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

Home Library

Something I've always wanted in my future home is a library. As a complete literary nerd, I think it would be incredible to have both an office and a library where I can go to unwind, work and think. Here are some of my favorite home libraries:

I love old world, French inspired pieces to create the ultimate thought-provoking space. Here are some pieces I love:

prosepearlspolkadots 

Happy decorating!
xoxo

Words That Freak Me Out

It's no secret that I love to read and write, I mean I'm an English Major. I also love words themselves. I've taken a couple of classes simply to understand what words are on a more fundamental level as well including a few wonderful years of latin (latin for life!) and linguistics. There are some words I will always hate the sound of. For whatever combination of their meaning- both implied and definition- and sound, I flinch a little bit when I hear any of the following and I absolutely do not use any of these words in my writing/speech:

Treat

Supple

Yolk

Chunk

Moist

Ointment

Pus

Placenta

Suffice

Paltry

Loaf

Tasty

Mayonnaise

Sliver

Slurp

What words freak you out?

xoxo

Spotlight On: Diane von Furstenberg

DVF is one of my favorite brands ever. I mean what's not to love when every piece is flattering and timeless?! Diane von Furstenberg both empowers and captures the essence of the modern woman in each of her designs. In a world of short skirts and low necklines, DVF presents consistently classy and feminine apparel that is perfect for any occasion. Seriously though, I hope to one day embody DVF's style! Here are some of my favorite pieces:

Snake Print Wrap Dress

Jezebel Chiffon Tie Dress

Jeannie V-Neck Fit and Flare Dress

Jezebel Chiffon Tie Blouse

Coletta Tweed and Leather Skirt

440 Mini Faceted Stud Bag

Happy Monday!

xoxo

Black + White

There is nothing more classic or flattering than black and white. The contrast between the two colors is so chic and mixing patterns is a breeze when you're working with neutral color palettes. However, often times black and white can seem a little... blah. Here is proof that by playing with patterns and texture, black and white can make an even bigger statement than something colorful.

Black + White by prosepearlspolkadots 

xoxo

GLITTER

While I love all things classic, there is something perhaps not so classy that I love: glitter. Maybe this comes from an early exposure to stage make up for dance or from listening to too much Ke$ha (true story) in high school, I love a LOT of sparkle (so much for minimalism, right?). I've been going to a lot of theme events lately and have gone all-out on the make up, hair and body glitter. Here are my go-to shimmery products:

MAC Glitter

Seriously, this is the best. Layer this over Vaseline (seriously) for long lasting sparkle.

Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner

This is great on neutral lids with lots of mascara.

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer

This is perfect for subtle every day glitter on your hands and toes.

Stila Foil Finish Eye Shadow

This actually looks like foil on your eyes! Make sure you take it off before you go to sleep though as I'm sure this would feel terrible the next day.

NARS Lip Gloss

The glitter in these lip glosses is noticeable yet subtle (read: not chunky or sticky). Apply a little in the center of lips for added fullness or all over for a bolder look.

Happy Saturday!

xoxo

Home Sweet Home: Kitchen

I have this theory that the longer I'm away from my home in California, the more I read about interior decorating and design to make my dorm room feel more home-y. One thing I really miss about my house is our kitchen. I love making oatmeal there every morning to start the day- it's so therapeutic. The kitchen in my dorm building is underground (a little sketchy, right?) and has absolutely zero cooking supplies (not even pots/pans people!). It just isn't the same as at home. So, I've been nonstop repinning images of "dream kitchens" on Pinterest (actual torture), and have been pouring over the home section of Anthropologie's website lately. Here are some favorites:

Dream Kitchens

Kitchenware

Noticing a trend here...

Plates: Marchesa | Juliska | Vera Wang | Sharon Saks

Accessories: Anthropologie Boulangerie Jar | Sur la Table Oil Jar | Anthropologie Measuring Hedgies | Juliska Cake Tray | Layla Grace Spoons | Sur la Table Eiffel Tower Shakers

Mugs: MacKenzie-Childs | Toast

Happy friday!

xoxo