Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn keeps popping up in my life recently, which is so random but I'm certainly not complaining! When I was home for Thanksgiving, we made a few trips to the mall and so my mom and I took some time to get lost walk around. Furniture stores used to be forms of punishment at the mall so it's so funny to me that I could probably spend an hour in one section now. I guess that's the price of growing up...

If nothing else, I like to just look at the displays. I'm fascinated with presentation of furniture and odds and ends, just because I don't think I could really "stage" anything very well. I'll stop rambling now and just share the pictures I took that make me want to just move into the showroom.

are the notebooks and coffee table books included?

I said that PB has been popping up in my life and that's no joke! When I came back to school, I overheard a couple girls talking about Pinterest and how they love following Pottery Barn. Okay, so 1) why I have yet to follow PB (I now follow them and you should too!) and 2) I don't have the adequate time needed to look at every. single. pin. So that will be a winter break task, I suppose. I seriously feel like a 30 year old woman when I walk through these stores and think about furnishing a house, but a girl's gotta dream! 

Side note, I didn't take this picture but don't you just want every single one of these blankets? Yeah, me too! 

PUDM 2014

There's not much to say but WOW! This weekend was one fore the books- 33 hours without sleep, on my feet at least 18 of them, and a final reveal of over $1 Million raised for the second year in a row!! I've got to get back to reality now with an exam tonight before I drive back home for a wonderful Thanksgiving break :)

I hope you had a great weekend, but I can almost be sure it wasn't as good as mine LOL! 

Put this on Your To-Do List!

I'm not kidding. I've been working on so many applications the past month and I am constantly reminded of the fact that what I put out on the internet "can and will come against me". So I decided to check into it myself. What will future employers/ anyone who might get my resume see if they Google me? It's easy enough to check it out! 

What I got was hardly what I'd say is going to "break" me. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised at my top 3 results. A fundraising page for the awesome student organization and fundraiser, PUDM, my Facebook, and my LinkedIn. A few results down were popular blog posts and my Twitter. 

While the results probably are more important once the links are clicked on (what is physically on my Facebook and Twitter), the immediate results aren't too bad! I like that it shows off a little of who I am- philanthropy, my blog, and links to my personal Facebook and my professional LinkedIn. So, when everyone else is telling you to keep an eye on what you put on the internet... of course don't put anything that may be a red flag for employers, but also take advantage of the ways that you can represent yourself online!

The big threat can actually be your biggest asset!

Let's Talk "Perfect"

This is something I have and probably always will struggle with-

the notion of perfection. Or, mainly, that others think I'm perfect. 

Let's make one thing clear: 

there is absolutely nothing about me that is perfect.

I think it stems from the fact that my family has been blessed beyond measure. As a 20 year old, I've had opportunities that many people only dream about doing, and I try to reflect on that daily. I come from an academically gifted family, so that makes me well-traveled, morally intact and smart, which is probably the holy-grail of "perfection". And then, to add on top of that I'm a "normal" size (whatever that means) when it comes to clothing. From my years of observation, that's what's gotten me to be perceived the way I am. Those factors are what make me "perfect" to my friends and acquaintances, and it's something that needs to be addressed. 

The label has been with me since high school, and I've been able to alleviate it some since I came to Purdue. But it still hold true in some regards, and I hate that I'm seen that way. It puts me in this awkward position- I want to open my heart and build relationships with people, but too often I'm hindered by their feelings that I'm "too good" or "so put together". Which I'm not. It's just not true.

I need to address one thing first:  that I make mistakes. I straddle the line between two worlds on a daily basis. I have thoughts flying around my head at a million miles a minute. I read Vogue between taking Organic Chemistry practice exams. I study for tests while on the elliptical. I wake up two hours early for class so that I can take my time getting ready and make myself presentable. And, I take time to prioritize my well-being over school when needed- do my nails or participate in student organizations. But it isn't easy.

What people see as "perfect" on the outside takes a lot of determination and work. I couldn't do it without the support of my family and friends, who always have my back. There are so many things I wish I could say but just can't see to find the words that work, but what I want to end with is this:

Not a single person is perfect, and I know that. I try not to use the "p word" when describing people, because it adds pressure and stress- which that person is probably already under. 

The College Search

I'm an ambassador for the Purdue School of Pharmacy, which means that my job is going to get much busier. That also means there are countless high school students visiting college campuses. I love talking to students about Purdue... and college in general. I thought I'd answer some of the most common, generic questions that I get here for anyone who might be going into these visits a little overwhelmed. 

1. At a big school, are you completely on your own? 

NO!!! I don't know where or why this rumor started, but it's absolutely not true. I can't speak for other schools but I can speak for Purdue when I say that the professors want their students to succeed. In every experience of mine, professors and course coordinators have been happy to help me in any way necessary. While passing grades are not handed out, they are available to those willing to work hard.

2. Do you get all the classes you need? And how many classes are taught by TA's?

Yes. I get every class that I need. I might not get the times that I prefer (ugh, I hate getting stuck with 7:30's) but I get the classes I need. I was warned that classes could be cut-throat, but never in my experiences or in those of my friends. IF a course does fill up, many times new sections will open up. I really don't ever worry about that. As for the TA's, only the really popular gen-ed classes and recitations/labs are exclusively taught by TA's. 

3. How bad are the dorms?

Not bad. Not great. Every building (and school, I'm sure) is different and there are pros and cons to everything. Yeah, the bathrooms aren't great. But the RAs are great and the social environment is like nothing you've known before. Some of my greatest memories of freshman year are from running around in the dorms, cramming 15 girls in a room for a movie night, and ordering cheesy bread at 1 am. They're only as bad as you make it. 

I get so many questions, but these are among the most common. Again, these answers may not be universally correct. But I can't imagine these answers would be too far off. Be sure to ask any questions that you have- ambassadors volunteer to do admissions events for a reason! We love answering questions and making our experiences available. 

Best of luck on your visits! 

0 to Christmas, Real Quick

Halloween is barely over, but the holidays are quickly approaching.

The gifts shops here at Purdue already have their Christmas trees up (not kidding), Starbucks has holiday drinks and cups, and... Burberry has done it again.

The past couple of years, Burberry has been making these holiday short films. They're the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit, which is sad and exciting at the same time. Because I'm so in love with the fashion house, I have to share.

Watch the Film Here

Don't worry, no Christmas music yet...

which makes it a little more appropriate :)

Business Casual

flats // pants (old, but similar) // jacket  (similar) // scarf // watch // bracelets (old, similar)

It takes a lot for me to get dressed up for class... not because I don't love wearing cute clothes or feeling great about my outfit, but because there's just no point. I either have long days with labs where I don't want to wear nice clothes and risk spilling something or I have short days which I don't see the point in wasting a cute outfit for. 

So you see my dilemma. 

Luckily, there are those few times that I have to dress up. So I take full advantage of it and make sure to take pictures. I've been doing quite a few admissions events lately, and this weather is just so perfect when it comes to looking nice. I love flats and scarves and sweaters, and that's pretty much what I wear. Of course, I add my own flare: my pants are plaid and my accessories are patterned, but I think that's the perfect way to look professional without looking too old. 

Study Breaks to Keep You Focused

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time focusing when it comes to studying. My attention can only be kept for so long before I just have to take a break. Luckily, it's been scientifically proven than studying for 30-50 minute sessions with breaks in between is actually better than grueling 4-hour long stints.

But, I've also found that if I check my phone or a social network my 10 minute breaks turn into 15.. then 20... then I talk myself out of going back to the books. My studying styles are constantly evolving, but I think I've mastered a few study break activities that both give me a much needed break and keep me focused on the task at hand.

1. Yoga
There are so many great yoga videos that range anywhere from 15 minutes to 45. There are times were I just need to absolutely clear my head and relax, which yoga is perfect for. What's even better is that I'm almost always studying in comfy workout clothes, so there's no excuse not to spend a few minutes going through some flow.

2. Read
Reading is so hard to fit in at school. I spend so much time staring at words all day that, even if I love a book, all I really want to do is watch something mindless at the end of the day. But for some reason while I'm studying, I'm all about taking a break to read. A lot of times I'll read an article in Vogue or a chapter of a book- something that keeps my mind engaged but is completely unrelated to what I'm currently studying.

3. Call Someone
I'm so bad about keeping in touch with people who aren't here at Purdue with me. One of the best ways to take a break is to call someone you've been meaning to talk to. Obviously, this is something that may call for an extended break. But it's so nice to be able to vent about life while hearing about what's going on outside of your little college bubble.

I know midterms are coming up for many people, so I wanted to give a few study break tips to try. These work so well for me and give me a nice little refresh during stressful days.

College + Technology

Week one of Sophomore year is done and out of the way.
And, believe me, this semester is going to be insane. It's exciting to think that about how different my life is going to be in a matter of months: PUDM 2.0, going Greek, the most challenging semester of my life, the PCAT, and Pharmacy school admissions... This semester is equivalent to junior year of high school. Actually it's not at all like junior year of high school but that's the best comparison I could make. Hah!

Anyways, being the nerd that I am (and knowing what to expect for this semester) I took some time this summer to organize my thoughts and prepare myself. This included trying out multiple apps for success in school. And- okay, disclaimer- I know there are a billion and one posts about what apps to get for school. Trust me, because I looked at many of them to figure out how I could use technology to my benefit this semester. Now trust me when I say that 9/10 of the apps recommended were obviously not recommended by college students because I couldn't think of any reason to use many of them other than to take up space on my iPad. Not kidding. So, after days of searching I was able to add two, yes only two, actually useful apps to my "school" file. But those two apps are going to make all the difference, which is why I want to share them.

 I already had the Blackboard app, which is Purdue's program for every class. It's nothing too special, but it allows me to access all assignments, powerpoints, notifications, etc for my classes while I'm on the go. This app does cost, but it's worth the money to not have to take my laptop with me to class. Just my ipad, a notebook, and some pens do the trick- talk about lightening your load! I had this app last year but didn't have the supplemental apps necessary to make it fully functional. Now that I do, everything works together seamlessly and has made learning much simpler.

One thing that I did buy as an accessory to all of this was a nice stylus- the Adonit Jot Pro. It's a more substantial stylus but still pretty inexpensive, and it makes taking notes (keep reading) on my iPad much more enjoyable.

So, now for the apps that I use daily:

Notablility
I don't remember who recommended this app to me (I truly apologize because I'd like to give credit where credit is due) but it has been life-changing. It's like carrying 5 notebooks and their corresponding powerpoint slides, all in my iPad mini. The app integrates with Blackboard so that I can download my notes directly to the app and write on the slides. It's easy to insert images or blank pages for extra pages and references.

It's really the best because I don't have to carry multiple notebooks or worry about grabbing the wrong pages. No matter the class, I have the notes. And, if I forget to download the notes I can just hop on Blackboard once I get to class and send them to the app.

The way I work this is that I take the notes in class, then come back to my room and make flow charts of my personal reading notes, to vocabulary, and the class notes in a notebook. So, I'm not completely paperless. But last year I occasionally took notes on my laptop and it was so easy to open pages on the sides or even have a side-by-side view which wasn't a good use of my time in class... at all. The smaller iPad screen makes it less tempting to have other pages pulled up.

It's also been proven that typing isn't as beneficial to learning and memory as the writing motion. So being able to physically write the notes and pictures down, then repeat it again from memory and the notes once I'm back to my room, makes sure that I'm learning in different forms- audibly and tactually.

So far, I have 0 complaints about the way this app works. I'm sure there are other, more complex apps but this one does the job and it's cheap- $2.99 has made this year so much easier already.

Quizlet
The free app for any vocabulary-intensive course. This thing is going to be great, I can already tell. I can say goodbye to stacks and stacks... and stacks of index cards. So environmentally friendly! This app is really nice because it has games that help to learn the words, and it will read the words and definitions to you- that auditory learning thing again!

This is a pretty self-explanatory app, so I'll leave it at that.


I can't stress enough how important it is to find what works for you. These apps work for me, but maybe not for someone else. It takes some trial runs to figure it all out, but Iv'e found that less is more when it comes to technology and school. Unless you're a computer science major and know how to work with different platforms, finding something that does what you need it to- nothing more and nothing less- is really the most beneficial. It makes learning more fun and less stressful, which we could all use!

Sophomore Year... What?!

via Tumblr

...School is coming! 

I've been waiting since May 10th to get back to crazy West Lafayette but now that I'm here I feel so underprepared. Having 3+ months of summer really makes procrastination easy, and all the sudden it was time to move back in and get everything ready. But man is it good to be back!

Campus decided that the first week of fall semester was the right time to feel like summer- so we've got 90's and humidity to look forward to (read: nike shorts and messy buns every day). I'm staying in a dorm again but this time it's a suite that shared a bathroom with only one other room... instead of a whole floor! The location is about 50% closer to campus and there are tunnels underneath to help winter be not as brutal.

With that being said, the dorm is old and has this huge furniture, including big closets! It's nice to have the extra space, but it also makes having living space is a challenge with so much furniture taking up the room. Needless to say, my room is a work in progress. Am I going to loft my bed? Am I going to just live without a tv? I don't know right now but I'm just happy to be finally settled... for now.

I don't have much decor up at this point since I don't know the final positions of everything. Living in a small space is always unpredictable and what seems might work on move-in day is inevitably going to be changed, so I'm expecting rearrangements in the near future. But, once I'm settled into a routine and my classes I'll certainly post more detailed pictures of my little living space for this year! 

For anyone else starting classes this week, bonne chance! 

the Cleanse

Around this time, everyone is talking about cleansing themselves-

mostly health cleanses, to make up for the awful eating habits that form during the holidays. But, I'm thinking a new cleanse. For myself, I'm thinking a back-to-myself cleanse. College has been great so far this semester. I've made great friends and I've had a blast through it all! But, I was always warned about the way people change at school. Sure, I think that many of my changes have been for the better- I've become more comfortable with myself and have put myself out of my comfort zone more in this one semester than the rest of my life combined. I've grown to trust the girls on my floor and peers more than ever before. I've learned that I can survive (and function) on less sleep and more coffee if that means that I don't have to miss out on a basketball game or a late-night adventure. But, this freedom hasn't been all good...

Lately I've been watching more TV and reading less. I've been eating more junk food and less substance. I've been going to sleep with my makeup on and waking up feeling disgusting. I've been using language that I regret later and thinking thoughts that I'd never want to say out loud. And, I've been spending a lot of time in my head- over thinking instead of taking action. 

..............................................................

"but, isn't that what college is about- pizza and slurred words?" 

Maybe, but it isn't who I want to be. I've changed for better and for worse in these past few months. And, in a few days I'll be going home. I'll get asked about how school is going and I'll say that it's hard but fun. I'll talk about how I've already learned so much about myself and what I love (and what I hate). The reflections always make me miss being at school, but I feel as if the holidays will be a time for a self-cleanse, too. A chance to get back with family, feel the warmth of having adults in the room and the love of the Christmas Spirit. I can't wait to have the weight of classes off my shoulders and the encouragement of those who know me best to help me remember the girl I am.

It's not that I'm severely unhappy with who I am or how things are going. In fact, if life continued in this fashion I'm positive that I'd be okay. I'd get my degree and I'd have fun in the process. But, I'd certainly wish that I'd changed long ago. I'd wish that I had taken control of my life when I had the chance... and by "taken control of my life" I mean think happier, nicer thoughts and eat less junk food, read more books and watch less Kardashians. I'd wish that I spent less time online shopping and more time out experiencing Purdue. And there's no real way to see how my life may go or how I'm going to change. All that I know is that my years spent here have the ability to make me or break me. Naturally, I want to be made. But I don't want to be molded, I want to build myself through thought, discovery and learning. If I go through these years absently absorbing the college lifestyle without hindrance, I don't think I'll gain what I'm looking for. And that is exactly why I feel the need for a back-to-myself Cleanse to regain who I am, re-prioritize my choices, and to appreciate the personal gains I've made this semester.

While I doubt my eating habits will change, a chance to get back to reading and not always being surrounded by at least 30 girls will be nice. While I love being at school, a purging of the negative side-effects will be greatly appreciated. Hopefully, I'll come back from this cleansing feeling less burnt out, more like myself, and ready for more college! 

Glitz & Glam Holiday

I recently saw an image of Lauren Conrad in a sparkly dress decorating a Christmas tree...

and, I don't know about you, but sometimes an image pops into my head and I just can't let it go. That's exactly what happened after this one, and I decided that I had to find a glittery dress for this holiday season. I have been scouring the internet since, but it seems that I'm not the only one who is coveting a dress like this- every time I find one that I like, they're either sold out or don't have my size.

The hardest part is that, with gold and sequins, there's a very fine line between glamorous and... cheap. Yes, I said it. Not only that, but I want something classy. No cutouts, a decent length, sleeves (it is winter). I've found a few that I like... but nothing that is the dress.

Of course, the wearable glitter doesn't end at dresses- every occasion's outfit can embody the Kate Spade mantra...
pop, fizz, clink! 

While I daydream about all things sparkly and gold,

my search for the perfect dress will continue on Pinterest

p.s. I am so over this chevron obsession. Chevron everything? No thanks. 

Puppy Fever

It seems like everyone is getting puppies!

From the fabulous College Prepster to fellow college students to people I went to high school with, it seems like my Instagram feed has been full of the adorable balls of fur lately! Being the lover of dogs that I am- and the fact that I can't have my dog with me here at school- these pictures have given me serious... 

puppy fever.

at least it's not baby fever!

I have literally been google searching puppies in between assignments and classes. It's crazy to think that housing arrangements for next year are already being made and some friends and I have been talking... apartment or dorm? This recent desire for a puppy has me almost convinced that an apartment is what we need to do! I mean, how fun would it be to have a place with some awesome girlfriends and a furry friend?

The only problem with this is the idea that I'd be "replacing" my dog at home. Because I'm sentimental like that, I feel as if it'd be unfair to get a new puppy and not bring my current dog to school with me... but, Millie, if you're reading this I could never replace you! 

puppies are just too cute!

Lilly Resort 2013

okay this collection officially makes me want to go on vacation

Of course, leave it to me to gravitate towards the navy and purple... but in my defense a lot of the items are in this color scheme. Since I won't be traveling anywhere this resort season, I tried to be practical and pick my favorite items that I could actually use an wear! The two dresses are incredible. I love the maxi so much and I think it'd work perfectly for all seasons. The travel pants are now in more colors, which is perfect. I have a pair and they're the most comfortable, wonderful pants/leggings I've worn. 

I never would have expected Lilly to fail, 

but I really love everything in this collection.

especially the tiger sweater

Great Coats

I mentioned earlier that I somehow came to college without a big warm coat...

I've lived in the midwest my whole life, so it wouldn't be off to assume that I own a big, warm coat for the winter... but I don't. I guess I've always been resistant to the idea of coats. They're big, bulky, and just as hassle. But I've come to accept that a coat is a necessity... but that doesn't mean that it has to make me look like an eskimo. I've been on the hunt for a stylish and warm look, and I've managed to find a few contenders:

J. Crew

Barbour

Ralph Lauren

So it's apparent that I'm liking the "cocoon" look right now. Really, I just hate when my neck is cold. I always wear scarves and have recently fallen in love with turtlenecks and their endless layering options. Of course, if I had to pick the coat- you know, the one that would be my dream coat? Well, feast your eyes: 

The Burberry Trench. Coming in just under $2,000... it's certainly not practical for my currently lifestyle or position. I'm not counting on this showing up in my closet anytime soon, 

But, it sure is fun to dream.

Hometown Pride

I regularly find myself daydreaming of being somewhere else or doing something else...

And I know this isn't good... or healthy. It's to the point that I feel guilty for wishing that I'd grown up somewhere different or that I wasn't "stuck" in the midwest. I'm consciously trying to change this habit- love where I'm from and embrace my surroundings while they're I'm here. Honestly, it's extremely hard since the midwest doesn't always offer that big city excitement that I see in movies or in the lives of others. And my major has me pretty strapped down to my studies without much room for fulfilling "daydreams". I'll be the first to say that this is annoying and unbearable at times, but I'm trying to manage my place and my time to benefit my life in the greatest way possible. 

.................................................

I get most of my ideas and inspiration from other forms of media, so it was only a matter of time before I came across articles of Angela Ahrendts and her time at Burberry. Or, more importantly, the fact that she is from a small town 15 minutes away from my house. From New Palastine, Indiana to London and Burberry, I was inspired more than ever before. She went to college at Ball State and lived her dreams from there. Once I made all the connections and understood her path to "power", something in my settled. 

Contrary to what I'd read and seen everywhere else, I realized that I don't need to be anywhere else or study anything different to get where I want to be. I don't need to move and live in a tiny, expensive apartment. I don't need to dislike where I'm from or where I currently am, because success comes to those who work hard. And while Angela had to work a little harder to prove that her midwestern roots didn't hold her back from big-city lifestyle and fashion, she has surpassed many others who rely on their past to propel them into success. 

After that realization settled, I became incredibly excited. I remember the night well- I hardly slept as thoughts jumbled all around my head. How can I embrace where I'm from and use it to my career advantage? Who should I be networking with right now to ensure that I can reach my own personal equivalent to Angela's success? 

And, how can I get into contact with Angela?

okay, maybe I'm dreaming a little bit...

.............................................

But dreaming is what I'm good at. I've accepted that I like to think big. I embrace lofty goals and let them energize me. I refuse to not take advantage of my opportunities here at Purdue or in the Midwest. And, most importantly, I will not feel as if I'm trapped- because I'm preparing to do great things in this life. Just like Angela, I can be a shining star from my hometown; a big fish in a little pond who goes on to do great things...

that's what I strive for

Dare to be You

If you're looking for inspiration and a warm heart, take a few minutes to watch 

this short documentary (don't be fooled by documentary- it's 11 minutes long).

I had seen this video a couple of years ago when it went viral, but I recently watched it again and was just as moved. Caine throws himself into making this arcade and stays so positive each and every day. It's cute, yes, but it's also so inspiring. This kid loves arcades. So he makes his own in his free time. He uses the resources he has to make it the best he possibly can... and when nobody comes to the arcade, he uses the time as an opportunity to clean and improve his arcade. 

He never gets discouraged. He never gets down. 

He only works to improve.

It's so easy for me to get down on myself. When others are critical of my interests or when I don't get attention for something that I think I should. It's easy to get discouraged or quit. And when nobody pays attention to something that required so much work and time, the typical person would get frustrated, no matter how passionate or interested in that subject. Since I know I'm not the only one who goes through this, and that is exactly why I wanted to share Caine's story and his determination. There's so much that we can learn from this kid with the cardboard arcade.

It doesn't end there, though. I was moved by the kindness of the filmmaker. Instead of walking past, ignoring Caine and his makeshift arcade, he went and talked to him. He asked him about it, played the games, and fell in love with Caine's passion and excitement towards arcade games. And he decided to change Caine's life through his own personal abilities: filmmaking. 

and so it all comes full-circle...

the moment we dare to embrace our quirks and our interests that make us unique is the moment that we can change lives. We can change our own life, but we can also change the lives of others. And like Caine, the key to it all is staying determined, regardless of the way others make us feel. 

Be the best you. 

Wish List Wednesday

the temperatures have dropped and the warm layers have started adding up...

It feels like I'm wearing sweaters, boots, and scarves every day! Because of this, I've been drawn to outfit inspiration that makes for cute and warm combinations. One thing that I'm missing here at school is a coat.. I know, I'm crazy. I don't know how I somehow ended up without any sort of jacket- besides my Excursion Vest- but it happened. 

Therefore, I'm serious when I say that I've really been layering and accessorizing for warmth. 

here is what I'm coveting on these chilly days:

Barbour Jacket

I really don't need anything bulky right now, but something to put over my sweaters to block the wind and add that extra layer would be great! I love the quilted look of this Barbour Jacket.

Stylish but Casual Shoes

Because, sometimes I need to give my feet a break from the boots and heels. 

J Brand / J. Crew / J Brand

I've realized how few pairs of "nice" jeans I have. I had one pair of fabulous Lucky Brand jeans, but they were getting worn and I conveniently ripped a hole in them. Even though I hate trying on jeans with a passion, I'd be willing to endure it if I left with a pair or two of jeans that flatter me in all the right places.

Vineyard Vines / Madewell

Fair Isle sweaters have been making their fair share of appearances on my Instagram and Tumblr timelines. This, of course, has me dying for one! I love the Madewell sweater, since I already have so much navy (and it's cheaper), but I had to throw in the classic Vineyard Vines, too. 

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I'm hoping to conquer the hunt for jeans over my winter break: after-Christmas sales and going back to work for a couple of weeks will put me in a perfect position to hunt and save! And, as hard as it is to say, I don't think I'm really needing another sweater at this point... but can you ever really have too many? I'd say, at the moment, those New Balance for J. Crew shoes are top on my list- I adore they way they're styled in the lookbook and have been making up outfits they'd work with in my head (...I wear a size 9 if anyone is feeling generous)...

what's on your wish list?

RedHead Lovin'

as a redhead, I always get excited when I see a ginger model in a catalogue or ad

I guess it's because my strawberry-blonde hair sometimes makes me feel different. Not in a good or bad way, it's just that I stand out. In a world of brunettes and blondes, my freckles and red hair can really bring me attention. People tend to comment on my hair before anything else... some people even ask to touch it, as if it's going to feel different than their golden locks. And I'll never forget the outright stares that I got while traveling in the Middle East. In their defense, my rosy complexion, hair & freckles, and blue eyes are extremely foreign to their olive-skinned population. 

But, I don't really let the fact that I look different bring me down. I find it funny now, and I enjoy the fact that my small outbursts of energy can be attributed to being a fiery redhead. And the fun part is that being part of this dying population connects me to other redhead girls out there. Recently I've loved seeing redhead girls in ads. J. Crew has a fabulous redhead model, and I love the Vineyard Vines model whose hair color is almost identical to mine! Seeing that rose-tinted skin and those freckles makes me proud to be different.

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J. Crew

Vineyard Vines

I can't forget the fabulous
Molly Ringwald

Everyone has a quirk or characteristic that helps them stand out. Mine is certainly my hair. I used to hate that it was so different, and sometimes I still think it's weird that people can be so intrigued by the fact that I have strawberry in my blonde. But I have grown to enjoy the fact that it is truly a part of who I am. It explains where I've come from and gives me a chance to automatically stand out- without saying a word.

and I can really appreciate that.

what sets you apart?

Warmth of NYC

lately I've been longing for the city

The lights. The late nights. Even the cold. I blame this all on the beautiful pictures that show up on my Instagram feeds daily. Add in my Today Show obsession, the fact that I'm watching SatC from season 1, and all of the awesome videos I've come across, and it's practically like New York is calling my name. 

................................................................

Earlier this week, my English TA informed us that our next project would be a documentary. I was worried because of my lack of expertise with film or anything like it. But, leave it to the internet and blogosphere to lead me to some of the coolest, shortest documentaries I've ever seen. Not only that, but of course they take place in New York City. Small Empires is a fantastic series that I've run across, but most of the videos take some planning, as they're around 20 minutes long. But then I came across the perfect, 3 minute video of a man making connections in NYC... and not how you'd expect.

These work this man is doing doesn't seem like a big, outrageous idea. He's simply taking pictures... but he's bringing people together, too. He's bringing warmth to the Concrete Jungle and making people think in a way that they normally wouldn't. It's a quick watch- only 3 minutes. But it's 3 minutes that makes you re-think your busy schedules and the people that you walk past every day. Or at least it did for me, since I seem to see a new face each time I step outside. 

Not only did it get me thinking, 

but it got me wanting to go explore NYC

oh, and Humans of New York is definitely on my Christmas Wish List.