Happy Halloween!

"...darkness falls across the land, the midnight hour is close at hand"

Today is the day! HALLOWEEN. I hope you're exciting to dress up, see others dressed up, eat an excess amount of candy, and get frightened. Halloween is the perfect day for all of these shenanigans. Ever since my middle school days I've never been super into Halloween. But this year all has changed because of college, it's kind of inspiring watching people buy all of these ridiculous costumes on campus. So I will be celebrating this year with some new friends, old friends, and about a lot of other random people. But if you don't feel like going out you can totally just stay home and watch scary movies, eat candy, and stay warm (it is so cold over here in Illinois!). This year my roommate and I will be dressing up as Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy from Spongebob. I will be Barnacle Boy and I am pretty freaking excited, I haven't put this much thought into a costume in such a long time! Also, for Saturday's celebrations my roommate, friend, and I will be dressing up as 3 blind mice, so it should also be pretty adorable! I will definitely share pictures with you guys to show you how it turned up at some point this weekend or Monday.

So remember whatever you end up doing today, have fun!!! But also if you are going out to trick-or-treat or go to parties, be safe! Halloween can be a pretty scary time in some places so make sure to stay alert and be responsible!

Have a great Halloween weekend!

-Emily 

Goodbye Social Media

I have previously mentioned that I have been getting distracted when I do homework.  Social Media is my biggest distraction.  But more than that, social media feeds a negative part of my mind.  I get stressed about useless situations.  I "creep" people that I wish I was with, I spend time "liking" others memories instead of going out and making my own, and overall Social Media distracts me from my own  reality.  So about a week ago I decided that I would only go on social media sites once a week.  I will continue using it for its original positive purpose of connecting people.  I want to keep in touch with friends and family that I cannot see everyday.  But I don't need to use social media 24/7 to stay in touch with them, once a week sounds fine.

The first step I made was to log out of my social media accounts, and then to put all of the apps in one folder on my phone.  I also put this folder as the very last app on my phone.  This is so I will have to search for it and it will be out of my sight when I use my phone.

1. Tumblr- I love it, but I am trying to stay away from it because it makes me less creative.
2. Facebook- agh the most evil- I shall no longer creep, and be preoccupied with what others are doing
3. Twitter- I do not use it very often, but still it is a distraction- I follow too many celebrities.
4. Instagram- I should just capture moments in my mind instead of worry about the likes my "moments" will get.
5. Yik Yak- I mean it is college related.  But then again my homework is more important than the "funny" comments people have to make about college.
6. Snapchat- it doesn't distract me too much, so sometimes I do still check it.  It's only a few seconds of my day.
7. Pinterest- is the only one that I allow myself to check everyday.  I only check it before bed. Pinterest is more of a tips/helpful app.  I can find yummy recipes, outfit and make up ideas, and much more.  This app makes me a bit more productive.

I also am trying to stray from social media because I want to care less about pop culture.  I want to learn more about world news and subjects that I am not familiar with.

I am not bashing social media at all, its just that for me personally it was making a negative impact on my life.  Right now I need to help myself grow.

-Diana

Running Errands on Saturday Evening

I hope you are all having a relaxing Saturday night.  Today I started of with a lazy morning, then I decided I should try to get something done.  I took a trip to target to pick up some random things that I needed (body cream, a toothbrush, crew socks, face scrub) so fun, I know!  Then off to Trader Joe's I went. I got some pretzels, lemonade, sparkling water, cookies, and chocolate peanut butter cups. I thought these snacks would help me get through this next week while I did homework- so exciting.

Today's outfit- I decided to be casual and comfortable.

White shirt- forever 21
Blue cardigan- Target
Jeans- Hollister
Shoes- sperry's

I planned on going to Panera for Dinner and then Starbucks to get some work done.  So I had to take a purse...

Dark Brown Bag- Fossil
Wallet- Fossil
Laptop- to work on an essay for class
Folders, a pen, and a flash drive

Sometimes I have to get out of my room and do work elsewhere.  

I love going to Panera, I eat great food and get work done- nothing to complain about!

-Diana

Loving Some Simple Things

Oh how we have been lacking in posts this week.  I have missed blogging, but sometimes you just can do it all.  I apologize for our absence, but to make it up, I will be sure to post this weekend!!  

I have listened some simple things, that people may call boring, but to me they are comforting.  I think it is important to value the simple things in life.  This makes life more pleasant.

1. Frank Sinatra

     For some reason I have been listening to him all the time.  I have been finding him relaxing.  Sinatra's voice is comforting (probably because my Dad loves him and I have grown up listening to him.)

2. This show, where should I start?  It brings back memories because I watched it when I was growing up, but now I love it even more.  1. The mother daughter relationship, is just like my mom and I.  We are each others best friends, My mom is goofy and free spirited like Lorelai and I am the more serious one like Rory.  2. I love sarcasm and this show does a great job of doing just that.  It is witty and the dialogue is fast paced.  3. I also love how this show values education.  Not many shows do this and Rory is always motivating me to be book smart.  4. Coffee, I approve of the amount of coffee that these girls drink.  

3. Leaves changing colors in the fall makes me smile.  Walking to class is very pleasant because of the trees.

4. Homework stinks, but what are you going to do about it?  I love Sunday mornings in bed with work and a good cup of coffee.  Sunday mornings are calm and they make doing homework a bit more pleasing.

5. Yellow Legal Notepads

     Legal notepads help get things done.  They are great for making lists and I am always jotting down notes and outlines for essays.

-Diana 

Life Update

Holy cow, who am I? What is life? Why haven't I posted this entire week? College is why. I did not have any midterms this week so why have I been so busy, where does my time go? It goes to homework and other shenanigans. A typical day for me goes like this: wake up, get ready, go to class, come back to my room, take a nap, eat, go to other classes, come back, eat, do homework, shower, sleep. If I am lucky I can slip in a gym workout somewhere in there,writing blog posts, and its an especially good day if I can fit some Netflix in there(aka Gilmore Girls). But this week I have had time to do none of the extra things that I love. But it's finally FRIDAY.

So let's talk about some exciting things I am doing this weekend, shall we?

-Listen to Music

This is so random, but I have been obsessed with 90s R&B music, like its all I want to listen to these days. I have been particularly loving "Killing Me Softly" by The Fugees. I find it to be so relaxing and soothing, so I have been listening to that song on repeat.

The original version by Roberta Flack is also amazing, by the way. 

-Watch Netflix(or catch up on your favorite TV shows)

You best believe I will be watching Netflix (in between studying, of course). I am currently watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix and it has been my life. I have never wanted to have blue eyes more than I do now because of Lorelai and Rory. I am also watching the current season of American Horror Story and am two episodes behind, so I must catch up on that. 

-Cleaning and Organizing My Room

So maybe this isn't very exciting to most people but I am so pumped to clean my room. Whenever my room is organized and clean, I feel like I have my life together. So I will be thoroughly cleaning my room and re-organizing my drawers and closet. 

-Get Halloween Costume 

I am so excited for Halloween! I haven't celebrated Halloween since grammar school, so I am kind of pumped to actually dress up this year (I guess I was too cool for Halloween in high school). My friend from high school will be visiting my roommate and I for the weekend, so it will be a good (but always responsible) time. I will tell you guys about my costume later, I want to keep it a surprise! But I will tell you that is related to Spongebob ;) 

So this is what I will be doing this weekend besides the boring things like homework and studying. I will let you guys know next week how many things I actually accomplish (hopefully everything!). 

Are you dressing up for Halloween? If so, what are you going to be? Let me know below!

-Emily

Setting the Mood

When doing homework it is important that you find what helps you to get it done.  Maybe going to the library, going to the dining hall, local coffee shop, or sitting in bed.

I have found that creating my "work" environment really helps me to get my homework done.

• I turn on the T.V. - I put on MLB network, or an old black and white film.  I mute the T.V. or make sure the volume is very low.  I like to know that there is action, but not enough to distract me.  This mostly serves as background noise.  When I am going crazy or need a 2 min break I look at the T.V. just to get a sight of something besides a computer screen.
• Pandora- Ah my best friend.  I simply need music when I do any kind of work, it is rare that I work in complete silence.  Right now I am listening to John Coltrane Radio.  I love it because it is instrumental and Jazzy.  It is not distracting and sometimes it sounds like a coffee shop.
• Candles- I specifically find that coffee scents help me concentrate.  But over all, candles relax me and the make homework time less stressful.  Also, if you choose a scent to use specifically for homework, every time you smell the scent you will get serious and know that it is homework time.
• Coffee- This is a given.  I not only drink it because I like it, but having a cup of coffee while doing homework makes me get things done.  Coffee gives me the needed energy and is comforting when I start to freak out.  Coffee is that reliable friend.
• Hide my Phone- some people may have more control, however I do not- Social Media= My BIGGEST distraction.  I really have to turn off my phone or put it far away from where I am doing work.  
• Clean room and desk- I have to make sure everything is in order before I start doing work.  If my environment is a mess I get distracted, annoyed, and anxious.  Having an organized work area helps me to stay on track.  I also like to have everything that I need in reach.
• Making my bed- If my bed is made then I will be less likely to crawl in, take a nap, or be lazy.  
• Comfy, but not too comfy- Sometimes I work well In pjs, they allow me to focus on work and I feel comfortable.  However, there are times when being too comfortable is a bad thing.   If I feel like a slob I will want to act like a slob and not do homework.  So other times I have to put on actual clothes and even going out shoes.  This motivates me to act serious and not be lazy.  I guess my homework outfit depends on the day and how overall motivated I am.

In college there are so many distractions.  You have more than enough free time, so managing it is difficult.  Finding a way to get homework done is different for everyone.  Even times of day may have an influence of how well you will work.  So I highly suggest with experimenting and really finding what works for you.  Making a work environment for yourself will make all the difference.

Review: Herbal Essences 'Naked'

Recently, I had been in a shampoo/conditioner funk. I felt like the shampoo I was using was no longer effective on my hair because I used it for a very long time. I was using the Not Your Mother's Way to Grow shampoo/conditioner. The shampoo was light, lathered well, and cleaned my hair thoroughly without stripping it of moisture. The conditioner is really light, so it's perfect for people with thin hair but my hair is really thick so I was kind of disappointed by it. It also does not contains any sulfates, which is also a plus. The major problem I had with these products is how fast they ran out. The only store around me that carried this shampoo is Ulta. So I would have to go out of my way to go to Ulta just for my shampoo.

Right before I came to college, I decided I would try out a new shampoo and conditioner. I didn't know exactly which one nor did I do research before I went to the store (silly me) but it ended up working in my favor. I remembered seeing the commercials for the Herbal Essences 'Naked' line and liking that it does not contain any parabens, silicone, or colorants. So I decided to get the moisture one because my hair tends to get dry because of heat styling and cold weather. After using it for over a month, I can say that I absolutely love it! It cleans my hair thoroughly without stripping the moisture out of it. The conditioner is light and does not weigh my hair down. Also, the scent for this is perfect. It contains mint but is not overpowering, it also has herbs and citrus that balance out the mint perfectly. I'm overall really satisfied with the quality of this shampoo, despite it being a drugstore shampoo. The price is really good and can be found almost anywhere. Another thing that is always a plus about both shampoos that I mentioned is that they don't test on animals, so if that is something that is important to you (like it is to me) I would consider using these brands (even though there are many other brands that don't test on animals).

Have you tried this shampoo? Do you absolutely love a shampoo? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great weekend!

-Emily

Petite Moment: Current Favorites

Things I am loving at the moment (aka how I have been surviving college)

Jamba Juice:

I have never been a huge fan of Jamba Juice before I came to college. I had it like once or twice in my life. But things changed when I realized the union at my school has one. One day I felt like having some juice, and decided to give it a try again. Best decision ever! I am absolutely obsessed with the Apple n' Greens because it has kale in it and like a million other fruits! So filling and healthy for when I am in a time crunch (which is all the time). I also really enjoy the Kale-Ribbean Breeze because it contains more protein and can be used as a meal replacement. It has passion fruit, mango, chia seeds, and greek yogurt and is absolutely delicious! 

Peanut Butter:

No joke you guys, peanut butter has been my life line here in college. I've always been obsessed with peanut butter and had it often back at home, but now its an everyday occurrence. Whether its on sandwiches, bananas, apples, or just by itself, I live, eat, sleep peanut butter. It keeps me full and re-energizes me when I don't have time (or am to lazy) to go to my dining hall. ALL HAIL THE PEANUT BUTTER.

Blankets

Since naps are my life as I mentioned here, blankets are an absolute necessity. I honestly don't think there is anything that is more satisfying than covering yourself in a soft blanket on a cold, rainy day. Before I came to college, I purchased a super soft throw blanket from Marshall's and it is my favorite piece of fabric I've ever owned. 

Halloween Favorite

These pops are my absolute favorite Halloween candy! When Halloween time rolls around, I literally salivate at the thought of these. If you've never tried them, but are a fan of caramel and caramel apples, I suggest you try these! 

What is your favorite Halloween candy? Let me know below!

-Emily

Beauty Haul

This past weekend I picked up  a few products that I needed, I thought I would share my thoughts on them.  If you were thinking about purchasing them I hope my mini reviews will be of some help in making your decision.

1. Jason Cocoa Butter -Whole Foods
       This body lotion works quickly, however the moisture does not last long.  Within a couple of hours my skin is dry and itchy.  I have extremely dry skin and have been searching for a very moisturizing body cream- this is not it.  If your skin is not incredibly dry then I think you will like this product.  * I also am not a fan of the scent.

2. Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo- Target
       I really like this shampoo because it of the scent and the fact that it is a natural product.  However, I have not yet noticed many differences in my hair.  So far, this shampoo does not seem too special.

3. Dove Dry Shampoo- Target
       The scent of this dry shampoo is great and I find that this products absorbs the oil of hair quickly.  It gets the job done, and I love the volume that it gives.

4. Rimmel Scandal Eyes Kohl eyeliner (brown 003)- Target
       I love this eyeliner! It is extremely creamy and easy to apply and smudge.  I feel that this eyeliner is comparable to high end eyeliners.  Don't splurge- buy this one at the drugstore!  I think I like this better than my Chanel Kohl eyeliner.

5.  Maybelline The Mega Plush Volum' Express- Target
      I have short straight eyelashes- the worst combination ever!  I find that this mascara does a good job of holding a curl.  I feel that this is because it is a gel based formula.  This mascara also does not clump and it separates my eyelashes.

6. Maybelline Brow drama sculpting brow mascara- Target
     Holy Moly me oh my- I absolutely love this, where has this product been?  This product is relatively new and I am happy that I took the chance and purchased it.  This brow mascara does a great job of filling in my empty eyebrows.  It also looks natural.  This is easy to use and gets the job done quickly.  I do not think that I will be trying any high end eyebrow products- this one works very well.  I highly recommend this!

Let me know if you have tried or what you will try from these products.

-Diana

Fall Activities: Apple Picking

This weekend, I went back home to Chicago because it was finally time to go apple picking. My family and I have been going apple picking every year for about 5 years now, so it is now our fall tradition. I love going because it is a good time of eating and catching up with my family, I especially enjoyed it this year, because I no longer see my family as often. So here are just a couple of highlights from my trip...

Lovely Apple Tree

Pumpkin Patch

This is my mom climbing a tree to get Honey Crisp Apples...which are the best in my opinion

I fell in love with this baby goat

They have delicious fresh cider...

No apple picking trip is complete without apple donuts!! They're the best!

I had a really great time picking (and eating way too many) apples and just frolicking through the orchard. It's always great to hang out with my family and eating delicious foods is always a plus. I strongly recommend everyone should go apple picking with their families, friends, or loved ones!

Do you like to go apple picking? Do you like apple donuts? Let me know below!

-Emily

Old Love Songs that I Love

I love old fashioned music.  I am not much of romantic, but I do romanticize some things (like baseball and Christmas).  Love is a very difficult subject to understand.  I personally prefer love and relationships like they use to be in the old days.  Without texting, snapchat, and other forms of social media.  Old fashioned love songs are so simple and I love them for that.  Here is a list of a few of my favorites.

1. For Once in My Life

2. It Had to be You

3. Night and Day

4. I'll be Seeing You

5. These Foolish Things

6. I Wish You Love

7. They Can't Take That Away From Me

8. The Way You Look Tonight

9. I've Got You Under My Skin

10. All The Way 

Does anyone out there still like this kind of music?  

Happy Monday, and I wish you all Love.

-Diana 

My makeup jar

I love makeup, I never wore it in High School because I went to an all girls school and went to school looking like a slob everyday.  No joke, on an out of uniform day my psychology teacher told me I looked like  hobo -I took it as a compliment.  I was sure that when I started college I would start caring about my appearance.  I was wrong, I am so comfortable in my own skin that I still don't care what I look like when I go to school.  I find that I prefer sleeping an extra 15 minuets rather than getting out of bed and do my makeup.  I still love makeup its just that most times I don't wear it out of pure laziness.

So on the days that I do decide to wear makeup I find that I don't want to waste time seeking through products.  I want everything laid out and to be easily accessible.  I originally wanted an acrylic makeup organizer to lay on my dresser.  I thought this would make it easy for me to grab my makeup.  However I have been busy and have not made a trip to the store to pick one up.  Then I had an idea "I wonder if I could fit everything that I need in a Bath and Body Works candle jar?"

What I need:

1. blush
2. powder
3. concealer
4. eyeshadow - Naked Basics palette  
5. mascara -2 mascaras
6. eyeshadow primer
7. eyeliner (black and brown) -4 eyeliners
8. eyebrow pencil
9. some sort of foundation/cc/bb cream
10. brushes to apply makeup
11. eyelash curler
12. face moisturizer 

Turns out it ALL fit (except the moisturizer, but technically that isn't makeup).

All of my products plus makeup tools- I still can't believe it!  I love how everything fits so compactly, the jar takes up almost no space and it is easy for me to see everything inside of it.  I decided that I do not want to buy the acrylic organizer because it is easier to have less, and I highly believe that less is more.  I do have more makeup than what fits in the jar, but what I really need is in the jar.  There are somedays that I do not even use everything in the jar.  Putting makeup on in the mornings is much easier now that I do not have to search through everything that I have.  

I also am more inclined to wear makeup if it is already lying out in plain sight.  Before I didn't want to wear makeup because I had to take the time to take out all of my makeup and brushes from my drawer, and I didn't even need all of it.  

I'll soon put up a post about my go-to products and why I love them.

-Diana 

In Defense of Uggs

Uggs, you either hate them, love them, or love to hate them. I personally {shamefully} love them. They are so comforting on a cold day and are perfect for any casual day. I will admit they are quite ugly and are not the most fashionable but dang are they comfy.

Sarah Jessica Parker has repeatedly worn Uggs in public, so I think it's safe to say there are acceptable

Uggs are pretty much 100% to wear on a casual day, cold days, while commuting, or while lounging. That being said, they are much unacceptable in these situations:

• Work 
• Special Events
• Interviews
• Dates (specifically first dates, unless you're sledding or something, which is cool)

So when winter rolls around, don't be afraid to wear your Uggs[or Fuggs (Fake Uggs), whichever you prefer] because they aren't as horrible as everyone says they are. Usually the people that don't like them are the people that haven't tried them, so they don't understand what they are missing out on. You do you, in every aspect of life. 

How do you feel about Uggs? Let me know below!

Have a great weekend! You know I will be wearing my Uggs ;) 

-Emily

Suit Up {For Winter}

I don't know if you guys have noticed, but Zara is killing it this season. Maybe it's because I don't have time to check any other stores website, but I am seriously loving their stuff right now. Today, I specifically want to focus on their outerwear and jackets. Fall is here and Winter is slowly going to be coming, so it's time to start thinking about those jackets. Of course you need a good mix of practical/sturdy jackets, going out/formal jackets, and light jackets for the remaining Fall days. 

Not a Zara jacket but a good one

So let's get started with the good stuff...

Little Black Coat

Jeti Coat

Cute and Practical 

Downright Practical 

Going Out Jacket 

Cape

Which one is your favorite? I think the cape is so cool! Make sure you suit up (Barney Stinson Voice) this winter!

-Emily

Homework, I hate you.

 So, I sit here at my computer blogging, instead of doing homework.  My biggest struggle in college has been to actually sit down and do homework.  I am always procrastinating, and I have had no motivation to do anything.  I have also been getting extremely distracted.  My current goal is to really start applying myself to my studies.

I am convinced that hell is a desk that you sit at and do never ending homework.  

It better be!

  Now, I will turn off all of my distractions and I will actually start getting some homework done.  Does anyone else get distracted while doing homework?

Goal: Get Sh*t Done- I will report back in a few weeks and let you know how I am doing.

-Diana

College Advice: Naps

I am not joking when I tell you guys that naps have been my extra lifeline here in college. They help me feel refreshed after a long day and help me get an extra jolt of energy. I usually take naps in the morning in between my classes when I have a big gap. I try to put alarms on so I don't oversleep and actually try to do something productive. Usually my naps last about an hour and fifteen minutes, but that can honestly vary. I also like to take naps after I finish all of my classes if I don't have too much to do and I am exhausted. I would also like to point out that I was never a "napper" in high school. I would only nap on days when I did not sleep well or I was sick (which was never really often.) I guess it truly is a college thing. Napping seriously does improve alertness and helps me actually get my work done. As long as you don't oversleep and go into deep sleep, napping is very beneficial towards your health. 

Same girl same

How do you feel about naps? Do you take naps frequently? Let me know below!

Have a great rest of your weekend!

-Emily

How This Week Went

I hope everyone is doing something fun this weekend.  My week seamed to start out stressful, but now looking back it was actually a great week.

Sunday
I did homework all day and stressed out that I was doing it all wrong and wouldn't finish on time.  This is my definition of college.

Monday

I found a cafe near my university and got a cappuccino. It was amazing and I loved the location.  I got some reading done for class and I think I will make it a ritual "Monday Cappuccinos".  

Tuesday 

My morning class ended early and I met up with some friends to relax.  Meeting up with friends in between classes really gets me through the day.  Especially when my friends bring me donuts!

Wednesday

(My Thursday because I have no classes on Friday)  I procrastinated doing homework and was stuck doing it late at night.  Thankfully I didn't have too much-- or maybe I'll just have to do more this weekend.

Thursday
I hung around school and explored the library with my friend.  Libraries are so relaxing, I will definitely be going more often.

Friday

I went to the mall and bought NOTHING, I was so frustrated ugh!

I hope everyone has a good weekend!

-Diana

Petite Moment: My Homework Playlist

I am currently jam-packed with homework and studying with midterms and one of the things that has kept me going is music. I am a weird person and there are times where I absolutely can't listen to music while doing homework, otherwise I get too distracted. But the days where I can listen to music, this is what I listen to...

Lana Del Rey: "Ultraviolence" and "Born to Die Paradise Edition" Albums

Lana's voice and music are so soothing while doing homework. Her music is generally calm but not to the point where you want to fall asleep. I have recently been obsessed with listening to these two albums simultaneously. Also, Lana Del Rey's Pandora station is also pretty great, combines a lot of great music along with some remixes.

Frank Ocean "Channel Orange" 

It's been two years since this album has been released and I am still obsessed with this album and every single song on it. Most of the songs are calm and Frank Ocean's beautiful voice is great motivation to do homework. 

Lorde "Pure Heroine"

I didn't pay much attention to this album except for the songs played on the radio, but Lana's Pandora station plays Lorde's music frequently and I have become obsessed. It contains catchy and beautiful songs that make doing homework a little more bearable. 

Can you listen to music while doing homework? What do you listen to if you can? I am open to your suggestions! Let me know below!

-Emily