Recipe: Mango Salsa

Tuesday night was chicken enchilada night and my mother made mango salsa to accompany my favorite meal! Here is the recipe, IT IS SO GOOD (and healthy)!

Recipe: Mango Salsa

Serves 3

• 1 Mango, peeled and diced
• 1 White Nectarine, peeled and diced (optional)
• 1/2 cup Cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1 Tbs Jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1/3 cup Red Onion, diced
• 2 Tbs. Lime Juice, real or bottled 
• 1/3 cup Cilantro Leaves, roughly chopped
• Salt + Pepper, to tast

Combine all ingredients in large bowl and mix well. Double when entertaining. 

Quick and easy!

Enjoy! 

Palm Print

So I decided to join the palm print craze and buy two palm print rompers (on clearance) from Old Navy! Here is how I styled them:

wristlet (similar) | shoes 

I loved wearing these rompers this weekend! They were super easy to style and throw on while on the go while I was down in Indy for the Luke Bryan concert. Below I've linked these rompers and other palm print pieces that I'm obsessed with! 

Do you guys have any print obsessions at the moment?

OOTD: Get Nauti

=

Tank | Skirt | Bracelet | Watch | Necklace (similar) | Wedges 

I went out to lunch today with some of my closest friends and through together some of the clothes that I purchased yesterday! I think this outfit is now one of my favorites. The navy stripes and comfortable skirt are perfect for a light, summer outfit. Plus, this t-shirt is so comfortable! 

Pinspiration

I'm sorry that I've been MIA lately, but we had guests this weekend and it was actually nice to go out on the lake every day! So, for a quick post, here is some inspiration from Pinterest!

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Follow me on Pinterest 

Also, here is what I picked up from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale:

It will definitely come in handy for school this year since I won't need my ID everyday anymore!

College Series: Totes vs. Backpacks

First thing first: is your class schedule heavy or light?

For me, both semesters of my freshman year had heavy days and light days. MWF were the heavy days with 4-5 classes while T and Th were light with 1-2 classes. I personally like to switch up my school bags so I wouldn't get tired of the same thing every single day.

For heavy class load days:

I recommend backpacks for those days. Better for your shoulders, and they hold more. Plus, HOLDERS FOR YOUR WATER AND/OR COFFEE. Priorities, guys. Priorities. Seriously.

So my MWF bag was a backpack. Personally, all of my backpacks from high school and college have been North Face. However, here are some backpack suggestions that I think will help everyone:

Questions to ask yourself when picking out a backpack:

Is it waterproof?

Can it hold a water bottle?

Is it comfortable?

Is it big enough?

Do I like the color?

Tips for when picking out a backpack:
Go to a store and try on several.
Read reviews online.
Ask employees which ones are more popular.
Ask which ones are more popular for college students.

I personally use a North Face Surge II and I love it. I wish it had more than one cup holder, but I love it regardless!

For light schedule days: 

I recommend a tote bag for these days unless you are going to go study after or between classes and want to be able to hold more. Totes can complete an outfit and are easy to carry around. Whichever one you choose should be durable! 

Tips for totes for school:

Make sure it can fit your laptop+ textbooks/notebooks and pencils.

Make sure it's comfortable.

If you live in a seasonal area, make sure it's durable.

Do you want one that can zip?

I personally use a Longchamp Le Pliage and I love it! It's durable and fashionable! If you get a Longchamp, get a color that you enjoy! I have a red one and an orange one instead of the 'classic' colors. Though, as I become older and ease into a professional life, I will probably buy a classic color. 

*I chose these bags because they are ones that I would purchase. The companies are not paying me to advertise for them. Check my disclosure page for more information.

What kind of bag do you use for your schedule?

Canvas Crafting

 I love painting canvases on rainy days and at night. It has been one of my favorite ways to relax this summer. Here are some canvases that I've painted this summer. Can you tell there's a color theme?

On to my next project: painting Phi Mu letters! I'm thinking either Lilly prints or something more understated. What do you guys think? 

College Series Part 3: The Style of Going Out

A few days ago I was asked to make a college series post about what to wear when you go out. Personally, I consider anytime you leave your dorm room for purposes besides school work, to be going out. So below I have included looks for going out to eat with friends, going out for birthday celebrations, and going out to those college parties that we all pretend we don't go to (shhhh, keep it on the DL). 

(I think this post will be more mobile friendly than College Series Part 1, but bear with me) 

Going Out: Casual Meal

Going Out: Super Casual Dinner 

Going Out: Birthday Celebration

Going Out: Party*

Going Out: Shoes

Going Out: Bags/Wristlets

I do not suggest taking a bag or wristlet to a party. It is much easier just to take your phone and other necessities that fit in a pocket. 

*Note: I am in no way condoning underage drinking and partying. I prefer studying to going out and I made this post after it was requested many times.

We The People Like To Party

The Fourth of July is a huge celebration in my neighborhood and it's my favorite holiday. Not only are we celebrating an important part of American history, but we are also with all of our friends and family to have a fun time. 

My neighborhood has a parade every year (#damnparade2015) and it's full of tacky and tasteless floats along with firetrucks, bagpipers, and drunk people. The whole neighborhood basically parties for three days beginning on July 3rd and continuing until the 5th. 

We also have a theme each 4th complete with a t-shirt. This year's theme was 'Hollyhood' because a movie was recently filmed in our neighborhood. We also call our neighborhood "The Hood" because it doesn't actually have a name. 

This weekend is huge part of why I love summer. I had a great weekend with friends! Thanks Ashley, Merit, and Eric for coming over on the Fourth!

Our Hollyhood t-shirts (+ Dad)

Tank 

God Bless America! 

Ed Sheeran + Rixton

Two days ago my friend Ashley and I decided to purchase lawn seats at Klispch Music Center to see Ed Sheeran, who was opened by Rixton. Best. Decision. Ever. Period. 

If you've ever had any doubts about how amazing Ed Sheeran, buy a ticket for a concert. I have never doubted how talented he is, but seeing him in person reaffirmed just how talented he is! It's just him, his guitar, and his Looping Board on stage. That is really pure talent. He covered some artists, including Stevie Wonder, Drake, and Blackstreet. I think we can all say that we would be runnin' through the 6 with our woes if Ed was with us. Ed is so humble as an artist and has that awkwardness that makes me 10000x more adorable. And let's not forget his accent (insert heart eye emoji here :) ).

The concert through my iPhone (unedited):

Got to reunite with my sister and best friend Lakin. See you at Luke Bryan :)

Ash, thanks for putting up with me yelling at my GPS. Love ya

#lovemyjacks right?

Rixton

The blanket for the lawn. Not blog quality, but hey it's fine. 

Ed Sheeran in a Colts' jersey. That is all. 

My favorite Ed Sheeran songs:

• Thinking Out Loud
• Photograph
• I See Fire
• Don't 
• Nina   
• Sing  (lost my voice singing this one last night)
• The A Team
• You Need Me, I Don't Need You
• Give Me Love
• Drunk
• Homless
• His cover of Trap Queen

My favorite Rixton songs: 

• Hotel Ceiling 
• We All Want The Same Thing
• Me and My Broken Heart
• Wait On Me
• Appreciated 

And in the wise words of Ed Sheeran, "If you're not aware of Stevie Wonder, sort yourself out".  Retweet Ed, retweet. 

College Series: Part 2

Bedding 

Twin XL or Twin sheets*

Comforter or Quilt

Blanket (for under comforter or quilt)

Pillows (1 or 2)

Throw blankets (perfect for movie nights with friends)

Body Pillow (if you so desire)

Throw pillows

Bedbug Protection Mattress Cover and Pillow Covers

Foam Topper

Places to purchase bedding:

Bed, Bath, and Beyond (where I got mine)

PB Teen

PB Dorm

Garnet Hill

Macy's 

JC Penney 

Target 

Kitchen Necessities 

Microwave (if allowed)

Mini-fridge with a built in freezer

Keurig (if allowed)

Candle Warmer *

Eating Utensils (not plastic)

Bowl

Plate

Tupperware (for leftovers)

Cutting board

Knife 

Brita Water Jug

Coffee Cup

Travel mug 

Water Bottle 

Bathroom

Shower Caddy

Bathroom Toiletries 

Bathroom Rug*

Towels

Robe or Shower Wrap

Shower Shoes 

Any other personal shower necessities 

Hair Dryer

Straightener

1 Curling Iron 

Hand Soap

Lotion

Sunscreen

Makeup

Makeup Remover

First Aid Kit

Leave-in Conditioner

Dry Shampoo

Hair Ties

Hair Clips

Bobby Pins

Tweezers

Nail Clippers

Nail File

Nail Polish

Kleenex

Feminine Products

Desk + Technology

Desk lamp

Post-its

Wite Out

Tape

Stapler
Staple Remover

Loose Leaf Printer Paper

Printer*

Printer Ink (black and color)*

Extra Batters (AAA, AA, etc)

Rubber Bands

Paper Clips

Binder Clips 

Drink Coaster

Phone + Charger

Laptop + Charger

Camera + Charger

Flashdrive

Power Strip (at least one)

USB Power Strip

Flashlight

Laptop case

eReader + Charger

Wall/ Desk Calendar 

Stamps

Address Labels 

Dry Erase Markers

Three Hole Punch

Whole Punch

Ruler

Pencil Case (for backpack)

Desk Pencil Holder

Textbooks

Notebooks*

Index Cards*

Magnets 

Clothes

See previous college series (part 1) for some ideas

Below are listed some very important clothes for schools in seasonal places:

Rain boots

Snow boots

Rain Jacket

Parka 

Riding Boots

Vests (love J. Crew and Patagonia)

Fleece Pullovers

Fleece Leggings

Workout clothes

Going out clothes

Jeans

Sweaters

Flats

Business Casual 

Baseball  hat(s)

Winter Hat 

Ear Muffs

Winter gloves

Slippers

Socks

Boot Socks/ Camp Socks

Purses (Everyday and Going-Out)

Tote bag

Sandals

Flip-flops

Sweatshirts

Shorts

Skirt

Dresses

Flannels

Button-ups

Cardigans

Tank Tops

Camisoles

Underwear

Bras 

Strapless Bra

Tennis Shoes
Wristlet 

Other

Pepper Spray

Television 

DVD/ Blu Ray player

Rug

Christmas Lights

Photo frames

Clothing Hangers

Portable Hangers

Sports Equipment

Blanket for outside

Beach Towel

Bathing Suit

Desk Fan

Screwdriver

Backup Phone Charger

Duffle Bag(s)
Sewing Kit
Chair
Shoe rack for under bed
Storage Ottoman 

Notes

Bedding: Most college beds fit twin xl only, but some are twin only. Make sure you double check at orientation or ask people you know at your school what size you need! 

Candle Warmers: Most dorms do not allow burning candles, as mine did not, so I purchased a candle warmer to warm the candles in my dorm! You can get candle warmers at Yankee Candle or at supermarkets such as Meijer! I recommend taking the wicks out of your candles so that they do not float around. Also, if you spill the wax, here's a handy trick: Use paper bags and an iron to get the wax up. 

Bathroom Rug: I had to purchase one for my suite bathroom because I hate the possibility of slipping in the shower. You do not have to purchase one if you have communal bathrooms! 

Printer + ink: I personally did not bring a printer because we get allotted prints at all printing stations at IU. Consider how much room you will have in your room, and then if you want to bring one, consider if you really want all of your friends bugging you to use your printer late at night! 

Textbooks: I recommend searching for your textbooks at online stores along with your online campus bookstore manifest to compare pricing. Do not purchase new books for your gen ed classes that have nothing to do with your major. Check Chegg and Amazon for other prices! Side note: Get Amazon Prime! College students get 6 months free and it is so worth it! Free two day shipping on most things and you sometimes get deals!! 

Notebooks/Index Cards/Pens etc: I highly recommend that you purchase all of these products when you get to campus and once your classes start so that you know what you need. You don't wan to waste money on products that you don't actually need.

For all college shopping needs, go to Target and Bed, Bath, and Beyond because they have everything. Literally.