Keeping it Neat: Spruce Up Your Dorm Room (aka Midterm Cleanup)

It's gotten to that time of the term where my dorm room feels a little blah. Now, things look a little bit messy and something simply must be done. 

Here are tips for cleaning up your room midway through the term, as well as a few fun things you can purchase to spruce up your space:

Closet and Dresser

Go through your clothes and make sure everything is hung and folded properly. Don't create extra work (ironing/rewashing) for yourself by not taking care of your clothes. Also, go through your shoes with some shoe polish and rub off any scuff marks. To do this, first use a dry paper towel to buff off mud, then use a soapy washcloth to wash off what's remaining. After the shoes dry, go back in with polish for added shine.

Desk

Make sure you have enough pens/pencils/paper/note cards to last you through the end of the term. Organize old assignments using file folders or in a specified drawer. Reorganize your bookshelves and clear off counter space so you have more room to work. Then wipe everything down with antibacterial wipes or some 409 and a paper towel to kill any germs.

Pantry and Mini Fridge

Empty out your mini fridge and pantry completely. Check all expiration dates and look for anything that has been left open and is going stale. Then wipe down your fridge and anywhere else food is kept with antibacterial wipes or 409 and a paper towel. Now, put everything back and take out the trash!

Laundry

Three words: wash. your. sheets. You should be doing this every week (or every other week if you're not as on it), but if you haven't been keeping up with clean bedding, now is the time to start fresh. Plus, your skin may start to look better as dirty pillowcases often cause breakouts.

Shower Caddy and Beauty Products

Reorganize your shower products. Take an inventory of what you have and what you need. Then, organize your beauty/hair products. Make sure to clean your make up brushes and wipe down your make up (everything should be sterilized!).

If you want to get some fun accents to liven up your room, here are some suggestions:

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo

When You Need to Get Things Done

I've spend Monday-Wednesday this week in total denial of my ever-growing to do list. Filled with errands and long term assignments, I've realized that today is going to be a little bit of a work marathon. For me, this ends up working really well. The first week and a half of class I haven't had a ton to do, which has been a little bit boring. I work really well under pressure- I love having deadlines and meetings and a schedule packed full of things I'm excited about. Today is one of those days.

Here's how to get it all done:

via Design, Eat, Repeat

Empty your brain

Write everything you can think of on paper in no particular order. Make a column for appointments (with times next to them), one for errands, one for emails/phone calls and one for homework. 

Prioritize

What do you seriously need to get done? Put a star next to these items. You can't always do everything, but make sure you get the most important things done.

Make a schedule

On another sheet of paper, list appointments by time, and leave room in between where you can schedule in errands or work. I simply write "run errands" or "do homework" without being too specific about what exactly I'll be doing. I then make a second column with the tasks I need to complete. I then cross out items as I complete them.

Leave time for meals

A big mistake I used to make during my "work marathons" is forgetting to factor in mealtime. It is not healthy to eat every meal while you work or to skip meals- you'll crash much sooner than if you had taken even a 20 minute break to have something to eat to fuel your brain (and no, coffee is not a meal). Try to schedule a meal with someone else so you force yourself to get up from work.

Take breaks and drink water

I take a lot of quick email or Refinery 29 breaks where I mindlessly check out interesting articles or reply to new messages. However, getting up and walking around even for 5 minutes makes a huge difference. Drink lots of water too to keep your mind sharp. 

Find a work buddy

I work really well when there are other people around me who are getting things done- it's kind of inspiring! Call your best friend, your class mate or your boyfriend (hello you're sitting across from me) and get to work. To hold each other accountable and not get too distracted, set designated times where you can hang out and be totally unproductive (like getting dinner together, again hello bf).

Tackle emails

This might just be me, but sometimes when I need to get a start on being productive, I respond to all of my emails. Getting just something done makes my to do list seem way more manageable.

Turn up the music

Listen to some upbeat music every time you feel like you're losing focus. This works best when you're doing little tasks rather than say, reading or writing. Sometimes slower jams can put you to sleep.

It's almost Friday! Hooray!

xoxo

What's in My Shower Caddy

From shower sandals to sharing a bathroom with an entire floor of people, college makes the whole getting-ready process seem completely unglamorous. I remember freshman year feeling like it was really hard to shower when you have to wear flip flops and awkwardly move around in a tiny stall. However, since adjusting to dorm living, I've found that a well-stocked shower caddy full of my favorite products makes the whole process much more pleasant.  Here's what I'm loving:

Shampoo & Conditioner 

These two are an absolute must for any shower caddy. I love using Pureology's Hydrate shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair. They have a refreshing mint and eucalyptus smell that really wakes me up in the morning and add a lot of shine while keeping static at bay (a big problem for straight hair).

Claw Clip

After I wash my hair, I put conditioner in and twist it up in a claw clip so the conditioner can absorb without getting everywhere.

Body Wash & Soap 

Unscented soap for sensitive skin is seriously a must (Dove is great). Keep these in a soap container so it doesn't make a mess in the caddy. After I use soap all over, I use a little bit of sweet-smelling body wash. My pick is Soap & Glory's floral Clean on Me.

Body Scrub 

I like to exfoliate my entire body about every other day, especially in the winter when skin gets really dry. Soap & Glory's Flake Away infused with moisturizers and lots of grains for buffing goes really well with my body wash and makes my skin so soft!

Shave Cream, Razor & Gel Lotion

Shaveworks is seriously life changing. The shave cream and gel lotion make for the closest shave ever (especially after using Soap & Glory's Flake Away!). The products smell great too.

Body Lotion

After I dry off, I apply body lotion before I leave the bathroom so that my skin retains the most moisture. This also gives it a couple of minutes to absorb before I change into my outfit for the day.

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo

Settling in Back at School/My Daily Routine

The crazy chaos that is the first week back at school is now over and a second, settled week has begun. Last week was great- full of overdue reunions, new academic passions and perhaps most importantly: lots of coffee. 

It was also unsustainable- too little sleep, too much procrastinating. But by Friday, I felt like I was getting back into a good routine. 

Now that I'm settled, I have revisited my temporarily forgotten January resolution (hi, organization) and re-evaluated my schedule so that I can better accomplish my work, spend time with friends and get to sleep at a reasonable hour.

Someone once told me that every hour spent doing homework during the day equals 1.5 hours of work at night. That person is certainly right. Around 11 PM, reading Thought Catalog articles seems far more appealing than working on new vocabulary for a language course. Today, I got the majority of my work done before dinner and have planned the week out so that I won't be up late studying.

I use both a daily agenda and a lined notepad to plan out my days/weeks. I write appointments (i.e. class, meetings, meals, extra curricular activities) in my agenda and daily to do lists (i.e. homework, emails, errands) on lined paper. I carry both of these around all day to keep me on track.

For study breaks (I mainly need one right after class gets out), I usually get a cup of coffee and respond to emails, check the news and evaluate my to do list/agenda. Then, I review the notes I took in class and get to work, rotating between school work (I'm taking two English classes and an Italian course, so it's important to break up the reading) and errands.

My nights are usually filled with activities for my sorority, meetings for clubs or dinners with friends. If I have more homework, I do it afterward (last week I was definitely doing way too much homework late at night) or get ahead with reading. 

At the end of the day, I unwind by taking a shower or listening to music and check my agenda for what I have going on the next day. I also pack my school bag and pick out my outfit so mornings aren't rushed (which they always are- ugh!). After a busy day, there's no better feeling than settling down in bed and falling right to sleep.

Now, I find myself knee-deep in Great Expectations and so happy to be back in the swing of things.

Happy winter quarter!

xoxo

2014 Organization

Happy 2014 everyone! As January is my organization resolution month, I'm all about planning ahead before school starts up next week. Here are some of my favorite desktop calendars, list papers and personal agendas to keep organized.

Sugar Paper / Tiffany & Co.  / Mrs. John L. Strong  / Sugar Paper

Kate Spade / Sugar Paper / J.Crew x Delfonics / J.Crew x Knock Knock / Kate Spade / Sugar Paper 

 Sugar Paper / Kate Spade / Hermès / Louis Vuitton / Bon Journee

And here's an older post featuring my back to school planning tips if you're headed back to finish up a semester or start a new quarter!

xoxo

Productivity

Over the last three weeks, I have felt the pressures of school, extra curricular activities and social events slowly close in on me. As a student on the quarter system, this week- Week 7- is something I dread. This week, I have the last of my midterms, some long term essays that I totally should have worked on during weeks 3 and 4, club meetings (...like I have time for clubs anymore), sorority semiformal and actual formal and sometimes hanging out with friends. Not that I don't love everything I'm involved in, but can you say 'yikes?!'

Anyway, all of this activity has forced me to compartmentalize my thoughts and intensely focus on one thing at a time. I usually don't like to be so intense, but hey- desperate times call for desperate measures, right? Here are my tips for getting work done when it's crunch time:

1. Prioritize: Make a list and check things off. You'll spend less time periodically freaking about what you have to do and more time getting things done.
2. Tune In: Turn on an upbeat song while you make your to do list. Get your mind in the zone (I recommend "Roar" by Katy Perry or "Royals" by Lorde).
3. Take the Stairs: A quick walk- preferably outside in the fresh air- will get the blood pumping and your brain working. 
4. Reward Yourself: Take a break every hour or so. Come up with rewards that take about 15-20 minutes. My favorite reward? Painting my nails or making a new playlist. Coming up with rewards you really want make you work more efficiently and also make your to do list a little less daunting.
5.  Fuel Your Brain: Take 30-60 minutes for a meal with a good friend during your work session. Have a meal with someone who makes you laugh and calms you down. You'll return to your to do list with renewed energy.

And a few don'ts...

• Don't rely on caffeine: Okay, so maybe I am addicted to coffee (aren't we all!?), but to avoid getting the jitters, drink a glass of water for every cup of coffee (or shot of espresso) you sip. You'll stay hydrated.
• Don't study with your BFF: Well if you do, make sure you've got some noise-canceling headphones. Make your Buzzfeed/Thought Catalog sessions your break, not an interruption.
• Don't forget to sleep: Nothing makes me unproductive like lack of sleep. Get those 7(ish)-9(ish) hours. If you have trouble sleeping, you can read my post about it here.

Happy Thursday! It's almost the weekend! (Yippee!)

xoxo

Get Inspired & Stay That Way!

I've never really written about my blog before. There isn't really much to say- I love writing, reading and fashion! This blog truly is my creative outlet. While writing my blog posts is fun, there are times when I get a little stressed out when trying to come up with new content. Here's how I get my creative juices flowing- for my blog, for school and for life!

1. Work Out: You all probably think I'm some psycho gym nut. I'm not. The main reasons I work out are to release stress and get those feel-good endorphins going. Somehow, I always end up getting the best ideas after an intense workout at the gym.
2. Rip & Tear: I keep a 3-inch binder on my bookshelf with dividers for different topics: "fashion," "beauty," "literature," etc. I tear out and hole punch different articles that teach me new things, make me think differently and inspire me to write better. Whenever I'm feeling uninspired I pull out my binder and look through my articles.
3. Talk it Out: I get by with a little help from my friends- really! I ask my most trusted friends for their opinions, ideas, questions and feedback. Asking people who will be honest with you is important. One of my friends told me she prefers my literary posts, another told me he likes study and organizational tips, still someone told me she loved reading about skincare. Hearing my friends' honest opinions has helped me streamline my brainstorming.
4. Read & Watch: Sometimes, I just want to give my mind a break from the "serious" literature I love so much. That's when I turn to YouTube and lifestyle blogs. I have regular blogs and YouTube channels I subscribe to, but I often search topics I want more info on. You'll be amazed by how much you find!
5. Pin It: Pinterest really is the best. I love creating secret mood boards on the site. Okay, "secret mood board" sounds like something out of CSI. But often times, I'm brainstorming super lame things (i.e. what color I want my highlights to be) and don't really feel the need to share my brainstorming with the whole world. A mood board allows me to add really specific pins to a board without fear of being redundant. The point is to get ideas about one or two specific things. Example: I have a pin board (my only public mood board haha!) about Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl's style (obsessed!). While dozens of photos of the style icon may be a little boring, the whole board has the same feel or 'mood.' 

I hope these tips helped you out!

Happy brainstorming!

xoxo

College Chic: You're on Campus, Now What?

For those of you on the semester system, orientation and the first week of school have arrived (we lucky quarter school kids have an extra month, but this post will be useful when it's your turn!). If you're anything like I was last year, you are probably nervous. Where do I meet people? Will my roommate like me? Where are my classes? I'm how far away from home? These questions ran through my mind throughout my first week on campus. Luckily, things somehow worked out: I made a close group of friends during orientation, my roommate and I got along, my classes were relatively close to my dorm building, and somehow the lack of floorspace in my tiny dorm wasn't a problem. This didn't all happen instantly though- it took some effort. So here are my tips for your first week covering classes to new friends and everything in between...

I totally wish my dorm room was that chic

Roommates | Your roommate is probably the first person you'll meet on campus. If you didn't talk to them over the summer, now is the time to make a good impression and set the tone for the year. Don't be afraid to be direct and set some boundaries/ground rules. It's way easier to deal with issues before they come up. You're living together so it's in your best interest to get along. And who knows, she could be the sister you always wanted! Schedule a roomie dinner ASAP. It shows her you're excited to get to know her and takes the stress out of walking the dining hall alone. Oh and a note for if things take a turn for the worse: If you feel disrespected or unsafe after trying to get along with your roommate, don't be afraid to contact housing and request a change- lots of people end up switching! 

Floormates | These are the people you will be sharing a bathroom, kitchen and common area with. Get to know them! It's fun to stay up and order midnight pizza with people in your hallway and be able to walk 10 feet into your room afterwards. Offer to help them during move in and go to floor meetings. Universities want you to make friends with your floormates, so they usually include floor meetings/socials into the orientation schedule. Missing these makes it seem like you don't care and also means you're missing out on making new friends.

Meeting New People in General | You're going to meet hundreds (not kidding) of people that first week. While you aren't expected to remember everyone's name, try to. The next time you see them, say hello and reintroduce yourself. I'll admit that initially I felt uncomfortable doing this as I thought it would be embarrassing if someone forgot my name or didn't recognize me. But in the end, the person who forgets is the one who feels embarrassed and they'll be sure to remember you in the future. Try saying this, "Hi __________, I'm not sure if you remember me but I'm _________ and we met _________." That way you'll come off as thoughtful and not creepy.

Books | Pick up your books ASAP. The campus bookstore does and will run out of them. They probably will not restock. So, what's a girl to do? As soon as you find out your books aren't available order them online from Amazon. Try to get them shipped to you as fast as possible so you have them on the first day of class. But if they don't arrive in time, don't worry. Many people "class shop" during the first week of school and try out different classes so they won't buy the books until they are officially registered. Professors usually understand and you can make a new friend by asking to borrow a book.

Classes | Your classes will meet different days at different times at different places. Get this straight before classes start so you aren't late/absent and don't have an ulcer trying to figure things out last minute. Pull out a campus map and walk from various campus locations to each of your classes- don't just walk to the outside of the building! Walk to the classroom you're assigned (sometimes classes meet in bizarre locations- like lecture halls in the basement). Make a mental note of any landmarks along the way and also time how long it takes to get to class. You'll want to arrive about 5 minutes early, so plan accordingly. Also, make sure to bring a notebook, laptop and required readings to the first day of class. The professor will tell you what they expect for the rest of the term.

Parties | We all knew this would come up at some point- your first college party. Now before you go do the whole Asher Roth thing, read the next few sentences. Be. Careful. Creepy upperclassmen, campus security and overeager freshmen will be lurking at parties during orientation. Don't be the person who gets caught intoxicated (don't forget- you're underage) by the police and have to face disciplinary action right when school starts. Even more importantly, though, remember that the people you go out with are essentially strangers. While you should be trying to make friends and should not be paranoid, you should remember that you barely know anyone and if you go a little crazy, your wellbeing is majorly at risk. When it comes right down to it, drinking alcohol is illegal if you are a minor.You are not lame for following the law. It's totally acceptable to go out sober. In fact, people will respect that you can control yourself and appreciate that they don't have to deal with a drunk mess (as someone who has cleaned up friends' messes, it is not fun). 

Starting Fresh | Finally, after you realize your roommate isn't going to kill you in your sleep, you're relived you made it to your classes without tripping up the stairs and you're confused that most people don't actually wear togas to toga parties, your back in your dorm room processing the newness of college. Your eyes fall on a photo of your family and all of a sudden you feel far away and alone. Who or what keeps you grounded when your family and friends aren't around? College is hard because the answer to that question isn't what you want to hear: you've got to keep yourself grounded. And how on earth do you do that? Don't forget where you came from. I remember one time someone telling me, "you are who you are because of who you were." I thought that was kind of lame- I'm all about defying the odds and overcoming circumstances! My past does not define me! I quickly learned, though, that my new beginning in college meant I got to take all of the best things about my past with me- my loving family, my loyal friends- while leaving behind the things I didn't like so much- my insecurities. Being homesick, nervous, confused and generally emotional means that you're a normal, imperfect human being. Embrace yourself and prepare to enter a world of opportunity!

When it comes down to it, college is about balance. Your first week will not and should not be perfect. That would be so boring! And in regards to the inevitable hiccups along the way- they always make for great stories.

Good luck & have fun!

xoxo 

College Chic: Bedding

College is getting closer and closer! Time to finish up shopping for your new dorm room. Remember to buy Twin XL sheets and a Twin Comforter! Here are some awesome bedding websites to consider:

PB Teen Dorm

Trina Turk Bedding

Lilly Pulitzer Bedding exclusively at Garnet Hill

Serena & Lily

Dena at Bed Bath & Beyond

Pine Cone Hill

Tommy Hilfiger

Happy shopping!

xoxo

College Chic: Midterms and Finals and Papers Oh My! (Time Management)

A lot of people told me that college would be easier academically than high school. That the pressure to get good grades wasn't there. That work wouldn't get in the way of my hanging out with friends or joining clubs. Maybe I'm crazy, but I think those people were wrong. College is way harder than high school- mainly because you don't spend that much time in class. Most days I'll have between 1 and 3 hours of class. Having say, 5 hours of class, in one day is practically unheard of. But because so little time is spent in the classroom, a lot of time is spent on your own. These academic tips saved me from pulling all nighters and going insane during my first year away from home:

First Week of Class | So you've finally finalized which classes you're taking (yay!). Now it's time to take a look at each course's syllabus. Write down dates/times of midterms, papers and finals in your agenda. Take a look at the expected workload for each week. Are some weeks harder than others? Are there pop quizzes? Daily quick writes? Lots of reading? Make a note of anything- well- noteworthy. And don't lose the syllabi!

Before Class | Do the reading before class. I am not kidding. After making this a habit, classes became more interesting, I completely understood what the professor was saying and I felt way more confident participating during both lecture and discussion. While professors don't expect you to read every word, thoroughly read every text's introduction and conclusion, skimming important headings and introductory paragraphs throughout reading. If you're in a time crunch, this can be enough, however after lecture make sure to go back and fill in any details you missed. Often times things that confused you in lecture are things that confused you during the reading.

During Class | Take notes and participate!

Immediately After Class | Don't move. Spend 10-15 minutes reading all of the notes you took in class. Now is the time to highlight, add more information and come up with thoughtful questions about what you just heard. Studies show that retention rate is highest if you review something right after you learn it.

A Few Hours Later/The Next Day | Take a look at your notes with a refreshed set of eyes (preferably post-workout when oxygen is flowing to the brain, making it extra alert). Consider visiting office hours to clear up any remaining questions or attend a study group for your class to work collaboratively. Try some practice problems and make up sample test questions.

The Weekend | Tackle a lot Friday afternoon and Saturday before 5. I try to treat school like a 9 to 5 job. That way I can really let information sink in rather than spending all of Sunday in the library. I spend the weekend working on normal work, long term projects (see below) and filling out any applications I need (for clubs/internships etc). I also make a big to do list for errands I need to run off campus.

Papers | Within 48 hours of an essay prompt being assigned, come up with a list of at least 5 things to write about. Make sure everything is specific. Take your 3 best ideas to your professor during office hours to discuss. Often, professors have extra sources they can point you toward. First, roughly outline essays. If they essay is a research paper, incorporate evidence into the outline under appropriate headings. Work until an extremely rough draft is completed. This entire process should take maximum 3 days. Then wait at least 1 day before going back in to edit. I try to work on essay drafts every other day so I always have fresh eyes.

Midterm Period | Start 4 days before a mid term making flash cards or outlines and reviewing notes. Hopefully at this point you don't have to go back into readings/textbooks. Come up with test questions and answer them to prepare yourself for tests. Time yourself. The best way to prepare for a test is to take a lot of tests. Even if the questions are different, time pressure is always nerve wrecking.

Finals Week | Finals week is hard because there are so many tests happening in so many subjects at the same time. Rotate studying completely different subjects in different locations so information doesn't get confused. Take a break to grab a meal or work out between study sessions. Use the same midterm tips to help practice for written tests. Try to finish papers before finals if you can, or work on them as a "break" from studying for things that aren't open book/note.

Good luck!

xoxo

The Perks of Being a College Student: Discounts You'll Love

College is majorly expensive, even with scholarships.  So many companies are helping college students out by offering student discounts if you show your school ID at check out.  Here are some unexpected places where you can save:

• Ann Taylor: 20% off
• Apple: 8% off
• Banana Republic: 15% off
• Charlotte Russe: 10% off
• Club Monaco: 20% off
• Eddie Bauer: 15% off (regular price items only)
• J. Crew: 20% off (regular price items only)
• Juicy Couture: 15% off
• The Limited: 15% off
• Madewell: 15% off
• Ralph Lauren Rugby: 15% off
• Shoebuy.com: 10% off
• Steve Madden: 10% off
• Target.com: 10% off (online only)
• Topshop: 10% off
• Urban Outfitters: 10% off (certain dates only)

Happy shopping!
xoxo

College Chic: 12 Study Snacks to Keep Your Brain Sharp

Long hours spent studying in the library or your dorm room are inevitable during college. Personally, I've stayed in the library so long that I don't remember to eat until my stomach starts growling and I'm suddenly starving. Here are some quick & easy healthy study snacks that are delicious and will help keep you powering through until your work is finished. 

1. Apple peanut butter chip sandwiches: Slice up an apple and spread a little bit of peanut butter and sprinkle with chocolate chips on a slice. Place another slice on top and you have a mini sandwich!
2. Banana nut oatmeal: Microwave 1/2 cup of oatmeal with 1 cup of water for 1.5-2 minutes. Then slice a banana and break up a few walnut pieces for a yummy topping.
3. Air popped popcorn: Pop 1 or 2 cups of popcorn. Air popping is the healthiest method, however many brands such as SmartPop offer microwavable options. Try drizzling a little coconut oil on top for a unique flavor.
4. Yogurt, fruit & granola parfait: 1 container of lowfat or nonfat yogurt + a few strawberries, raspberries and blueberries + 1/4 cup of granola= the perfect mid-study snack! 
5. Fruit kebabs: Place grapes, blueberries, kiwi, pineapples, oranges and strawberries on a wooden skewer to enjoy a refreshing rainbow fruit kebab.
6. Corn tortilla chips & salsa: A few low-fat tortilla chips and some all natural/organic salsa have the right amount of spice to wake you up so you can finish studying for that midterm.
7. Healthy trail mix: Mix peanuts, cashews, almonds, unshelled pistachios, banana chips, whole grain pretzels and raisins together for a healthier trail mix that won't make you crash from too much sugar. 
8. Edamame: Packed with protein and a refreshing taste, salt-and-peppered edamame is a great savory study snack.
9. Strawberries & cool whip: For a sweet snack, try strawberries with low or non-fat cool whip. 
10. Dark chocolate: A few squares of dark chocolate may provide that extra boost of caffeine you need when you start nodding off.  However, to make sure the chocolate is full of antioxidants and a good amount of caffeine aim for 72% pure cacao or higher.
11. Hummus and veggies: Hummus and veggies are a perfect pairing when you need a more substantial snack. The more veggies the better as they are filled with vitamins and minerals to keep your mind sharp.
12. Water: Good old-fashioned H20 is the first thing you should reach for when your tummy starts rumbling. Keeping hydrated improves focus and also curbs hunger so you aren't tempted to reach for the first unhealthy snack you stumble upon.

Bon appetit!

xoxo

College Chic: Staying Healthy at School

With snack-filled study sessions, parties and meetings that have you up late at night, college activities can seem anything but healthy. While academics should be a priority, nothing is as important as your health. In fact, leading a healthy life can contribute to success in academics and a sense of general fulfillment in all aspects of life. Senior year of high school, I really focused on being "healthy." After a disastrous cross-country season in the fall, I knew it was time to make a change. While I've always been a healthy weight, I've never been very athletic or strong and I wanted to change that. I began going to the gym religiously 6 days per week and tried out all sorts of workouts- from cycling to yoga to running. By the time I got to college, I had committed myself to staying in shape, and while there were times I slipped up, I kept to that for the most part.

Below, I've broken "health" down into a few sections to help you stay in tip top shape when you're off at school. Enjoy!

 (Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, dietician, fitness instructor or anything official at all. 

The advice below is purely based on my experience.)

1. Sleep: I choose to discuss sleep first because it is arguably the most important key to success in college. I'm a sleep addict. I honestly cannot function on less than 8 hours (maybe 7) of sleep. Sleep has all sorts of amazing benefits. From helping with weight management to improving alertness/focus to keeping mood swings at bay, rest is necessary for academic, extra-curricular and social success. I try to get between 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Ideally, I would be in bed by 10:30 or so as I love getting up early, but I find between 11:30 PM and midnight as realistic bedtimes for college (more like 1 AM on Friday/Saturday). Therefore, when I get up between 7:30 and 9 AM, I am ready to take on the day.
**Tip** Rest can be even more beneficial if you go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day- your body will fall asleep and wake up easier!

2. Working Out: Let's face the facts here- I'm no varsity athlete. While I'm pretty uncoordinated, I know that it is extremely important for me to workout intensely at least 4 or 5 days per week. This means 35-45 minutes (minimum) of cardio, followed by weights/abs and stretching. I love using the elliptical and interval running. An example of my workout is: 40 minutes of interval running (5 minutes running hard, 5 minutes easy jog or power walk if it's a hill), followed by an ab circuit (planks, russian twists, crunches) or high reps with light weights (like 15 pounds), and 15 minutes of stretching. I try to devote an hour of my day to working out. Personally, if I don't workout in the morning it just doesn't happen, so I try to workout right when I wake up.

3. Eating: The Freshman 15 haunts all college students and is real. However, by limiting midnight snacks and partying, it is easy to maintain (or even lose) weight while at school. Calorically, I can only estimate what I ate- during the week (Sunday-Thursday) about 1400-1600 calories per day and on the weekend (Friday-Saturday) about 1700-1900 calories. Rather than counting calories, I tried to have 3 meals a day and 2 snacks. My meals/snacks are pretty healthy (breakfast is always oatmeal with some type of fruit/peanut butter/topping mixed in, one snack is a coffee and an apple, lunch is usually a salad or sandwich on whole wheat bread, dinner is usually stir fry with brown rice or a little bit of whole grain pasta mixed with veggies). I always allow myself a treat (I have a bit of a sweet tooth), so one of my snacks (or my dessert) is something sugary like a cookie from our amazing campus bakery. Friday night or Saturday, I usually go out into town for a meal with friends, where I basically let myself get whatever I want since I eat well during the week.
**Tip** Eating healthfully in college is all about balance. Eating well not only makes for a healthy weight, but also fuels your brain. Snacking on foods that are good for your brain (slow-release carbs found in whole grains, healthy fats such as avocados/walnuts, protein such as chicken or tofu) will help you focus longer and be efficient.

4. Water: I am a big water drinker. Other than coffee and the very rare diet coke, I don't drink anything but H20, and boy do I drink a lot of it! Water supercharges your metabolism, helps you focus more and keeps your organs running smoothly. Every morning I drink 16 ounces (two glasses or one Camelback) of water right when I get up, I also drink 8 ounces (one glass) before and after every meal as well as 1.5-2 water bottles over the course of a workout.

5. Vitamins: I don't get sick very often (knock on wood)- I've never gotten a flu shot or really any extra shots other than requirements for public school. While I might just be lucky, I think that eating healthfully, working out and taking a multivitamin has helped my immune system stay strong. The vitamins I have tried have been Centrum (not a fan), and Alive! (I love this food-based vitamin). When my friends/roommate(s) are sick, I take Emergen-C immediately to get an extra boost of immune-boosting Vitamin C.

--The Bottom Line--

Making healthy choices shouldn't be a chore. Personally, I feel great when I'm eating well, working out and sleeping a lot, and that feeling keeps me motivated to continue to make good choices. When it comes right down to it though, college is a time to have fun. Miss a workout? Eat 5 slices of pizza? Drink soda? Don't sweat it. Problems start when making unhealthy decisions becomes a habit. Every meal, every workout and every day, is a new chance to make your best decisions.  

Hopefully these tips will keep you healthy and happy!

xoxo

College Chic: What to Know Before You Go (Pre-Arrival Checklist)

School's been out for two weeks! High school already seems like a distant memory and college is now an excited unknown, looming in the distance.  If you are anything like I was last summer, you're probably ready to get a head start on researching what your new, wonderful, grown up life as a college student will be like.  However, all of the opportunities that are about to knock on your door can seem a little overwhelming. Never fear, though, because this list breaks down different areas that you should look into before heading to campus! Good luck!

1. Classes
• Now is the time to choose your classes.  While most universities offer a "shopping period" where you can sit in on classes, it is difficult to register for couses at some schools.  Therefore, knowing what you want ASAP is really important.
• Check out websites like ratemyprofessor.com, courserank.com or your school's course hacker website for review of classes, old syllabi (plural of syllabus?), and which professors are the best.  Keep in mind that the professor can make or break a class. Visiting professors are often not the greatest idea unless you find really positive reviews of them from another university.
• Another thing to note is that you'll want to take the easiest yet most interesting classes possible your first term. This is the time to explore. I took a random linguistics class my freshman fall just because it sounded interesting and I loved it. It was so fascinating and the professor was so passionate about the topic that studying for tests and doing problem sets was actually fun for me.  While I don't plan on taking any other linguistics classes, it was a great introduction to college classes and ended up fulfilling a general education requirement.
• Think about taking one small seminar class. I always try to take one class that is 15 people or fewer (my school is pretty small, so this isn't too hard).  In high school, I was so used to every teacher knowing who I was, but in a big lecture hall you can often be just a number. Having a small class kept me accountable for participating in class and reminded me to think critically and engage in meaningful discussions with my peers during and after class.  
• Find one professor to get close to each term. Read about them. Meet with them after the first or second class.  Essentially stalk them.  Professors have incredible knowledge and are so good at giving advice.  I got really close to one professor spring term who ended up opening up some incredible (read: research, internship) opportunities for me. Even though I was nervous to talk to the professor initially, it ended up paying off in the end.
• Come up with a list of classes to sit in on during the first week of school. Actually go to these classes.  Sometimes, even if a class is full, a professor will add a space for you or put you on a waiting list.  The path to a high GPA and happiness in classes means that you should not end up taking the classes you register for. Add a class. Drop a class. Experiment!
2. Extra-Curriculars
• Usually the first week of school features a club fair. This is super overwhelming, so check out your school's organizations website.  Make a list of clubs you're interested in so you can prioritize which booths to visit during the fair.  Come up with questions! Many popular organizations require applications and resumes so prepare your information beforehand. 
3. Housing
• Research where you'll be living.  
• Do your packing! 
• Figure out your roommate (or floormate, if you're in a single) situation. If you have a roommate, now is the time to bond and discuss boundaries/fun/your shared living space (I'll put up a roommates post later!).  
4. Greek Life/Social Life
• Greek life is a big part of social life at many schools.  Research what the rush process is like and if/when you want to rush. Every school has different policies.
• Reach out to people from your high school or local alums who were/weren't Greek if you're on the fence.
• Research what percentage of your school's student body is part of the Greek system- what are alternatives if you aren't involved? Is the system open and welcoming to all students? Or can only members attend events? (I've heard of some schools where you have to be on a list to get into parties and other schools where the doors are wide open for any student to attend events)
• If your school doesn't have a Greek system, this decision is made for you...

                                                          Good luck! xoxo

20 Books to Read Before College

Happy Thursday (or it's Thursday here in Western Europe where I'm currently traveling-more on that later)... As I've been traveling with my family, we've been talking a bit about books, and I began to think about what books I'm really glad I read before college. There are so many lists I've gotten over the years- summer reading, AP lists, class reading lists- but I really wish there was one list that I could use to figure out exactly what I need to read and when.  In an attempt to make my own list, I've come up with what I think is a pretty comprehensive selection of books to read before college (in no particular order). Enjoy!

1. To Kill a Mockingbird- Harper Lee
2. Romeo and Juliet- William Shakespeare
3. The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald
4. The Catcher in the Rye- J.D. Salinger
5. Animal Farm- George Orwell
6. Hamlet- William Shakespeare
7. Frankenstein- Mary Shelley
8. Pride and Prejudice- Jane Austen
9. The Odyssey- Homer
10. Jane Eyre- Charlotte Bronte
11. The Bell Jar- Sylvia Plath
12. The Awakening- Kate Chopin
13. 1984- George Orwell
14. Heart of Darkness- Joseph Conrad
15. The Scarlet Letter- Nathaniel Hawthorne
16. The Adventures of Huck Finn- Mark Twain
17. Brave New World- Aldous Huxley
18. Of Mice and Men- John Steinbeck
19. Oedipus Rex- Sophocles
20. As I Lay Dying- William Faulkner

Hope you enjoyed my list... What's on yours? Happy reading!

xoxo

College Chic: Packing Part 2 (Clothes, Clothes and More Clothes)

Packing clothes for college can be really difficult. I know I wanted to bring everything (and I almost did...) However, there's a huge difference between what you think you'll wear in college and what you'll actually wear.  So here are a few helpful tips to help you better sense of what you should take with you, what you should leave behind and how to keep all of your clothes looking their best.

Part 1: What to Pack

Everyday clothes: You will be wearing a lot of casual clothes. Most people wear jeans or casual dresses/skirts and a top.

• Tops
• Shirts: Bring everything that doesn't wrinkle- unless you're planning on getting clothes dry cleaned it can be a pain to hand wash and hang dry and then iron your clothes (see below for washing)
• Storage: fold these and stack in drawers, for button ups or silk tops, hang in closet
• Sweaters: For sweaters, make sure all of these are pre-dry cleaned or else any bits and pieces of food/bacteria/dead skin cells will attract moths and they will make holes your favorite fuzzy Free People cashmere sweater. Also, you should not-- actually cannot-- machine wash/dry wool (and cashmere)- I repeat you cannot machine wash/dry wool! 
• Storage: Fold these in bins that can go above closet for easy access and easy storage when the weather warms up
• Bottoms
• Pants/shorts: Bring all of your jeans and shorts/pants- these are easy to wash and wear.  Make sure to bring a variety of cuts, especially skinny jeans that tuck into boots for the winter.  Other popular styles are cropped/ankle and bootcut.
• Storage: fold and stack in drawers
• Skirts: Cotton skirts are great for summer and are usually pretty easy to machine wash and then hang dry (I really would recommend bringing a clothes drying rack to school), for other crepe-like material, follow my washing guide below
• Storage: either fold in half and stack in a drawer or hang with skirt hangers in closet
• Dresses: (storage: hang these)
• Cotton dresses are easiest as you can cold wash them then hang dry them (do not tumble dry them or they will shrink)
• Solid colors are great for mixing with scarves
• Gym (storage: store clothes one or two "gym" drawers)
• Leggings: bring lots of running pants/leggings for working out or lounging around
• Tees: remember you'll get or want to purchase a lot of tee shirts from your college, so don't bring a ton- just your favorite 5 or 6
• Sweatshirts: 2 or 3, you'll probably get some on campus (a Black North Face is always a good decision)
• Outerwear (storage: hang these)
• 1 or 2 snow coats
• 1 raincoat
• 2 or 3 pea coats/jackets to go over sweaters
• Accessories
• Scarves (storage: store in a drawer)
• Bring a few neutral winter scarves and a few fun spring scarves if you want.  You probably won't wear these as much as you think! Remember they take up valuable storage space!
• Bags
• Bring 1 cross-body purse in a neutral color (tan? black?)
• Bring 1 bigger purse that isn't your school bag
• Bring 1 school bag/backpack/messenger bag that fits books and laptops comfortably
• Bring 1 
• Jewelry (storage: I don't recommend a pretty display unit. While I've never had a problem with anyone taking anything, it is best not to place jewelry, especially if it is valuable, out in the open. I used some great stackable jewelry containers from the container store and put these away. That being said, don't take your most expensive jewelry to college)
• Necklaces/bracelets
• Bring a variety in different metals 
• Earrings
• Studs: bring lots of these! You'll probably wear them every day.
• Long earrings: bring 2 or 3 pair maximum.  You'll probably only wear these to formal
• Shoes
• Athletic: 1 pair
• 1 or 2 pair ballet flat
• 1 or 2 pair riding boots
• 1 pair rain boots
• 1 pair snow boots
• 2 or 3 pair of sandals/flip flops including 1 pair for showering
• 1 pair wedges
• 1 pair heels (black or nude)
• Pajamas/Undergarments
• PJs: 1 pair with shorts, 2 pairs with pants should be all you need
• Socks: have enough for 2 weeks
• Underwear: my rule of thumb here is you want enough underwear to last you 2.5-3 weeks without washing, you decide how many pairs that is for you
• Bras: have enough for about 2 weeks 
• Tights/leggings: enough for 1 week
• Also bring 1 swimsuit (or more if you're going to school near the beach)

Event clothes: These will usually be worn at night either to theme parties or classy events off campus.  Note that you probably won't want to bring a ton of clothes.  I have one plastic bin full of theme party clothes (described below) and a few formal pieces.

• Casual parties
• Theme clothes
• Bring everything from tutus to tiaras to crazy patterned leggings to leotards to anything glittery. Some common party themes are American, beach party and decades (i.e. 70s, 80s, 90s)
• Shoes
• Bring one pair of shoes you're okay with absolutely ruining and can wear out to parties. They should be closed toed so if people step on your feet while dancing, it doesn't hurt.  
• Formals: usually campus organizations (clubs, Greek houses, etc) have 1 or 2 formal parties per year where you're asked to wear cocktail atire. Remember that you can re-wear these dresses and accessorize differently. You won't be wearing these dresses often, so try not to overpack.
• 2 formal dresses maximum (1 should be black)
• 1 pair of comfortable heels- you'll be walking/dancing in them and you really won't want to go barefoot (ew)

Part 2: How to Keep it All Clean

• When to Wash
• Keeping up with college laundry can be a pain. I recommend focusing on 1 type of washing per week- either machine wash or hand wash (so say Week 1, do machine wash, Week 2, do hand wash)
• Machine Wash 
• Directions for Detergent Only Items (basics): Just use any normal detergent (i.e. Tide) and put on "bright colors"
• Jeans/pants/shorts
• Cotton tops (although if you tumble dry these can shrink, so you might want to hang them)
• PJs
• Bras (you can put these in a delicates bag and throw them in here if you don't want to hand wash them.  They're more likely to get damaged this way though)
• Wash on "whitest whites" with normal detergent to kill germs and keep from smelling funny
• Towels
• Sheets

• Directions for Bleach Washing (kills germs, keeps items white) Let water run for a minute, then open lid and a capful of bleach (preferably the color safe kind) and run on whitest whites
• Underwear/whites/socks (use bleach to kill germs and make things look fresh and clean)
• Hand Wash
• Directions: Using a delicate detergent (i.e. Woolite) fill a tub with lukewarm water and a capful of soap.  Soak clothes in the water for 2-3 minutes and then plunge them in and out of the water (don't rub the fabric together as more delicate materials might rip/run) and drain soapy water.  Then wash with cool water until all soap comes off.  Gently wring the water out by squeezing the garment (don't twist) and hang on a clothes drying rack. After allowing them to dry overnight, iron them.
• Silk/polyester/crepe anything
• Any kind of dresses (except formal)
• Sweaters (wool especially)
• Most skirts
• Dry Cleaning (don't mess with these items!)
• Formal dresses
• Scarves
• Jackets/outerwear

Now that you're clothes are packed and clean, have fun!

xoxo

College Chic: Introducing College Chic & Packing Part 1 (Dorm Room Essentials)

An Introduction: Finals are finally over! Hooray! Now is the time to reflect and relax. In reflecting on the past year, I've realized that I wish I had a lot more knowledge about practical things before starting college. Despite my research, no one book or website was able to give me the answers I needed in the detail I wanted. Therefore, I've decided to start my own series of posts, College Chic, to help incoming college students prepare for the exciting and wonderful change ahead of them. Look out for posts labelled 'College Chic' to learn about anything and everything from packing tips to advice for navigating through the first week of school. Cheers and congratulations, graduates!

--- 

Packing Part 1 (Dorm Room Essentials): College may seem ages away for recent high school grads, but it's never too early to start shopping for your new dorm room! I majorly overpacked for my cross-country move to university and ended up having to send some stuff back home. Hopefully, this list of dorm room essentials will save you time, money and mistakes so you can spend less time setting up your room and more time making friends!

• Storage: Check out your room beforehand! If you're visiting the school, ask to see a sample freshman dorm or look online to see the floor plan and photos of the room you'll be living in. Most colleges post floor plans online. If you have any questions don't hesistate to call the Office of Residential Life at your university (you can even call anonymously if you're embarrassed)- that's what they are there for! 
• Under Bed Storage: Most dorm room beds can be lofted about 4 or 5 feet off the ground, which adds a lot of storage space. College beds are size Twin Extra-Long (about 6.5-7 feet long by about 4 feet wide).
• Drawers: these can be used for anything! Make sure you measure the width and length of the drawers so they fit under your bed. I used two square sets of drawers by Elfa from the Container Store. 
• Storage bins: I had room for two medium sized plastic storage bins and then stacked two more on top for out of season shoes, clean towels, clean sheets and other things that I don't use all the time.
• Closet Storage:
• One closet rod extender (it's an extra rod that adds another layer of hanging space)
• Many hangers (I like the Huggable Hangers brand so clothes don't slip off)
• One multi-level shoe rack-- maximize vertical space by choosing a shoe rack that has multiple levels 
• Two or three storage bins (I like fabric ones) for bulky sweaters or purses. My closet was actually a free-standing wardrobe, so I just put these on top, but most closets have a shelf above the clothes hanging rod.  
• Bedding
• One Twin XL quilt and throw (or duvet insert/cover and throw)- trust me, you don't need and won't want any more than that
• Two pillows with one sham and two cotton pillowcases
• One Twin XL bed cover that zips over your mattress and keeps out bed bugs/bacteria
• One mattress pad for back support that goes over the bed cover
• Two sets of sheets that go over the mattress pad
• One decorative pillow
• Favorite stuffed animal
• School supplies
• One notebook for each class
• One folder for each class (you really won't want to be lugging bulky binders around)
• One laptop-- I recommend the MacBook Air or a lightweight equivalent. I have the MacBook Pro and it is heavy to carry around all day, although it has some pretty nifty features.
• One pack of mechanical or number 2 pencils (you'll be filling out lots of Scantrons)
• One pack of black or blue pens (you may have essay exams that require work in pen)
• Three or four highlighters
• One scientific calculator (I recommend the TI-84 or TI-89 if you aren't a math major, if you are a math major then I'm not much help to you here unfortunately...)
• One pair of scissors- you will need these 
• One stapler- many professors actually take points off if your papers are paper-clipped and not stapled
• One three hole punch- just in case
• One academic agenda for writing down assignments (I love my Kate Spade agenda)
• One book bag (I'll post more about this later)
• One pack of loose leaf binder paper
• Various sticky notes, page flags and list papers
• Drawer dividers
• Toiletries
• One Shower Caddy filled with...
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Body wash
• Shaving cream
• Razor
• Body lotion
• Face wash
• Face moisturizer
• Sunblock
• Tooth brush with sanitary container
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Mouthwash
• Hair blow dryer/straightener/curling iron (whichever you use)
• Hair elastics, bobby pins, headbands
• Three large towels
• Five hand towels
• Two medium towels
• Medicine & Cleaning Supplies
• One Medicine Kit (you won't want to make a trip to CVS when you're feeling sick or when it's closed) filled with...
• Advil/fever reducer
• Tylenol
• Thermometer
• Zyrtec/Claritin/Allegra/Allergy Medicine
• Benadryl
• NyQuil/DayQuil
• Pepto Bismol
• Cough suppressant
• Cough drops
• Neosporin
• Bandaids
• One Cleaning Kit filled with
• Mini dish soap
• Laundry detergent
• Bleach for delicates
• Clorox disinfectant wipes
• Room freshener
• Fun stuff
• Appliances: Make sure to check your college's rules/regulations about this (I only had a mini fridge/cart and a coffee pot)
• Mini fridge
• Refrigerator cart that has shelves/drawers below for storing nonperishables
• Microwave
• Coffee pot/hot water boiler
• Blender
• Iron
• Lots of command hooks for hanging everything and anything
• Mini fan
• One reusable mug
• One reusable water bottle
• Pictures of family/friends with frames
• Posters for your wall
• Cork boards/magnetic boards
• White board for your door where friends who stop by can leave notes
• Full length mirror- most dorms don't have these
• A table lamp
• A futon or chair
• Portable wireless speakers (a small set is usually best)
• What not to bring
• A printer- most schools have a relatively affordable printing service and finding/buying ink is a hassle and is expensive
• An ironing board, even in miniature size (what was I thinking...)
• A bean bag- these are huge and only seat one person
• Multiple quilts or more than two pillows- there really won't be room
• Books: I promise you won't read them and if you want to, your school has them in the library
• Lots of expensive tech equipment: limit yourself to a few gadgets and chargers (your cell phone, your laptop, your iPod/MP3 player and perhaps a Kindle/iPad with reading material)

The bottom line: Think small so your space seems big.  The less clutter around you, the less time you'll spend cleaning.

Up Next: Packing Part 2 (Clothes)