I love summer

I can't believe summer is coming to an end. I've been out of school since May 2nd, which feels like forever ago if I think about it, yet summer still seemed to fly by. I'm excited to head back for my senior year, but I wish the warm weather would last.

Summer is just too pretty....

Plan Ahead

Planners are pretty much crucial to my survival at school. I consider my self mildly OCD because I write down everything that I need to do. Always. For every. single. day. I like to keep my lists privately tucked away in my little planner because most of what I write is just plain weird. Plus, I have the handwriting of a 4-year-old boy (good thing blogs are typed.)

My roommate started noticing my lists pretty soon after living with me. I have them all over my planner, as well as on sticky notes on my desks. She began making jokes about how I viciously cross out everything once I'm done. #Embarrassing. 

I also write lists in my phone. Sometimes I catch my boyfriend looking through my phone, and unlike most boys, he does not even peek at my texts. Nope, he goes straight to my lists, so he can make fun of them. Though I use my phone as a planner sometimes, I still insist on getting a real planner each year so I can write down every assignment, test date, etc. I have a fear that if I put it on my computer or my phone, it would accidentally get deleted. I know I could also lose my planner, but (knock on wood,) that has never happened.

Here is a page from my last planner. Insane, I know.

Since planners are clearly an important part of my life, I prefer if they're a little fashionable, as well as functional. It's back to school time in just one week, (where did the summer go?) and here are some of the best planners I've found.

This Kate Spade planner is obviously adorable...but $82.00 for a planner? and that's the sale price?? maybe in another lifetime....


Here are some more affordable options...

$17.00

$10.00

$24.00

Target also had some cute ones in store similar to the Kate Spade planner, but I couldn't find them online.

Summer Playlist

Every summer, there are a few songs that become the theme songs of the season. This is obviously because they're played 502342487234 times a day on the radio, but it's ok because it usually takes a while to get sick of them. Whenever I hear those songs after the summer has passed, they always bring back fond memories. Last year, for me, it was Katy Perry's "California Girls," (which I liked to change to Connecticut girls) and "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz.

This year, the songs I can't seem to get enough of are:

Good Life

Give me Everything

Last Friday Night ---click here to check out the music video, it's pretty funny...

Edge of Glory

congrats to K-Perry for making my very exclusive list two years in a row...

What songs are you guys loving now?

ready to read

Summer is the perfect time to read because you can actually enjoyyyy it. During school, it is nearly impossible to find a free moment to read something for pleasure, and if you do find that time, it is hard to be inspired to do anything but sit around and be lazy. During the summer, you can read while laying out, before going to bed and to pass time while making long trips. It is relaxing and enjoyable. During the summer, I always read at least 7 or 8 books...whereas I am lucky to read a single book that doesn't involve memorizing definitions and browsing through chapter summaries during the school year.

So, if you love reading like I do and are always looking for some good summer reads to get you out of the winter reading hibernation, here are my recommendations...

Remember the Scott Peterson case? I read this one a few years ago. If you're at all interested in law, then you'll definitely love this book. It's really haunting.

Before I read this book, I heard it was laugh out loud funny, but I didn't really believe it. Trust me, it is...I couldn't stop laughing throughout the whole thing. I made my boyfriend read an excerpt, and even though he tried to pretend he didn't like it, I know he did.

This is a touching story that is good for readers with all different interests...children, law, family, etc...
Jodie Picoult is a great author. You probably know her from My Sister's Keeper

My mom made me read this classic book a few years ago. It is the perfect girly beach read.

Great, feel good book. The title is deceiving, so don't let it scare you away!

I read the book before I saw the movie, and let me tell you, the book is way better (as they usually are.) It's one of those books you read in a day because you can't put it down.

I have deemed this my all time favorite book. It is absolutely perfect, in that it is  everything wrapped into one heartbreaking story.

Food Dreaming

The other day, I made a list of all of the clothing stores that New York has to offer. Now, I want to move onto something that might be even more important to me....the food options. There are so many restaurants to choose from that I don't think I could come close to eating at them all, even if I lived in New York for the rest of my life. I have really only grazed upon all of the endless restaurants, cafes and dessert shops, but so far, they have all been much better than the chains I so often eat at when I'm home. They all have pretty enticing happy hour specials and offer options restaurants in smaller towns don't, like homemade tortilla shells and baked octopus (ew). I'll skip the last choice. 

I try really hard to find restaurants that are affordable, which is no easy feat in NY. Sorry, but I think people who charge more than 12 dollars for a salad should be committed, and I get pretty depressed when my half-off happy hour burger is still 8 dollars. WTF NY? Your burgers and salads are not that much better than the ones we get in other states. 

Anyway,

Here are some places to check out if you're in the area... 

1. Cascabel Taqueria-- This Manhattan restaurant has some pretty bangin' homemade tacos and guac...and amazing watermelon margaritas with real watermelon chunks in it. Plus, they serve it in a mason jar, which makes it seem much cooler.

2. Ron Blacks--This one is in White Plains. It has the best happy hour deals around--4 bucks for a drink--not too shabby. Oh ya, the food isn't so bad either. They pretty much have anything you could want on the menu.

3. Pinkberry-- So, even though this isn't an option that's exclusive to New York, I had never been to one until I got here, so it makes the cut. Their new salted caramel frozen yogurt is tasty tasty, and the fresh fruit toppings they give you make you feel like it's ok that you're eating dessert.

4. Grom-This is the place to go for gelato. My aunt and uncle took me there the other day, and I love it because they use all natural ingredients and they change their flavors every month. Plus, they're straight from Italy. 

5. Dean and Delucca--This is a great place to go if you want to grab a quick salad or wrap for lunch or a  scrumptious baked good.

6. Landmarc-- I went there the other night, and even though it wasn't my favorite place so far, there calamari was delish, and it is in a beautiful building with a great view. 

7. McFadden's-- You Cannot beat the Wednesday night special... as long as you're a girl, that is. FREE drinks from 6-8 for the ladies. Yup, completely free. 

Places I want to try/promise I will try...

1. Shake Shack-- It's in the park right near where I work, and I still haven't made it there. Plus, it was featured in the movie "Something Borrowed." I must go.

2. Blockheads--I hear it's great Mexican food, a fun time and it's pretty affordable.

3. Sixteen Handles-- Perhaps even better fro-yo than Pinkberry's?

4. Beard Papa's Cafe-- I did a write-up about this cafe for my internship, and it really made me want to try it. They apparently have the best cream puffs you can get your hands on. 

Have you all been to any of these places? Do you have any recommendations? 

White Out

Our parents most likely cringe at the thought of white pants, shoes and dresses worn before Memorial Day...but Generation Y fashion lovers are pretty torn on the issue. I have friends who strictly stick to the no white before Memorial Day rule, and others who don't even know the rule exists. Personally, I think it is all contextual. A bright white dress worn on a rainy April day is clearly inappropriate, but a pair of white Keds or a white tank top before Memorial Day doesn't bother me one bit. As long as the outfit is tactful and weather appropriate, I say white before Memorial Day is a go. Rules have to be broken every now and then, and besides, who made that rule anyway? Probably someone who didn't look good in white. I think it's a little outdated, especially for people who live in warm climates! 

What do you think? 




NOT ok before Memorial Day

Via BCBG

Definitely ok before Memorial Day 

Via Aldo 

A Brilliant Solution

I have always struggled with the concept of whether or not black and brown should be mixed together in an ensemble. Depending on the shade of brown, I sometimes think it is a classy and chic combination. Other times, it looks totally wrong. I am starting my summer internship next week, and while in Florida, I searched for a bag that was large and professional enough to carry my laptop in to work. I was really hoping to find a two toned black and brown bag so that it could be versatile and pair with any outfit, but my selection was small considering almost every bag I liked was over 200 dollars (wayyyy beyond this unpaid intern’s budget.) I finally found an affordable, professional and large enough bag, but it is completely black. I started worrying and brainstorming about what I would do on days when I was wearing brown shoes, and my ever-more-creative-than-I-am-mom came up with a brilliant solution. She suggested that I tie a brown silk scarf on my bag when I’m wearing brown. So, I headed to COACH and found the perfect scarf to transform my all black bag into a versatile accessory. For all of you readers on a budget, this is the perfect way to make one bag adaptable.

What do you guys think of the combination of black and brown?

Keep Calm

Posters are a significant part of college decorating. My freshmen year, I purchased the most random posters in all different colors (a black and white picture of Paris, a colorful beach scene, Fenway Park...etc). I had way more than what could possibly fit on my tiny wall space, and none of them really matched each other or my bedding. Plus, I bought the least expensive ones, so they all ended up ripping. After my John Mayer poster refused to stay on my wall this year, I decided to end my relationship with posters for good...

Until I realized that next year I'm going to have my very own big bed at school and my very own room. I really want to transition from the bright pinks and greens I've been using in my dorms for the last three years into something a little more soothing like the cream comforters I showed here. To go along with that theme, I couldn't help but think how well a "keep calm and carry on" poster would fair. Since I have two papers to write, I was naturally  searching for the best color to get this poster and instead came across some really funny variations. I like the first one below so much that I'm seriously tempted to buy it instead of the real thing. 

Around the World

Up to this point in my life, I haven't had many opportunities to travel far distances. The extent of my journeys include one cruise and multiple trips to Florida. This upcoming year, I'm looking forward to two trips that I'll be taking to uncharted territories (well, uncharted by me.) I've always envied girls in the airport toting around fancy, patterned luggage and carry-ons. It seems like the perfect accessory for a comfy plane ride ensemble, but I could never legitimize spending hundreds of dollars on name brand suitcases, especially since my standard navy blue one has yet to fail me. Although I'm still unsure of whether I'm going to splurge on new luggage, I found some fashionable and affordable options that are definitely worthy of consideration.

These Victoria's Secret wheeled duffel bags are 128.00 each.

This rolling bag is my favorite. It's 69.95 and comes in other colors also.

Tote and toiletry bag, 29.95.

This bag is on sale from 140.00 to 49.99.

Wrap it Up

Even though we've been taught since we were kids to never judge a book by it's cover, I think that gifts are an exception to this rule. Giving someone a holiday present nicely wrapped adds to the thoughtfulness and overall effect of the gesture. Not to imply that I don't appreciate a gift unless it looks like someone at Macy's wrapped it, but the extra effort it takes to make the package look nice shows that the giver truly cares. In the past, I've definitely been guilty of presenting some sloppy gifts, but if you're completely inept at wrapping like I am, purchasing fashionable gift bags and wrapping paper is a way to compensate for the otherwise insufficient packaging. So, no excuses this year! This website sells a wide variety of impressive wrapping paper, bags, and boxes for all holidays. And, of course, it's affordable. So, stock up now because the holidays are approaching rapidly.

This santa hat is actually a gift bag!

These animal print bags are perfect for those of you looking for unique packaging!

I keep on Fallin'

Even though it's 73 degrees in Connecticut right now and may not exactly feel like fall, it definitely looks like it. The leaves are covering the ground in a carpet of vibrant burnt reds, oranges, and yellows. My college sometimes has a reputation of not being the best looking, especially with all of the construction that is always going on, but despite popular belief, I think our campus is quite fashionable. There is nothing more striking than New England in the fall, and the campus portrays it perfectly. In fact, on an unseasonably warm day like today, there are students bustling all around, and it looks exactly how my younger self pictured college to be. It is days like today that I am glad I stayed in my home state for college. The vibe and appearance of campus is just so beautiful that I had to take some pictures (plus, I just got a new camera, since I broke my last one, and I really wanted to try it out.)

Have a great Halloween weekend!



 I completely creeped on this adorable and unknowing couple...