Best Snacks

Hahah, I just love this shirt.  Don't you?  Too dumb for New York, too ugly for L.A.  But anyways, I'm way off topic.  Snacks.  I just thought it would be a fun post to talk about, I mean who isn't curious about what other people snack on?

Milano Rasberry Cookies

mmmmhmmmm this is heaven.  If you haven't tried it, go to your nearest grocery store and get one, because you're missing out.

Granola Bars and Yogurt

try this combo out.  It's healthy and satisfies your sweet tooth.  can I say... mmm MMMmmMMmm.

Quaker Rice Cakes

This is great if you're on a diet.  Or a great substitute away from those nasty chips.  Purchase this the next time your out and about in the grocery store.

Dried Mangoes

Sounds gross, but if you haven't tried it, it's well worth the try.  It's sweet and quite addicting.  TRY IT OUT.  Try it out.

Golden Grahams

kayy... cereal is great to snack on and this should be considered the kind and queen of it all.  It's soo good.  Agreed? yass?

xx

S

Quick Spice-up: Tumblr-ize Your Work Space

I think we all aspire for a Tumblr room.  That laid-back and carefree ambiance is just to die for.  I came up with an idea yesterday to spice up my work space a little bit, and I thought it would be nice to share with you all.

I made a mini college on the wall facing my desk with summer related pictures.  And oh my god, I am obsessed with it.

isssn'tt cuutte? hahaha, if you can't already tell, i'm obsessed with collages.  But none the less, let me tell you how to get started.

I got most of my pictures from :

endless--summer.tumblr.com/

ONE: 

So basically just search up photos that you like and love.  (Tumblr and Pinterest are my personal
favorites if you want to look for some good looking photos)

 

TWO: 

Open up a word document and resize the pictures onto a few pages, making sure that you catch a variety of different sizes and orientation.  (also, don't stretch the photos out, it'll make it look pixelated  and that's not cute)

 

THREE: 

Find a high quality printer and print it out.

 

FOUR: 

Vwwalla'.  Now all you need to do is cut the pictures out and start placing them on your wall.  Make sure you space them out and "randomize" the placings.

xx

S 

How I Stay Organized (College Edition)

Notebook Folder

I purchased a notebook folder (which is basically folders attached together to look like a notebook) from Target that had 5 folders and an envelope, which was the perfect folder considering I only had five courses.  So what I typically like to do--rather than the separate folder for each class method-- is to designate one slip for one course. I simply file away my syllabus and anything class related into that slip.

A few things I also keep in mind is:  
one.  Making sure I clean out the folders (filing handed back material into bins at home) every few days.
two.  placing the homework that I need to finish towards the front,&&
three.  when I finish the assignment putting that in front of everything else

I highly highly recommend these notebook folders since they do a superior job in keeping your things organized and it's easy to keep track (just make sure you never lose it!). 

One Subject 5-star Notebooks

For my first semester of college I decided to buy a five subject 5-star notebook, but I'd recommend buying the one subject 5-star notebooks.  Why?  Some courses take a lot of notes and others ehh.. not so much.  So carrying a five subject notebook all around campus can be a bit of a drag when you're not using much for the other courses.

Planner

I have a whole post on how I organize my agenda, so I won't say too much here... but go on and check it out.

Pencil Pouch

This seems basic, but it's a necessity, trust me.  You don't want to be scavenger hunting for a pencil at the bottom of you backpack every time you need one.  What a major irritation!

Trash Bin

Not literally though.  But you do need a place to stock up past assignments, just until the semester ends or later.  Because you never know, you can get a zero on that one assignment you handed in, but where's the proof.  This is also highly beneficial in college since you need to get know everything for the finals.  So I recommend getting a folder for each course and chronologically filing the papers away.  I also like to put a sticky note on midterms and test so I can spot them right away.

And that's all I have on staying organized.  I hope this was helpful.  Stay awesome.

xx

S

No Pain No Gain

It's the holiday season.  Which means you've probably gained some weight and developed some pretty bad eating habits.  But the fight isn't over.  Shedding a few pounds isn't going to be easy.  But it'll be well worth it.  Here's a few tips to shed off a few pounds.  Making you a better you...and a more confident you.

Zumba

First I tried running a mile every day.  Which of course, didn't work.  It was just too hard to push myself to get on the treadmill every single day.  It was also exhausting, mentally and physically--which is good-- but there's a less painful route... ZUMBA.  And it isn't going to cost you a dime. 

Simply situate yourself in a big enough room and go on YouTube.  In the past, I could never find Zumba tutorials with actual radio music (probably because of copyright issues?... I'm not quite sure) but recently I've stumbled upon a few YouTubers who actually choreographed to some hit music.  I'll link a few below and name a few of my favorite workout.  Trust me, it will have you sweating like a pig.

CLUB FITz
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJYqB9IxpJsQl9mFmJd28JQ

she has great workouts to some pretty good music... you've got to check her out.

 
Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas Zuma Routine
http://youtu.be/RtZop9VA9Uc

Great for warm up!

Shake It Off by Taylor Swift Zumba with Robin G.
http://youtu.be/Nov6-xdbfvk

Perfect for beginners! Easy to follow!

Anaconda - Choreo by Lauren Fitz for Club FITz
http://youtu.be/6ktmRlKxu_c

Such a fun workout!

Dark Horse - Choreo by Lauren Fitz for Club FITz
http://youtu.be/X0ZV4krwhBI

Great burn for your legs and stomach.  

Black Widow - Choreo by Kelsi for Club FITz
http://youtu.be/7vUQnPLBgm4

I just love IGGY...who doesn't?

Fireball - Pitbull ft Jonh
http://youtu.be/0bomDMsFgT8

Love his vibe.

I recommend creating a 30 minute workout routine with Zumba. Just keep finding more videos and dance your heart  away until the 30 minutes is over.

GM 7-day cleanse

I tried this out a couple of years ago and it actually does work.  It does take some commitment though.  But if you follow through entirely it really does work it's charm.  I can't find the exact original post, since it's been tumbr-ized and re-posted a bazillion times. But I'll link you to one of the best.

Here's the link:
http://health-heaven.tumblr.com/post/17089615944/what-do-you-think-of-gms-diet

Seventeen Magazine Workouts

If you're not subscribed to a Seventeen Magazine yet, do it.  It's probably one of the best time burners and from time to time it does offer some great tips.  If not purchase a few or rent a few from the library and take a look at the workout section.  They come up with some pretty good workouts to help tone up specific body parts, or some great fat burn workouts.  Give it a try.

Stay healthy.

xx

S

How I Organize My Agenda For College

 

Like I said many times before, I like to keep things simple.  Most people color coordinate or commit to other bizarre plans for their planners, however, I find this to be a huge hassle.  It's rarely the case where I'll find myself actually following the system.  It's just too hard: carrying around all the different colored pens, keeping track of what colors what, etc. etc.  You get the point.  College is much more simpler than high school.  In the sense that you have less classes and "less" homework.  Here's what I did:

 

#1

I will always take out my planner at the beginning of class, flip to the date and leave it out until the teacher tells us about any upcoming homework assignments.  What I found to be the best method was to simply write my assignments with whatever utensil I had.   

 

CAUTION: Do not fall into the hands of writing the assignment on a random piece of paper or on your hand.  We've all done this before and what happens?  You wash your hand or you forget what paper you wrote the assignment on.  Just another added stress to your work load and trust me, you don't want it.

#2

Usually, however, college professors are highly organized people who set dates for their homework assignments, test and midterm before class even starts.  They'll usually post a copy of this syllabus and I would take this and transfer all the information (homework, assignments, study groups, midterms and tests) into my planner.  

 

On the weekly layout page I would write down every homework assignment or test/midterm under the date.  On the month layout page, I would write down only midterms/test along with my 7-day study action plan (check out my previous post).

#3

Everyday when I settle down to do my homework, I will open my planner and look at the next day and see what's due and start working on this or that assignment.  Crossing off the list as I finished.

#4

For social events or things that need to a more urgent notice I would simply bold my handwriting.

I found that this method works great because it was super simple and easy to follow through. It gave all the information I needed without being time consuming or being a hassle to deal with.  Give this method a try and let me know how it works out for you.

xx

S

What's in my college backpack?

 

 

I love love LOVE watching those "What's in my backpack?" videos on Youtube. It's become quite an obsession... an addiction really.  I don't quite know why, it just is.  So I thought it would it would be fun to make a quick post on what's in my backpack this year.

For all of you who don't know, I just started college recently (Whoop whoop).  For my backpack I have a simple black North Face backpack [hot shot]--and I absolutely love it.  I had this for around 3 years and it's still looks completely brand new. So if you're considering what backpack to buy for college, I would highly HIGHLY recommend a North Face backpack.  It might be 'pricey' from the looks, but it will stick with you for years.   So definitely look into it.  (Not to mention it looks great with any kind of outfit, and give's you that effortless ambiance...which is always a major PLUS!)

Next on my list is my agenda.  I was considering buying a Lilly Pulitzer but decided to buy a Kate Spade instead.  This agenda is perfect for college.  It's spacious and stylish.  A must buy for college.

For my tech side, I only carry around my iPad and iPhone since it's light weight and does all the work.  I bring  my laptop around only when I need to finish some essays.  But for class lectures and note taking, my iPad and iPhone does the trick perfectly.

Nevertheless, you still need a notebook for college.  For this semester I carried around a 5-subject five star notebook, but I'd recommend getting a single subject five star notebook instead. I used it mainly for my math and economics course and kept the other sections free for scrap/homework paper.

Next I have a graphing calculator.  Exciting.  And then a few pencils, pens, and highlighters.  

Some college must needs: which includes my prescription glasses and sunglasses--since I'm literally blind as a mice--some headphones for those long walks around campus, some hair elastics, an EOS lip balm and lotion, my wallet, a lanyard for my school ID,  keys and my lovable Nalgene waterbottle.

(oh and by the way, if you're wondering on how I made this fabulous collage... I made it on Polyvore)

xx

S

5 Study Tips for College

ahhhh....I just survived my very first semester of college.  It was quite a bit of stress,  but I made it through-- and quite successfully.  I'm not going to lie, I didn't achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA (which is depressing quite, I got one A-).  However, I did get very close.  A 3.92...and that's fine enough by me.  For those struggling to get good grades in college or at least to a 3.9 standard, I think I can help you out.  Hopefully I'm offering some refreshing tips.  Of course, stick with the parrot sayings but also keep these few short tips in mind.

1.  Set a date with the Library

Not the librarian, the library.  Set a date and time and stick with it.  Treat it like it's a date with your significant other, and never miss it.  This will be your study time and help us fight procrastinating once and for all.  For me, everyday after school I would spend at least an hour to an hour an a half at the library.  Force yourself to go to a silent area and force yourself to gloss over the textbook.  It's as simple as that.

 

2. Read the textbook upside down

Yes.  Flip the book over and read.  Sometimes when we're reading a boring textbook, it's easy to gloss over the words while daydreaming about god knows what.  But if you read it upside down, it makes forces you to slow down and attempt to understand each word and phrase.  So if you catch yourself glossing over, try this method.

3.  Reward yourself

Make most of your rewards beneficial for yourself.  A Youtube video and social media scrolling is acceptable if your brain is about to blast and melt.  But to reward yourself after an hour of studying, it's best to reward yourself towards an easier task.  There's not much time to waste in college.   And this sounds like a horrible thing to do to yourself, but it's well worth it.  When you finish a study session, reward yourself with a group study sessions (which is beneficial for some, but lbh usually nothing gets done).  Just for some rewarding ideas:

A snack break

An easier homework assignment

A group study session with your friends

Making flashcards (I recommend studyblue.com)

In other words, jump to the no brainer tasks until your brain is healed from it's hard work.

4.  Familiarize yourself

Now that you're at the library and glossing over your textbook, it actually doesn't matter whether or not you actually retain the material or the letters start to look like hieroglyphics (as long as this is occurring when you first get your reading assignment).  Just force yourself to read it.  The point of this exercise is to get a gist of the textbook or what the subject is talking about.  That way when you re-read the chapter, things will make a lot more sense.  Trust me it works like a charm.  What I have found to work countless times on my midterms and final was to "study" everyday and then have a mini cram session starting a week before the test.

5.  Plan one week ahead

Make a study plan before a midterm approaches a week in advanced.  This will give you plenty of time to study and make sure to make it as realistic as possible.  Try to spread it out the material as thin as possible and leave the last day before the test for a mini cram session.  If that's a little confusing, let me give you and example.

"Midterm is on Monday and it will cover chapters 1-10.  You have six days to restudy this material.  Day one will be dedicated for chapters 1-2.  Day two will be dedicated for chapters 3-4.  And so on so forth.  Day seven will consist of a mini cram session of all 10 chapters."

good luck

xx

S

love you for a thousand years

" So today I was in Hallmark buying my mom a Happy Birthday card when I noticed this old man standing in front of the Valentines card section deciding which one to get.  I decide to go over and I asked him "Are you getting a Valentine's Day card for your wife?" in replies 'No my wife died 3 years ago from breast cancer but I still buy her roses and a card and bring them to her grave to prove to her that she was the only one that will ever have my heart' " 

(not my story, but I thought it was just so sweet, share any of yours down in the comment, or shout out your lovers name to show them how much you love them, happy valentines)

NERD ALERT: Dry Shampoo Alternative

I always though that buying a bottle of dry shampoo was a huge splurge on money, since it costed so much!  But luckily, I was still living to this day!  I found this cool method on a magazine, and it required only two things, that probably most people already have at home.  And it states to strip out all the excess moister you have in your roots from not washing your hair.  The two things you need are:

1.  Baking Soda

2.  Paddle Brush

And that is it, just apply a good amount baking soda around your roots, and brush through your hair, until the baking soda completely vanishes, of course you can also use Baby Powder, if you guys haven't already figured.  But thank god baking soda doesn't leave you smelling like a baby!

How To: Messy Bun Hair

  

This look is so cute and easy and looks nearly effortless and beautiful.  And takes only 5 minutes!  Perfect for on the go, school, traveling, night-time, whatever.  It encompasses pretty much everything that I have really love in a hairstyle.  So lets get started.

1.  Make sure you hair is semi-straight, like the day before you straightened it, or straighten it now, which of course might take longer than 5 minutes, but the hairstyle looks best if you have straight hair.

2. Flip you hair down, and gather all you hair, making sure you have an elastic, and wrap it around once, than take your hair pony, and wrap it around that elastic.

3.  Secure it by finishing wrapping your elastic around your hair.

4. Choose you location (top or back) or your head, and play around with it.  For this look loosen it up.  Gather some bangs from the border of your face if you want.  And straighten it or leave it as desired.

5. Tug on some pieces to give the effortless look, and volume; and your hair is complete.  Finish off with some hair spray, and your ready to hit the roads.

Take A Bow

This is just going to be a really quick post, on cute ways to incorporate bows, into your outfits, hairstyles, life, whatever, hope you guys enjoy the pictures.

Hair

Outfits

Swimming Suit

Shoes

Teal Oh So How Pretty!

Lately I have been overly obsessed with this teal color, and to see the color on someone outfit is just the cherry on the top.  Now don't you guys think its both stylish and cute.  I love the color of skinny pants, expecially the best color ever invented.  God, I am obsessed with this color, it's so pretty!

How To Get Perfectly Straight Hair

Haven't you guys ever admired, those girls who had pitch straight, beautiful, glowing hair, while yours looked like a total disaster by the end of the day.  I do!  First of all, I never understood why, it's not like I'm running a triathlon everyday of my life, but my hair ends up turning out wavy, and just flicking out on the ends, gross.  So, I found a way to keep you hair pitch straight all day long.

1. Washing Your Hair

Now, this you need to keep in consistent, but it really depends, if your hair doesn't get oily until 2-3 days, then keep it between washes, but like you probably already know that, washing you hair is unhealthy, so I was it every other day.  Also if your, the kind of people who wash their hair before styling chances, are you have to wait a little longer for you hair to completely dry, but that fine, I just find it best, if you washed your hair the day before you style it, so you get a little bit oil so you hair doesn't look so fatigue.

2. Blow Drying It

I started to do this instead of air drying it, but whatever works best for you.  Air drying is obviously less damaging so that is probably the more reasonable choice to go with.  Also, keep in mind, that you should brush it with a wide tooth comb to get all the tangles out, this will also make you have to straighten less part of you hair.  The more less heat, less damage!

3. Start Your Straightener

So it depends if your the person who blast up the heat or keep it mild, I would go with the normal heat setting you straightener set up, but it all depends on you.

4. Section It Off

Honestly, everybody gets sick of having to take the long route, but do it on how much time you have, section it off in 3 or just in half, but this is the best method.  I section my hair out in half, from both of my ears, then I straighten my bottom layer, and then let go the first and then straighten.  Oh yes, don't forget to stray HEAT PROTECTANT!  To all you hair before you straighten and comb it through, it will help it dry quicker, and spread it through your hair/

5. Bangs

This is probably the most important part, I personally don't have bangs, because I grew them all out, but doesn't mean you neglect them!  So I just pull them all in the front and straight them that way, it adds a little touch.  And I also, after everything is done, straighten my hair backwards, by that I mean, flip my hair down, and straighten some to add more volume.

6. Product

Now, you can either attach it with hair spray of mouse, for that will help it stay.  Some good products you find that can help you keep in the straight, buy them!  I personally love this thing called S-Factor, it's a little pricey, but you only need a small amount and it works like heaven!

How to put on Mascara

1. Curl Them: Normally, it usually depends if your naturally born with curled eyelashes, or if you have to curl them.  But to make the mascara look nice, you need to curl them, for those of you who don't have them, do it.  To do so, place the eyelash curler as close to the eyes as possible, without poking your eye out.  Then clip it down for about 10 seconds, release the clamp and then close it again, another 10 seconds, and you should be ready.  Repeat on the other eye.

2. Shadow it: With all the different options to wear on eye, you should always shadow them a little.  The best method I use is to use a shimmer of grey, or bronze.  Place it on the top crease, and the bottom, for just a little layer.

3. Mascara: However weird this may sound, but those who are not steady in hand, can take a business card, cut on of the sides, to a curve to fit you eye.  Then place the card above your eyes, and apply you favorite mascara.  If you don't need that extra nudge, then skip that step, but everybody needs to know this.  Start with you mascara wand as close to the eyes as possible, then wiggle it slightly back and for to help separate them.  Do that twice, then wand it out, by just framing you eyelashes how you want them.

4. Bold Brows: If you are new to brow shaping and grooming. I recommend going with your natural shape this can be found by holding one of your makeup brushes vertically against you nose, it should line up with the beginning of your eyebrow. From the outermost corner of your nostril, hold the brush at an angle to is intersects your pupil if you were to be looking straight forward, and that should be where your arch is. Going again from the corner of your nostril, line up the brush with the outer corner of your eye, and that is where your brow should end.

How to Pack Your Suitcase

Well, obviously I can't teach you how to pack you suitcase, for everyone has there own was of doing there thing.  But I will show you guys, tips and tricks on how to be organized when packing up your suit case, especially if your the kind of people that, are running around crazy on the last day finding things, and jobbing them in.

First Off...

- Organize everything you need, outside, so you kind of have like a visual idea on what your packing.  This is way better than go straight into packing, because when you packing you basically just piling things together, and god knows if you remembered to pack you favorite t-shirt, when doing so.

- Next, make outfits, on how you gonna pair things up, like your outfit, for one day, your swimming suit, for that day, whatever.  Just make a plan and hang them up together by the days.

- A good thing to keep in mind, is a jacket, a light, jacket, or a tank top, depends where your going, and a bag, maybe one day bag, and one night bag, to go with you clothing.

- Place you jewelry and accessories on top of you outfit, or hanging around with you outfit, so you know what goes with what.

- Once your done, make sure you have enough things to go around, like shoes, with outfits: bras, underwear. 

*RECOMMEND* Bring along one pair of jeans, and a neutral jacket to go along with your outfits.

Now, Time to Pack!

Start off with you jewelry, and find a bag, to place, them in, if you worried about them being scratched, place them all individually in zip-lock bags: cloth bags, for the more special, and important ones.  Then, put your expensive, or important clothing in garment bags.  Others can just be mixed together.

Note: One thing you should always be paying attention to is the length, height, and widths of your items. Knowing how to place things according to these criteria will automatically make your suitcase nicer.

After place all you items in: lotion, sunscreen, makeup, ect.  Then you can easily repack, and unpack all you things just by doing so.  And since you only have a limited room in your suitcase, you might want to keep in mind, travel size items.  Or finding bottles, that you can transfer thing like, lotion, shampoo & conditioner things in.

Sorry for the rather long post.  I hope you found some inspiration from the tips and photos.

mi casa es su casa

*WARNING* This is a rather long post! So don't say I didn't warn you!
Admit it. We have all gone through the state of feeling like we  have the most messiest home in the world. Organizing and simplifying your home, while beautifying your it can be simple.

First Off...

- Start off with the main entrance.  Make sure you have a generous amount of space on the floor so you don't create even more of a mess, when moving things down, to re-arrange stuff.

- Throw out things that you don't need, like papers, garbage, wrappers, ect.  Then organize you things into piles.  Something like: pillows, books, glasses, and whatever else you can categorize.

- Dusk out everything, like your couch, table tops, lamps, windows.

- Come up with a game plan, on how you want to map out where you want things to be placed in you heads.  Choose areas for certain items that not only are the most logical but the most best place in you house.

I always used to keep all my things, out, and it made the house looked even more cluttered, but this place is the main entrance and you might want to keep in mind a more spacey place for it.

Bed Rooms

My biggest dilemma was all of my things were all cluttered, in my room, and I wasn't in the mood to throw out anything!  But I needed an ample space, so I just had to start throwing away all of my junk, dusk out all the eraser, junk, and pick ups: papers, pens, whatever, I threw it all out.  But not the important things, of course!

First Off...

- I started off with my bed, taking all the sheets off, and throwing them in the laundry room.

- Then I replaced those with another mattress, vacuuming all the junk under my bed.

- Then I laid out the pillows, in the best way to compliment my room; also keep in mind that if you want to rearrange furniture, that you do it before anything: decorating, putting items together.  It will just be easier, and is most reasonable.

Now, Time to Decorate!

The focal point, such as your bed should be what you start with. Try to picture you monitor in the center of your room.  But, depending on space issues, you can alter it in the corners or angle it out.

Start placing you mattress, and you everything you need.  For shelves, stack you books vertically or horizontally.  Make the spines face out, and line them up to the bottom edge of the books, or push them entirely against the wall.

Note: One thing you should always be paying attention to is the length, height, and widths of your items. Knowing how to place things according to these criteria will automatically make your room look classier.

When according you things, it would be best if you parallel most things that go together.  Like you computer with the keyboard.  Also, little organizer can go a long way.  It can jazz up your room, and also keep things all together, and all at access, like paper clips, sticky notes, tape, pens & pencils.

 Lighting and Seating

Wash down all your windows, it may be very dirty, since many people don't really notice, but it can transform you house, to not look so gloomy all the time.  So pull up the curtain and let some fresh sun shine seek through, it adds such a great touch to you entire house.

 Bathrooms

- Attack your toilet, shower, sink, with a cleanser.  Let it rest for around 30 minutes, or depending on you product, and start scrubbing.  

- Rinse everything out with water, and wipe then dry.  Then wipe the floor, or vacuum, anything that should belong there.  

- Rearrange, things like: shampoo & conditioner, hair products, ect, to a reasonable place.

- Clean off any counter tops.  Then take, anything that shouldn't belong in the restroom, and restore in its originally placing.

Young, Wild, and Free

If you have a laid back hipster style crave like me, you would love these cute inspirational fashion photos.  Something about this style looks so cute. and I just adore it!

:"so what we get drunk, so what we smoke weed, were just having fun, we don't care who sees; so what we go out that's how it suppose to be, living young, wild, and free."

I am totally head over heals for this shirt, don't you just love it? 

Harry Potter Obsessions

When it comes to this topic, you should know very well that I am obsessed, can't live without Harry Potter, that I wished they came out with another movie.  And so when I stubbled upon the last picture, I was reminded, yet again of Harry Potter, and had to do a blog post!  It was truly the best 10 years of my life.  But lets make it clear, I have never read any of the novels, though I know, I know it was based of a novel, but I just could read it.  But I am an obsessed over the movie.  Where you not?

This is such a true quote.

Thank You, Harry.

I had the time of my life, and I never felt this way before, the best ten years of our lives.

And then the awkward moment when Neville becomes the hottest.