Carry On Necessities

I'll be flying out tomorrow for vacation, and I thought that I would post my go-to things to put in my carry-on bag. I usually use a Longchamp  Le Pliage bag for my carry on, but for this vacation I will be using a Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM Damier Ebene. 

Here are my go-tos on the plane: 

From upper left to right:

1. Glasses: I always make sure to have both my sunglasses and my reading glasses on hand just in case. 

2. Word Search: This word search book has been my trusty companion on vacations since 2010 and I'm still not done with it! 

3. Camera: I always carry my valuable electronics on the plane because I never know what will happen to my luggage. Also, I never know what I'll see when I step out into my destination!

4. Wallet: Money is very important for buying things in the airport such as coffee (which runs through my veins), and small snacks. Also, money will be very helpful upon arrival.

  

5. Computer: I usually do not use my computer on the plane, but I bring it with me for when I get to my resort! 

6.Small necessities: Lip Balm and Gum. I always have a lip  balm such as this Eso Strawberry Sorbet one on hand along with a pack of gum! 

7. Snack: I always have a small snack such as a Luna Bar to get me through the flight if there is no food served or I don't get to eat before the flight. 

8. iPod: I listen to music the whole flight to help pass the time. 

9. Reading Material: I always have at least two books with me on flights because I am a fast reader and sometimes read 2-3 books in one flight! The picks for tomorrow are Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield and All the Best, George Bush by George H. W. Bush along with Marie Claire magazine. 

10. Charger: My iPhone battery is horrible and I always have the charger on hand for lay overs!

Here is how everything is organized in my Neverfull: 

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has had a blessed and cheery Christmas this year! Here is what I wore to Christmas Eve Service last night: 

Shirt: Free People // Vest: J. Crew Factory // Skirt: J. Crew Factory

Merry Christmas Everyone!

A Smoothie a Day

I'm so happy to be at home and to be able to make smoothies everyday for breakfast! Here are the ingredients of the one that I made this weekend. 

And the finished product: 

You Should Have Done This...

Here are five things that I would love to go back in time and tell myself after ending my first semester of freshman year. 

1. Don't let your friends get in your way. Remember that your friends have completely different majors and don't know how hard you have to work. 
2. The "Freshman 15" is real. You really don't need that venti skinny iced caramel macchiato from Starbucks everyday. Go order a green tea instead. Don't forget to workout at night either. 
3. It's okay to wear leggings to class. You rock your basic white girl flannel and leggings with riding boots and a puffer vest. It's okay to look alike. Wear what makes you comfortable. 
4. Take advantage of the library. Studying in the quiet means that you'll get more done. Just make sure to get some coffee from Starbucks beforehand because the Cyber Cafe has horrible coffee. 
5. Study, study, study. Devote time to all classes and if you don't understand it, go talk to a professor, AI, or UTA. 

Also, in case you need motivation:  

Merry Christmas Break everyone!

Take a Break: Finals

It's only the first day of finals and I'm already mentally and physically exhausted so I've decided to come up with a list of study break ideas. 

1. Read a book: I'm currently reading Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield and I recommend it to anyone that has read The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan.
   
2. Color. Ever since I was kid my favorite thing to do in my spare time  is to color (in the lines of course). Amazon has some amazing coloring books that look like they would take a lot of time, but I love my Crayola one that I have here at school!
   
3. Organize. Take a break and organize part of your room! I took time out of my day to organize my hats and school materials. 
   
4. Workout: Working out can reduce stress while releasing endorphins! I know I'll be hitting the stationary bike for some major mileage tonight. 
5. Make a cup of coffee or tea: My favorite thing to do during a small break is to make a cup of tea, chai, or coffee with my Keurig! I love using tea from a local tea merchant and of course coffee!
   
   
   
   
6. Pinterest/Tumblr: Log on to Pinterest or Tumblr to take a quick break and find some motivational quotes or clothes (mostly clothes for me). Follow my Pinterest here
7. Create a new playlist: I love love love music and Spotify. I'm currently listening to their Mood Booster playlist. Check out my Spotify here. 

Here is one of my new favorite pump up songs after a long period of studying!        

And who doesn't love looking at puppy videos?

Happy finals and may the curve be ever in your favor!

Snack Time

I know, the perfect time to bring up my favorite snacks is after the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, but I'm hungry and I promised myself I would be careful with indulgence during Dead Week. 

These are my go-to snacks for anytime of the day!

My go-to snacks: pistachios (really any dry nut in general), Wheat Thins (Ranch are my favorite), strawberries (who doesn't love some fruit?), yogurt covered pretzels, Pretzel Crisps (not pictured, but I highly recommend), dark chocolate for my study breaks, and an endless supply of veggies. Also, my dorm is stocked with tea and coffee to get me through the week! 

What are some of your favorite study snacks?

I hope everyone is surviving their dead/finals weeks! Hang in there, you can do it! 

And for your study break entertainment, here is an adorable Husky Puppy attempting the stairs:

Week in Review

I'm currently sitting in my messy dorm room during a break from studying trying not to think of how much I have to do this week. This past week was full of assignments and the beginning of last minute cramming by professors. This upcoming week is 'dead' week even though I still have many things to turn in. I didn't realize that college really doesn't stop because of one little word. There is no such thing as dead week at IU. There is so much to do and many visits to Starbucks ahead of me. 

Tuesday evening I got a small break because I went to a basketball game with my friend Jon followed by dinner at our favorite local Chinese/Japanese restaurant. Wednesday I sat down at my desk for an interview with Anonymous Prepster. The picture that is featured was taken after I went from sweats and a sweatshirt to a put together outfit (I was studying before the interview). 

Interview with Anonymous Prepster from Tumblr

Friday evening was spent at the mall with my friends to get goodies for Secret Santa after my first Cyber Monday purchase arrived at my dorm. Is it really Christmas time if you aren't involved in at least one Secret Santa? No, it simply is not. I even got a stocking to put on my door that my friends can put small gifts in! 

Nordstrom//Tory Burch Wallet (similar)

Yesterday my friend and I went to brunch at a local café to spy on our friend who was on a date. Girls, always be backup for your friends on dates with guys that they're no sure about. Just as a precaution!  On our way back to our dorm we stopped at a local bookstore that we had no idea existed. All of us instantly fell in love with it. What's not to love about local bookstores? I picked up Anthropology of an American Girl by Hilary Thayer Hamann. Honestly, the colors of the cover caught my eye, but the synopsis of the book made me buy it! Our next stop was a small store that sells IU shirts and the shirts for the football tailgates. There was a shirt with a Harry Potter theme that I didn't get to pick up during season that they had available to wear. It's a Comfort Colors shirt so it's bound to be comfortable. Last night there was another basketball game, that the Hoosiers easily won versus Savannah State, followed by dinner at our favorite pizza restaurant. 

Today has been spent studying with much more to come. I had my first Rho Gamma group meeting today and I am so excited for rush after break! My Rho Gam is hilarious and perfect for my group. Also, calculus will be the death of me by finals week. 

Is anyone else having a rough week or have one ahead?

Gift Guide: College Girls

Have a friend that you don't know what to get? Or stuck on what to ask for, for Christmas? Here are some of the things that I think are necessary for college girls at the moment. Trust me when I say a lot of these products are on my list or already in my closet!

Starbucks Gift Card: Coffee may be replacing diamonds and puppies as my best friend. I don't have time to make coffee in the morning so I usually stop at Starbucks at least once a day Mon-Fri. 

Hot Stuff Thermal Mug: For those time that I do have time to make coffee, a cute travel mug is essential! I love this one from Ban.dō! 

LL Bean Boots: Need I say more? These are my most worn shoes of the fall and for the winter so far! They may be on backorder now, but maybe your parents can surprise you with them for a care package!

Blanket Scarf: A blanket scarf is one of my must-haves on my wish list. I am obsessed with scarves and can't wait to add one to my collection. Not to mention that they are so warm! Zara has a ton of cute ones so check out the website! 

Carryall Duo: This duo of small bags are perfect for carrying around those pesky pens and pencils that we use for studying for a great price! The patterns are adorable too! 

Laptop Case: Our perfect companions need a safe travel home to and from class so why not choose one in a cute color! (Aqua is my favorite color, hints this case)

Kate Spade Watch: For those classes with the policy of no electronics, a watch is a must-have to countdown the minutes until you can leave!

Slippers: As soon as I get back from class I throw on either my UGG slippers or a pair of fuzzy socks to get comfortable for the long day of studying ahead. I am in love with these slippers from Anthropologie. 

Headphones: Quality headphones are necessary for studying in the library, walking to class, and secretly watching Netflix in class. These are my favorite! 

Hunter Rain Boots: I have black ones, but I am dying to get a pair of red gloss! Perfect for rainy days like today. Don't forget the Wellie socks to keep your feet warm! 

I am so excited to share some gift guides over the next few days, so be prepared! Don't forget to follow my Instagram for OOTDs and other pictures! 

December Playlist

I posted my Christmas playlist the other day and today I am happy to post some of my favorite songs right now! Here are some songs that I know will be on replay this month.

I have an arrow pointed at Uptown Funk because it is my favorite song at the moment and I've already listened to it more than 50 times since it's release! Plus, Bruno Mars is one of my favorite artists! 

This month's playlist is a combinations of my current go-to "Dance it off" songs, work out songs, and finals study songs. If you know where the dance it off reference is from, comment below! 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Cyber Monday Goodies

I hope everyone grabbed a few goodies throughout this weekend! I didn't go Black Friday shopping so I was on the lookout for deals online. Luckily, most companies had sales all weekend! I hit up Lilly Pulitzer, Madewell, J. Crew Factory, and J. Crew for my cyber buys.

 I was on the prowl for simple pieces that I can wear over and over again. I was so glad that the Buffalo Check Vest was included in the sale because I wouldn't have to feel guilty about adding to my vest obsession! I was also looking for some pieces for vacation and also wanted a skirt for recruitment which is after winter break. Here are the things I managed to get. 

J. Crew Factory: Factory Pleated Mini // Factory Stretch Tank Dress (both off of clearance and sold out)

J. Crew: Buffalo Check Puffer Vest // Pixie Pants (I've been wanting these forever)

Madewell: Linen Heathered Telegraph Tee // Collarless Chambray Workbench Top (both on sale)

Since I stayed in on Black Friday, I decided to treat myself on Sunday and bought this beauty of a dress from Lilly Pulitzer for vacation! I am so excited to wear it and for warm weather of course. Not pictured are the free goodies of the weekend, the reusable tote and the wash and wear bag. 

Lilly Pulitzer: Marlowe Boatneck T-Shirt Dress in Bright Navy Trunk Show 

What goodies did you manage to pick up this weekend?

New Instagram Now Live

Hey everyone! I just made a new Instagram dedicated to this blog and my Tumblr (also hoosierstateofprep). Check it out!

New IG: hoosierstateofprep

Christmas Playlist

Here are some of my favorite Christmas songs and artists, enjoy!

Christmas Countdown

Thanksgiving is over and then means it's time to decorate your house for Christmas! My family and I got most of our decorating done today because early December is always a busy time! We have two trees, one in the living room and another one on the landing outside of my room. Then, sprinkled around the main floor of the house are my mom's snowmen and my dad's Nutcrackers. Personally, I have lights on my dresser and drawers with some table trees (I also have a lot of penguin ornaments on my tree). 

My tree outside of room complete with Santa and Rudolph from The Polar Express underneath.

Here is the top of my drawers complete with lights, trees from Pier 1, and a Bath and Body Works Noel candle

Our family tree in the living room! We'll have our train under there tomorrow!

Our mantel, complete with Nutcrackers and stockings that are never filled. 

I hope your first days of Christmas season are filled with cheer and decoration! We're almost there!

Thankful

I hope everyone had a great time with their family today over Thanksgiving! I celebrated with my mom's side of the family and my cousin came with his family after not being able to for years. Actually, he remembers me as a short, little girl that pushed too many buttons (we all have our faults).  

I am so thankful for my family, friends, and the ability to get a college education! What are you thankful for?

My favorite Thanksgiving dishes are stuffing, mac and cheese, turkey, elk roast, and banana pudding! What are your favorites?

Here is my OOTD: 

shirt: J. Crew//vest: J.Crew//boots and socks: Hunter// necklace: Francesca's

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Now it's time for Christmas!