don your new spring dress, get your nails done and wear your white jeans again without feeling like a walking faux pas. I hope you enjoy the Easter weekend with friends, family and loved ones!

I love all of these bags from Toms and I don't know if I could pick just one. Fran perfectly pairs them with an outfit for different activities so I can justify purchasing multiple. 

Grand Central is more than just a stopping point on your way to NYC, it is a mini-destination in itself. Plus, I can't get enough of Meg's bag. 

Can you tell a running theme that I've been on the hunt for a new tote? Currently I have my eye on this one or this one.

This tutorial on how to change your blog's images without using a photo editor is a game changer. I need to go back through the archives and clean up my old posts before I knew the correct width for photos and thought the extra-large default setting was good enough. 

Kasi read my mind with her post on topics she won't blog about, including fashion, recipes and DIY projects. It can be difficult to find a niche to blog about that fits with your interests and strengths. Once you can accept the fact that just becuase other bloggers are sharing outfit of the day posts or a new recipe they created for dinner last night, doesn't mean you have to. 

Have you seen the Buzzfeed article about the guy whose phone was stolen, ended up in China and he was able to track down the guy who bought his phone? They are now best friends and minor celebs in China. Such a small world.

Is it just me, or does 2015 feel like it breezing by quicker than usual? It is the first weekend of spring, and before I know it I will be exploring the Bavarian Alps. As a dreamer and an over-planner, I tend to have a problem with living in the moment and enjoying life as it comes. Anyone else suffer from this? Any helpful suggestions? 

According to this article, your two most productive hours of the day could be the two after you first wake up, which most of us spend checking email or catching up on the news/Twitter.

Eight common sleep myths that can affect your slumber. College taught me that you cannot in fact make up a week's worth of lost sleep on the weekend.

I've wanted to visit Kiawah Island, SC since the HGTV Dream Home was there several years ago. Natalie has a complete guide of where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and most importantly how to get to the remote barrier island. I was loving the post until I saw the up close and personal photo of a gator and then rethought the trip (gators are something I want to get away from in Florida).

If I ever visit Amsterdam, I would want to time the trip with the annual tulip festival. The combination of walking through thousands of blooming flowers with a waffle or strawberries and cream in hand has my name written all over it.

Although I don't have a studio, I can relate to all of these reasons to love living in a small space. It's safe to say that no matter how large your home is, you will find a way to fill it and will always complain about not having enough storage. Having a smaller space forces you to to constantly clean out closets and rethink purchases before you buy them.

It's no secret that I think doxies are the best dog breed by far. And I believe that Dixie should have made this list of cutest doxies, along with Noodle in the City (which is probably my favorite Instagram account to be honest.)

High school and college was spent watching (and rewatching again and again) Laguna Beach and The Hills. The scripted reality show still left me with lot of important questions that must be answered. Like did Spencer have the landlord's permission to paint the graffiti mural on the wall? And how many coats of paint did it take Heidi to paint over it?

Spring has arrived in Florida, and with it humidity and pollen in full force. There is not a worse combination than big, frizzy hair and sounding like you have been smoking a pack a day. But the days are long and I can finally hose off my porch and take advantage of it. For those of you in the midwest, I'm sure above-freezing temps are on their way, if they haven't made an appearance yet. 

These tech items for designers and bloggers have me wanting to make a large Amazon order asap. I love handlettering and would love to incorporate it digitally but it's such a complicated process without a wacom tablet or a decent scanner. le sigh. One day though.

The next time I'm in Paris, I'm staying in this Airbnb apartment in Montmartre. Oh the views, and the TWO balconies. It would be would be worth the long trek into town to see the sights to be able to wake up and overlook quaint Parisian rooftops.

And while I'm in Europe, I might as well hop over to my next favorite city, Edinburgh. 

Sit behind a desk all day? Try these yoga poses you can do at your desk. Don't worry, the strange looks from your cubemates are just because they are stressed because they haven't done desk yoga yet.

Lauren Conrad's new collection for Kohl's has my name written all over it. Give me all of the floral dresses.

Confession time. Making friends after college in a new town is hard. I wish I would have had these tips a year ago. Gone are the days of having a building and class full of instant friends and people to hang out with 24-7.

I personally loved my experience as an only child. I think it made me much more independent and I'm always interested to find out how other people enjoyed growing up without siblings constantly creating chaos. 

Stop what you're doing and watch the Friskee's "Dear Kitten" video series. It is advertising gold. Who can resist cat videos? Cold, heartless people, that's who. 

I hope you are beginning to thaw from the beyond frigid temperatures the east coast suffered this week. Even Florida wasn't able to escape the record-breaking lows. Just in case it's still cold enough for boiling water to freeze midair (which I absolutely do not recommend, and neither does Buzzfeed), then it might be best to stay in bed with your coffee.

And while you are staying warm, take the time to plan your spring vacation. And while you're on that subject, it might not be a bad idea if you also plan how to save for it, too.

For those of you also participating in the #1800MinuteChallange, you won't want to miss Erin's 4 minute ab workout. You'll feel it the next day.

I'm in the process of creating my own washi tape gallery wall (because let's be honest, frames are kind of expensive when you have to buy a dozen of them) and enjoyed Samantha's creation out of snail mail.

I've been following Amanda's journey throughout Asia and now New Zealand. After over 1,000 days abroad, she has spot on advice.

15 minutes a day to a cleaner home? Sounds a little too good to be true. Even if it doesn't happen every single day, it's a much more realistic plan than frantically cleaning right before guests are set to arrive.

I want to send this article to my office building to completely overhaul our workspaces. They are office plans for introverts, which promote creativity, because the idea of sharing a completely open work environment is our biggest nightmare.

News alert: Selfie sticks are now banned in some museums. But don't worry, this ban isn't in place at the Louve so you can still get a selfie with the Mona Lisa.

I am constantly adding to my list of books to read and always enjoy reading reviews by bloggers rather than Amazon or random Good Reads users for some reason. Typically the reviews are positive or have a good explanation for why it was a dud. Plus, knowing which "bestsellers" probably aren't worth my time is always helpful. These two are going to be added to my lists asap.

Months ago I said that I was going to start learning the basics of German before October is around the corner. Kate shared the absolute minimum travelers should know and thankfully I have these basics down. Now to learning my food and menu items because if we're being honest, this is primarily a foodcation (as usual).

I signed up to participate in Erin's 1800 minute challenge, which translates into 30 minutes of exercise every day for 60 days. Let's just say that this morning is being spent catching up on the days I missed this week. Cassie's motivational tips will help so I can finish strong.

At some point, we will feel some sort of social media jealousy. The worst for me is when people post photos of their "real life" that are messy but effortlessly styled at the same time. It's important to know that we all only share the best parts of our lives online and we can't take people's posts at face value.

As if I need any more reasons to travel more, Daisy shared some that are spot on. I love that she defines travel as simply getting out of your comfort zone and does not necessarily require months of saving to achieve.

Still working on achieving that "messy hair that is actually styled" look. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Remember the duo that took YouTube by storm with their cover of Call Your Girlfriend? They are back with a rendition of Boom Clap that will make you feel all the feels of FIOS all over again.

Although I no longer have a spring break, there is something about warming temperatures that makes me want to get out of town. Here are five cities to jet off to this spring. Who's up for meeting in NOLA for beignets and low country boil?

Or perhaps Charleston?

For all of the photographers reading this, these tips on shooting portraits in cold weather are a must read. Especially if a good portion of your income comes from portrait sessions (and you don't live in Florida where it is warm-ish year round) then this is a must read.

In case you change your desktop background as much as I do, you will want to take a look here and here.

Natalie shared 8 reasons to visit Scotland. I only need one reason: Sam Heughen. Enough said; sign me up.

A lesson I still have yet to learn: Just because it's on sale does not mean I have to buy it.

Going along with this same topic, I love these tips on building a wardrobe you love.

Looking for a new side dish to freshen up dinner? How about lemon orzo with parmesan and peas.

For those of you who started the year off great with your resolution to be more active, but your resolve is waning, treat yourself with new workout gear. New clothes and accessories always make an activity more exciting.

Speaking of being more healthy in 2015, I really want to try this 3-day juice cleanse to start off right. I love that on top of the three smoothies per day to drink, you can eat as many raw fruits and veggies as you like, plus black coffee to avoid those pesky caffeine headaches.

How did I miss these colorful streets in Paris? Guess I'll just have to go back. 

But in the meantime, I will settle for a return trip to Savannah for a dose of pure Southern charm.

I've mentioned it before, but Casey's blog gives me so many ideas about my upcoming trip to Germany and Austria! Other than the Sound of Music tour, I had very little idea of what else Salzburg had to offer. Now I do and I'm even more excited.

In case I ever decide to save the $15,000 required for a cruise to Antarctica, I'm glad I know Natalie would be up for the adventure as well. Being able to see penguins and icebergs up close (hopefully without having a Titanic experience) would be an experience to last a lifetime. Plus, at that price I wouldn't be able to do it more than once anyways.

Posts from this week:
30 before 30 list recap
My favorite Instagram accounts for a daily dose of Paris
Book Review: The Tea Rose

Cheers to a new year, everyone! Some say that the way you spend Jan. 1 is a reflection of what you will be doing all year. In that case, I'll be sleeping in, working out, doing laundry and watching FSU lose all year (three out of four wouldn't be too bad.) What about you? 

Bree shares some great tips to start the year off right from organizing your digital files to purging your closet and more.

I took a trip down memory lane at the Louvre. There is little chance that you will be able to appreciate every artwork in the museum, but if you are planning a visit there, make a list of all the works you want to see so you don't get overwhelmed by the size (or end up walking in circles through the medieval Virgin Mary portraits.)

Dress up your entryway with this personalized welcome mat.

My trip to Germany and Austria is getting closer and closer! I'm combing through all of Casey's posts from her trips though the area, especially her visit to Munich.

Thank you Buzzfeed for proving that the NYE miracle from The O.C. when Ryan makes it from Newport Beach to L.A. before midnight to meet Marissa is impossible.

This Taylor Swift mashup is amazing and even garnered T-Swift's approval.

Warm sweaters, thick socks and scarves can only be made better when they are all in mixed-matched fair isle patterns. They make for perfect lounge wear that you aren't embarrassed to answer the door in. 

Chrismas decor can sometimes overwhelm small spaces. Find the compromise between bah humbug and SANTA, HE'S MY FAVORITE! with these holiday tips for decorating a small space.

Looking to create a centerpiece for your holiday table? Try recreating Laura's table setting.

I love book and I love London, so it's no surprise that I will love Natalie's "10 books to read if you love London."

This is the ultimate gift guide for the T Swift fan in your life (or for yourself, if you are said T Swift fan) complete with polaroids, long bobs, and red lips. 

I took a walk down memory lane while reading Jamie's post about her trip to Paris. Le sigh. I can't believe it's been almost three years since my semester abroad. That means I'm overdue for a return visit, right?

Traipsing around castle ruins is one of my favorite activities. Wales' largest castle has now been added to my list to visit.

Since Dixie is not a fan of sweaters or full costumes, perhaps she would wear a festive holiday collar?

What you may have missed this week:
Destinations to "Skip Christmas"
My new favorite resource for planning foodcations

The countdown to Christmas has begun! Parades, tree lightings, wreath making and gift giving. Are you as excited as I am? Grab an extra-large coffee and enjoy all of the festivities.

Working on a gallery wall or want to dress up your office on a budget? Maiedae shared their favorite free download prints.

Amanda's travel playlist is the perfect background music for your next long-haul flight or road trip.

Give me all of the cozy, warm plaid.

Are you a fan on The September Issue? Then you will love BBC's 3-part documentary behind the scenes of Tatler. You can find episode one and two here.

Need to set the mood for your Christmas party? Here are two playlists from Lulu & Georgia and The Everygirl to keep your guests in the festive spirit.

Not quite ready to look like a sparkler in a head to toe sequined holiday dress? I am in love with this skirt, sweater, scarf combo that is the perfect compromise.

When you have had one too many turkeys or hams, try this panko crusted honey mustard salmon.

Happy weekend before Thanksgiving! Today I'm off to a holiday sides cooking class. Truffle three cheese macaroni is on the menu so it wasn't much of a question of whether or not I'll be there. Don't worry, if it's as good as I imagine it will be, I'll be sharing the recipe in time for you to impress your holiday guests.

I've always wanted a tulle skirt, but I've been waiting for the perfect occasion to buy one. 

Who says coral can only be worn during the spring and summer? I love the bright colored wool coat trend. Not that I'll ever have too many opportunities to wear a wool coat in Florida, but a girl can dream.

In middle school, I participated in an exchange program with a group of students in Colchester. It was so nice to reminisce a little through Samantha's post about her trip there.

Timing is everything when preparing a holiday meal. To tide your guests over when you underestimate the amount of time it takes to cook a turkey, give them these roasted grape and goat cheese crostini to keep the hanger at bay.

Speaking of the holidays...in case you need to make your dollars stretch a little bit farther, here are a few cost-saving tips for gift giving.

Red, green, and plaid all over. I love all of the holiday decor that Danielle shared.

A holiday gift guide for the girl on the go. Deep down in my heart, this is me. (As I type this post from my couch while watching Netflix.)

You've all seen that person. The one taking photos with their iPad. They're at weddings, graduations, concerts and elbowing you in front of the Mona Lisa. Here's 24 reasons you should never take a photo with an iPad. As if you needed more than one.

Image via

After living in a dorm for four years, it is ingrained in my head that candles are not allowed. But now that is not the case anymore and the fall scents are my favorite.

The easiest way to live abroad for a few years is on a student visa. Caity shares her reasons for deciding to study abroad.

Nachos are good. But s'mores apple nachos are even better. And in my mind much healthier. 

You can find Sara's trip to the quirky yet beautiful Isle of Wright here, here and here.

How to use a clipping mask to create custom photo layouts and cool text in Photoshop. 

Photo via

Happy Saturday! And happy first day of November. Hopefully you're recovering from your sugar coma nicely this morning. My church is having their fall festival this afternoon and I couldn't be more excited because it actually feels like fall (see yesterday's semi-rant about how it's never cold enough for coats in Florida...) My hair loves the crisp, dry air and I am going to make use of my ever-growing scarf collection while I can. Who knows, maybe I will be eating Thanksgiving turkey in shorts and sandals. 

And now onto my favorite posts from this past week, curated just for you to enjoy during your morning reading: 

I can't get over how precious Sarah's sons "Where the Wild Things Are" costume is. It was one of my favorite books growing up and loved the film that came out a few years ago as well. 

Speaking of another children's book-turned-movie, Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day came out a few weeks ago. Since it is only a couple dozen pages long, I'm interested to see how much backstory is added to the movie to extend it to 2 hours.

Prague was on the short list for The Next Adventure, but it will be saved for another trip. Two of my favorite bloggers just recently visited there and for now I (and maybe you) will have to live vicariously through their posts. You can read Jamie from Gunters Abroad here and Samantha from Wandering Grad here.

I am a firm believer in the concept of Inbox Zero. Espeically at work, I love the few minutes at the end of the day sifting through my email, sorting through them, remembering things that have yet to be completed/replied to, and knowing that in the morning it won't seem as overwhelming. Kelsey from Pinegate Road shared her experience working to reach Inbox Zero.

The Great Christmas Exchange sign-ups are going on now! I absolutely loved participating last year. I sort of over-extended myself by participating in three Secret Santas and let's just say that I was best friends with the post office workers. This year I'm just going to focus on one and searching for the perfect gift. I can't wait :)

What you missed this week:
Evolution of a hair cut (aka the slow realization that I look best with shorter hair)
Do more of what makes you happy

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Happy weekend everyone! I'm at my parent's this weekend and the Christmas decoration buying has already begun. It's never too early to start in my opinion.

The Eiffel Tower now has a glass floor. I never climbed up the most famous piece of architecture in the city, but with this new addition might have been a selling feature to get me to wait in line before walking up the hundreds of stairs. 

Breakfast (and brunch and brinner) is my favorite meal. There is something about starting your morning off right that sets the tone for the rest of the day. Here are five ways to make the most of breakfast and make it healthier.

It is still very much in the preliminary planning stages, but Samantha and I are visiting Germany in October 2015 and Casey's travel guides were the first place I turned for inspiration and ideas.

Jillian's comparison of Luke Danes and her man (Luke Boyfriend) made me nostalgic for Stars Hollow all the while laughing hysterically. 

Eating better makes you feel better from the inside out. I am reminded of this most right after I have eaten half of a pizza on my own or a sleeve of Oreos. I want to join Taylor in eating a more plant-based and natural diet.

Thinking about freelancing as a travel writer? Find out how it has been working out for Monica. 

Looking for a calligraphy starter kit? Check out this one Jennifer tested.

Navy, tan and burgundy is one of my favorite color combinations right now.

New season, new bag. Here's a great selection; I especially love the stripped weekender.

This post makes me want to hop on the next transatlantic flight to Paris, even if it's just to wander around the city.

I love staying organized. It's a bonus if your folders, containers and files are pretty to look at as well.

I've been on the hunt for white and navy bedding and I hit the mother load at PB Teen. Here are three duvets that I can't get enough of: one two three. Now I just need you to help me decide which one I love the most. Thoughts?

Remember when I didn't want to eat out this week? Well I've done really well with avoiding the drive thru lane. I can't wait to try this chicken gyro meal next week. Anything with homemade tzatziki on it is a winner in my recipe book!

I always knew that makeup had a shelf life but I'm horrible at remembering when I buy items and never know when to toss them.

I can't wait for cold weather (which I will more than likely have to travel to find) so I can enjoy boots, wool coats and oversized sweaters.

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Happy Saturday, everyone! Fall is making a brief appearance in Florida this weekend and I can't be more thrilled. The low is going to be 48 tomorrow...48! My threshold for boot-wearing weather is 50 degrees, so if I so wanted, I could wake up at 2 a.m. just to wear boots for the first time in the season.

And in the spirit of fall, in between my weekend Gilmore Girls marathon and hanging out in Stars Hollow, I'm off to replenish my fall wardrobe. I'm thinking about this top, this scarf, this skirt, these oxfords, these ankle boots and this sweater.

Fresh flowers and greenery brighten up any space. Love these ways to decorate with plants from Meylssa.

Coffee is an essential part of every day for me. Perhaps I need to expand my coffee bar to include more than simply my Keurig. Kayli has the perfect bar cart essentials.

I still don't understand how people are able to layer a sweater and button down  and are still able to move their arms. Perhaps these layering tips will help me?

If you don't start your morning off reading The Skimm then you are missing out. The mix of news and sarcastic commentary is the best way to stay up to date on current events delivered straight to your mailbox. If you enjoy it as much as I do, check out this interview with The Skimm founders.

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Looking to cook for yourself in your college apartment or are still intimidated by full-blown recipes? These 10 easy meals will give you enough to get started so you aren't eating PB&J for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Not that I've done that before or anything...)

This Buzzfeed article about things white girls do in the fall is hilarious. And I do all of them. All of them. It's spot on. And most of the time, multiple fall stereotypes are occurring simultaneously. Wearing flannel while #thankful

It was hard to know just how large the iPhone 6 Plus would be. Thankfully someone determined that it is smaller than an iPad Mini, but larger than a Pop Tart. Finally measurements I can relate to. I think I will pass on toaster pastry sized phone. Thoughts?

If I could eat grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup forever, I would be ok with that. Especially this caramelized onion and mushroom grilled cheese. So fancy!

I will never understand or come to know these 8 lessons learned after giving up television. It's not going to happen.

Am I alone in utter confusion about picking a shade of lipstick (or if we're being honest, tinted lip balm is pushing my comfort zone.) Love these shades, especially after seeing them on someone who shares my fair complexion.

I look forward to Lauren's yearly trip to Iceland probably as much as she does. And being able to see Viola frolicking in the fields and by the waterfalls is precious.

What you missed this week:
Books worth re-reading
My newfound TV love, Outlander, and a look back at my trip to the Highlands
A Q&A with Sara of Bristol in My Pocket
An outfit inspired by my new favorite Warby Parker frames (if only I had a need for a spare pair of glasses right now!)