Wish List Wednesday

These wish lists are beginning to get a little bit dangerous.

The reason? Because I'm entering a world of college-girl-brokeness. So I imagine my wish list will grow and grow and grow

....hopefully my mom is reading the blog and will send me a care package [or 5].

Or, hopefully my wish list will become less materialistic.

Anyways, here's what I'm wishing for. 

The Debra Sweater

I have been loving Lilly's Fall 2013 line. I already made one purchase, which has arrived and I can't wait to wear! This sweater looks marvelous, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy it just yet. My birthday is conveniently in October, which is perfect for mid-fall and winter clothing purchases. I can almost guarantee that I will have this on my birthday list (even if I buy it for myself). 

Leopard Loafers

I have been wanting a pair for the past year... I'm not kidding. I love the leopard because it's fun, but also functional- they can go with black or brown and look great with fall and winter colors. These are also great because loafers are extremely comfortable, which is necessary since I'll be walking around campus quite a bit. 

Starbucks

Honestly, I think I'd be happy if all I got for my birthday and Christmas was SBux cards. Seriously, I've gone out of my way so much lately to enjoy my favorite drinks, while still trying to pace myself. I just can't afford to make it a daily habit while I'm at school... unless someone wants to send me a $100 gift card. Then I guess I can.

Purdue Student Life

I picked a major that isn't exactly the easiest. I also picked a school that is extremely competitive and well-known. I can't wait for all of the experiences- sporting events, recruitment, meeting new people! But I want so badly to be able to balance all of that. I want to be able to study and have a life and friends. I guess I'm not the most outgoing and social person, so I doubt I'll struggle much with making studying a priority. I've just got to remember that student life is a priority, too.

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

Like I said, broke college life has become a reality. 

A stark, horrible reality. That I must live and embrace in order to appreciate my hard work and paychecks in the years to come.

No matter how long my wish list,

I'll always be blessed.

Wish List Wednesday

I love Wednesdays.

They're the halfway point of the week;

the point at which I can breathe. 

They're also the wonderful day where I get to organize what's currently on my never ending wish list.

The week where I can't post a wish list, because I don't have one, is the week that I've possibly reached sanity. But until then...

this bike. I saw it at my local C. Wonder and just died a little bit inside. Firstly, it took me back to the coolest place I've ever been- Amsterdam. Then I just thought about how fun it'd be to have at Purdue... until someone stole it or something. And then my heart broke: I looked at the price tag. I mean it's not out-of-this-world crazy expensive, but it's not so little that I can buy it and not worry that I might only ride it once before someone at school steals it. So I left the store, and decided to think about it. Five days later, it's still on my mind.

The J. Crew excursion vest. I've been coveting this vest since I saw it on Pinterest in around February. I know, a little bit late. But I love it so much and can't wait to see the colors and options for this Fall/Winter. You best believe that I will have 1... or all... of these.

This shirt is just so much fun! It costs about as much as the bike does... so not cheap. But c'mon! It's Burberry! And so fun. If I splurge on anything, it'll probably be this shirt. I've been in love with it since Burberry sent out their fall preview e-mail. It's wish list worthy- definitely!

A shorter list this week, but it's definitely a pricier week.

Oh well- a girl can dream can't she?

Curse You, Forgetfulness!

I'm a list-maker, yes. 

But, one thing that I haven't quite gotten used to doing is to write down every good idea I have. It's so frustrating because I know that I had this thought, but I can't remember what it was. Not only that, but I think of myself of the least creative person ever. What's the cure for that? Oh right, taking advantage of the random creative spurts that I do have. 

So, for all things note- and reminder-related, I will now use Evernote. I've heard great things about the app for school and organization. I'm lost on how to use it up to this point, but I'll do the nerdy thing and read up on the program. I already like that anything I put on my iPhone will sync with my laptop... Not only for the blog but also school and life, I'm hoping that this will be a game-changer for my fear of note-taking on my thoughts. 

...Even though I'm not huge on change

Access this beginner guide here

Wishlist Wednesday

Another look at something I'm lusting over...

I'm a huge fan of Nike products, but I've been looking for some fun summer-fall transition shoes. I obviously don't need boots yet, but wearing sandals won't always be practical. 

I've found these super cute New Balance sneakers and am so in love!

I can't quite decide on this color or a navy and green. I also can't decide if I'll actually wear them...

so these will probably be on my wishlist for a while.

Oh well, I'll keep dreaming!

Wishlist Wednesday: College Bath Edition

Continuing my dorm wishlist series, here are a few things that I need to get for my hygienic needs:

1. shower caddy

2. loofah

3. shower shoes

4. towel racks

5. jewelry storage/ display

6. magnetic makeup holder (DIY)

Here are the things I need to remember to pack that I already have:

1. robe

2. blow dryer

3. curling and flat iron

4. jewelry

5. makeup

6. hair supplies

7. face washes

8. shampoo and body soaps

9. perfume

10. mirror

Does anything jump out that I'm missing?

Wishlist Wednesday: College Dorm Edition

Moving to college is quickly approaching and I'm sure that you've got your list that's just as long as mine when it comes to shopping for school. The next few wishlists are going to be about college and preparing... they'll act as ideas for you as well as a running tab of what I still need to buy.

No shame in publicly displaying my shopping list.

1. Mini-fridge

2. Router

3. Extension Cords/ Outlet Multipliers

4. Sheets- preferably monogrammed

5. Bath Towels- monogram please!

6. Mattress Pad

7. Wall Art

This is basically everything I need for my room - excluding my desk and shower caddy - anything obvious that seems missing is probably covered by my room mate. She's in charge of a microwave, futon, decor, and other things like that. 

It's so exciting and expensive to get ready for college and I really can't wait to see how it all turns out! I hope everyone has had a fantastic summer thus far.

Enjoy these next few months!

The Bucket List

I've never really been one to make a list of things that I want to do or see...

I guess the one thing I'm a bit spontaneous about in my life is my planning. I know, it makes no sense. But I just pick something or someplace randomly and plan from there! 

Then I got to thinking: if I don't think about the things I want to do and see, I may never be organized enough to see them all!

Enter, the bucket list. I'm working on a more extensive one, but I've got a few things though up to start with (in no particular order)

1. Go on a ridiculous shopping spree after my first big paycheck

2. Spend a summer with friends at the beach

3. Take a winter trip to Switzerland

4. Go to the Kentucky Derby... and the Carolina Cup and the Breeder's Cup

5. Do a day in the life of Blair Waldorf and visit the NYC spots that she frequents

6. Move South!

7. Spend every weekend of one summer at a different amusement park

8. Buy an ungodly amount of books to put in my home library I will someday have

9. Cook a bunch of meals and hand them out to the homeless people in the city

10. Visit D.C. in the spring

11. Take a EuroTrip all over eastern Europe

12. Watch all the Harry Potter movies in a row

To be continued...

Summer Wish List

Summer means shorts, dresses, sandals, and oh so many bright colors!

As the self-proclaimed shopaholic that I am, I have a mile long list of summer clothes to buy. Bigger paychecks, graduation money, and babysitting all means one thing: shopping! 

I've narrowed my wish list down to a few items that I need in my closet... soon!

So, I used to think that Jack Rogers looked like shoes more fit for my grandma than for myself. But they've really been growing on me and I'm thinking that I might need to buy a pair this summer! I'm still deciding on color, but I'm loving the navy and white, the gold, and the plain white. For my first pair, I really want something versatile and that I can dress up or down. I've put probably more thought into these shoes than necessary, but I really just want the perfect pair!

This dress. Okay so I'd be happy with anything off the Lilly summer line, but this Cambrey Dress is basically the most perfect dress ever. It's so classy and is perfect for nautical summer trips as well as into fall. Even more perfect: I got the summer GWP dates in the mail today... so guess what I'll be buying?

Only I would be the one to add summer reading material to my list of summer wants. But, I'm going to need some good reads for by the beach, laying out at the pool, and traveling. I've got quite a few books that I'm planing to read, a few of which include Mrs. Kennedy and Me, The Freshman 50, and any F. Scott Fitzgerald. I've jumped the gun a bit and started reading This Side of Paradise. You can follow all of my summer reading at my Goodreads page :)

The countdown to summer is now in the single digits, so my motivation is at an all time low.

All I can think about is pool time, beach time, and being with friends! All of the fun colors of summer collections are not helping, and the emails about all the sales going on aren't much help, either. Hopefully I can get through these next days in one piece.

Freedom is just around the corner!

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

I am this close to losing all sense of motivation!!

Okay maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration... but seriously. Eight weeks from today I'll be walking across the stage accepting my diploma and finally getting out of jail high school! Having that knowledge, and the fact that tomorrow is my last day before a two week intercession, I am finding it incredibly challenging to get any studying for my 3 tests or preparation for my presentation tomorrow done (seriously, I've always wondered why teachers do this to kids). 

With giving up imminent, I decided to take a study break to write about... what else?! My study habits!

Let me preface this with telling you that I am ranked in the top 5% of my graduating class and have a 3.9 GPA.

I have almost an entire additional year of high school than what's required to graduate (credit-wise) and have taken almost every advanced placement possible since 7th grade. While I understand that I am only a senior in high school, I believe that my AP teachers have prepped me in every way possible for success in college. I understand that studying and succeeding in college is a completely different process, but this is what I have for now. 

1. Your first key to success is to do what your prof or teacher tells you to do! Yes, it is easy to show up to class and listen to lectures, but there's so much more that you can be doing. Always read the material being covered before you go to the class! Always do the homework, even if it isn't to be collected. But, most importantly, look at the outlines, notes, and book that you are covering before class. This not only helps you get knowledge that you may not get in class, but gives you an idea of what's going on and what you should know. This way, if you have anything that you still aren't understanding after the lecture, you can ask questions and clarify any rough spots. 

2. Make a to-do list! Okay, so i know this sounds very 30-year-old-housewife-ish of me, but I seriously make lists of everything. If I can organize what it is I need to be doing and physically cross tasks off my list, I feel so much more calm. Plus, I love the feeling of accomplishment as I see my list get smaller and smaller! 

3. Limit your studying time. And don't crunch material! I like to spread out my studying over the week before the test. Even if it's just reading through my notes at the very beginning of my "studying", it's a proven fact that your mind will subconsciously process material. The more you can get it into your head, your mind will be thinking about it and locking away the ideas without much effort on your part. It makes your real studying in the few days up to the test much less stressful! When it comes to my hard studying, I like to set a timer for 45 min on my phone. I work hard for that time, and take a 15 min break once it goes off. I might watch a few youtube videos, send a few texts/ emails, or online shop. I'm pretty good about getting back to studying, but if you tend to get distracted easily, I'd recommend setting a timer for your break, too. 

4. When it comes to the actual process of my studying, here's what I do:

quiz - throughly read notes - skim notes - make a condensed study guide - skim notes - quiz

I do this for each section or chapter and it's amazing to see how my quiz scores improve just with that simple process. I just added the step of making the condensed "notes of my notes". I try to fit everything for an entire unit or test on one sheet front and back. It's perfect for in between classes or at lunch glancing at and being able to jog my memory on a few major points or questions that I keep missing on the quiz. Repetition helps!

Studying and preparing is such a vital part of a student's life and I'm so glad that I kindof have a system down. While I'm sure it'll be tweaked this time next year, a foundation is all I need right now! 

I'm pretty sure this break has been longer than my typical 15-minute break... but I deserved an extended one!

Happy Friday!