Starting College: How It Is Going + Tips

Starting college can be scary. I am lucky enough to be going to college in a city relatively close to my home, but moving out and starting a new chapter is something quite daunting. 

Adjusting over the past month was a slight challenge. Responsibility is all on me, if I miss a class that's on me. I have been setting multiple alarms for each day to make sure that doesn't happen. To everyone who wants to skip class in college, for my college skipping ONE class is equivalent to throwing out $300! Don't throw away $300!

I try to make sure my dorm room stays relatively clean. I clean the bathroom at least once a week. I try to wipe down the handles of doors, sinks, closets, etc. at least once a week as well. I clean dishes as I use them. Staying on top of cleaning is super important because the next thing you know you could end up with stacks of dirty dishes, a sticky desk, and a cold. So if you're reading this in your room right now, please take a second to wipe down your desk. I want you to stay healthy.

Speaking of staying healthy, nutrition is a big part of that. Yes, of course, be sure to take your vitamins( especially vitamin D if you're inside a lot), but make sure your food is providing actual nutrients. Get a salad from the dining hall at least once a week, get a green smoothie, eat your fruits and veggies. Find your local farmers market and stock up on reasonably priced fruits and veggies while supporting local farmers. For me, finding the local farmer's markets has been a huge part of my college experience so far. I am only on half of a meal plan due to all my tummy issues and the lack of vegan food options from dining halls. Overnight oats with fruit are a great option for breakfast, they fill you with energy and taste amazing. For lunch I tend to keep it light, a protein smoothie, some crackers. Around dinner I usually incorporate more soup, rice, nachos, pasta, etc. That is what I have for food so far! I wish I had a kitchen!

Living with someone new is a big step, it can be scary but approach it with a positive attitude. I have been lucky enough to have a very kind roommate.

Getting involved is something I am still working on. I am joining clubs, and figuring out where I want to be involved.

Finding a job has been difficult. In the city there is a lot of competition. As a full time student it can be hard to find accommodating schedules for jobs. I also didn't get the work study offer based off my FASFA. If anyone needs some freelancing photography in the city of Boston, let me know, lol!

That is all I have figured out so far. More is to come. Thank you for reading! I hope all is well with you.

xoxo,

Grace Dooner

Change of the Seasons

Hello!

As I am writing this, I am listening to Ed Sheeran and to the cars outside splash the puddles that are forming from the rain as they drive by.

The change of seasons has finally occurred here in New England. Many of us weren't sure if the weather would ever change from the snow, but it has! Now it is rainy, muggy, and 80 degrees (Fahrenheit). There have been some beautifully sunny days too. I love this weather. It creates nostalgia to happier times, and alludes to all the fun to come this summer.

I hope everyone is excited about this change. I appreciate the warm weather, treasure the sun, love the rain, and admire the beauty of the nature around me.

I think if there is one thing to take from the change of seasons is how amazing the Earth is and how awesome all the elements Mother Nature throws at it are.

I hope everyone is having a happy Wednesday! Hopefully you are appreciating the world around you, that includes the people too!

Life can be difficult, but you have to learn to appreciate the little things.

Much love,
  Grace Dooner

Insta: @grace.dooner
Twitter: @4everlovegrace
Youtube: Main Channel - Forever Love Grace
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Go-To Breakfasts!

Hello!

Here are some of my go-to breakfasts currently :)

LARABARS

Larabars are my favorite on the go breakfast. They are like granola bars, and they are so tasty. Larabars come in many different flavors. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Banana Chocolate Chip are my favorite flavors currently.

ACAI BOWL

Acai bowls are so filling! They can power me through until lunch, and sometimes I am still full by then! There are acai frozen packets you can buy at your local supermarket, and those are what I use to make my acai bowls. Then I grab all the frozen fruit I have (usually blueberries), a banana, and almond milk that I blend together to make the ice cream like substance. Then I top the mixture with granola, fresh fruit, banana, and peanut butter.

BANANA + GRANOLA

This is a classic breakfast for me, I love it every time. I cut up a banana, add granola, and then pour in some almond milk. It is simple but so tasty! Occasionally I will add ground flax seed to the mixture as well! 

* All of these options are vegetarian/vegan. *

love to all! 

- Grace

tag me if you try any on Instagram: @grace.dooner

I'm doing vlogmas!

HEHE! Happy Holidays :)

GREECE

I went to Greece over the summer! It was absolutely amazing! I will post some pictures here because pictures are worth a thousand words. 

<3 

Athens:

 Delphi:

 Mykonos:

 Rhodes:

 Santorini:

Much love! 

- Grace

Long Time, No See...

Hello!

      Sorry I have been MIA the past year. It has been a little crazy in my life. Since we last spoke I have traveled to another continent and a little around the U.S.A., and progressed in my photography. I will be sure to update you all on that very soon.


I hope everyone is doing well!

xoxo,
   Grace

P.S. there is a sneak peak at some Italy :)

February 17th. The Beach.

My friend and I drove around the other day to get different views of the beach. I had a lot of doing it, and I really like some of the shots I took. Here they are:

xoxo,

Grace