The Girly Girl's Guide For College: 06.10

6.30.2010

Deck out Your Dorm - Issue 02. - Desk Essentials

1 - A Good Clip on Lamp: Lighting is key when it comes to doing desk work. Effective task lighting prevents eyes strain and helps with productivity. A clip on light makes it easy to get adequate lighting above your work area. The one pictured can be purchased here.

2 - Laptop Lock: The last thing you want to think about at school is having your laptop stolen. We like to pretend that things like that never happen but we have to realize that they do. When you're leaving your room, make sure you lock up your laptop to your desk and when your are working in the library keep your computer locked up at all times! Purchase here.

3 - Paper Organizer: Try using one of these paper organizers to get your work in order! Using each of the slots for a different subject can make you a LOT more organized and you'll never lose an assignment ever again. These can be found anywhere, but the one pictured can be found here.

4 - Memo Pad: This seems like a no brainer but these are SO essential for every desk. I like to keep one right next to my laptop and keep a running to do list. I have a really cute rainbow one but some cheap plain ones can be found here.

5 - A Picture Frame: Having a cute picture frame can really provide you with inspiration. I have 3 on my desk with pictures of my best friends, boyfriend and family. When I'm super stressed out and have a lot of work to do, looking at the pictures make me feel a whole lot better. This cute picture frame can be found here.

<3 Jay

6.25.2010

Link of the Day

I stumbled across this link and I thought it was hysterical because it's so true! Avoid being just like everyone else when shopping for dorm room posters.

10 Most Cliche Dorm Room Posters

<3 Jay

6.24.2010

Theme Party Thursday - Issue 02. - Western/Cowgirl

Here's an other issue of Theme Party Thursday! This week's theme is western. Taylor Swift has made this country style really popular for young girls so this investment is certainly well worth it! The two outfits I put together are super affordable and they can be mixed and matched for all kinds of occasions.

Dress - Charlotte Russe

Boots - GoJane
Jacket - Forever 21
Hat - Amazon

Sweater - Kohls
Shoes - Forever 21
Sunglasses - GoJane

6.23.2010

Rain, rain, go away...

I recently ran into a friend from high school. She's attending her dream school in Manhattan and when I asked her how she liked it she said, "I love it, but I hate walking to class in the rain." That's the first thing she said. True story. Most colleges are a lot different than high schools because never again will you be dropped off in front of your building in the morning. Walking is a must no matter the weather is. Now, I hate the rain too but that shouldn't stop us from enjoying our college experience now should it? Here are a few tips to help you beat the rainy day blues!

Dress Down : Wearing light weight sweats on a rainy day always makes me feel a little better. Not only will you be comfy and cozy but they will dry quicker than if you wear denim. Also, bearing leg in a skirt or dress is not the best idea when you need to walk to class in the rain. No matter how cute you might look.. trust me, it's a bad idea!
Cover Up : If you carry valuable materials in your bag on your walk to class (lap top, text books, etc.) cover them up in a plastic bag. Chances are that rain will seep through the material of your bag no matter how hard you try to cover it up with an umbrella. Putting your belongings in a grocery bag first and then in your school bag will save you a lot of heart ache. Better yet, invest in a water repellant bag for rainy days!
Rain Gear : Every college student should invest in the following: a rain coat, rain boots and an umbrella. Check out the following outfits I've put together...

Jacket - Boots - Umbrella

Jacket - Boots - Umbrella*

*I have this umbrella and it is AWESOME!

Jacket - Boots - Umbrella

Comments? Suggestions? Hope your rainy days are a little bit more enjoyable!

<3 Jay

6.22.2010

Major Undecided?

I know a lot of girls who came into college undecided of their major. There is nothing wrong with this, especially if you are attending a liberal arts school (A "liberal arts" school can be defined as a "college or university curriculum aimed at imparting general knowledge and developing general intellectual capacities, in contrast to a professional, vocational, or technical curriculum." -Encyclopedia Britannica). If you are undecided, take this quiz I've created!* Tally up your points to see which area of study fits you best. It may help steer you in the right direction.
*This quiz is intended to be for entertainment purposes only.

1. What was your favorite class in high school?
   A: Biology +0 points
   B: Government +5 points
   C: Art +10 points

2. How would you describe your fashion style?
   A: Very professional, classic and presentable +5 points
   B: Eco-friendly and bohemian +0 points
   C: Funky and edgy +10 points

3. Your dream date would include...
   A: Going to a science museum or exhibit, then to an all organic restaurant. +0 points
   B: Going to a rock concert followed by a trip to Coldstone Creamery. +10 points
   C: Seeing a foreign film filled with the culture of a different country and then to an italian bistro +5 points

4. How do you like to spend your weekends?
   A: Going to a dance class with a bunch of your friends +10 points
   B: Visiting children's hospitals in hopes of making them feel better +0 points
   C: People watching at the park + 5 points

5. Out of the three, which is your favorite book?
   A: The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud + 5 points
   B: The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger +10 points
   C: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult + 0 points

YOUR SCORE

0-10 Natural Sciences: Some majors in this category include biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry and environmental sciences.

15-25 Social Sciences: Some majors in this category include psychology, political science, economics, anthropology and history.

30-50 Humanities: Some majors in this category include art, music, film, philosophy and religion.

What were your results? Comment and let me know!
<3 Jay

6.10.2010

Good Clean Fun

We can't lie about this: alcohol is present in college. However, you can still have fun with friends without drinking. Here are some of my favorite alcohol free party ideas! The are guaranteed to be a hit.

Board Game Night

Bust out the monopoly and make some finger foods! Board games always fuel competition and always result in a good time. Some of my favorites include Monopoly, Cranium and Balderdash. Playing a game with friends really shows you their personality, especially if they are competitive! Food ideas: Pizza Bagels, Mozzarella Sticks, Cans of Soda.

"Mocktail" Party

Let's face it. Cocktails look sooooo delicious but adding alcohol to them can only result in trouble. You wouldn't want to get in trouble for something as silly as having alcohol in your room. Instead, invite some friends over and make Mocktails! Making them is almost as fun as drinking them. Allrecipes.com has some fantastic mocktail recipes for you to try. Serve them with some fancy Hors d'œuvres and have some "classy" fun!

Potluck Party

A potluck is a gathering of people where each person or group of people contributes a dish of food to be shared among the group. This is by far my favorite type of party! You get to show off your creative side and you get to eat a lot. Tell your guests to make their favorite appetizer, entrée, dessert or drink. Make sure you have an even amount of each or else you'll have a lot of desserts! Stay tuned for an article about how to make some of my favorite and easy potluck dishes.

Have Fun!!

<3 Jay

6.08.2010

Ask the audience

Hey girls! In order to give me more ideas for posts regarding academics, take 2 seconds and take the poll on the right side of your screen! Thanks for your support!

<3Jay

6.07.2010

Deck Out Your Dorm - Issue 01. - Comforters

The key to feeling comfortable away from home is making your dorm room extra "homey." One way you can do this is by using a fun comforter that shows off your personality! Tip: Make sure you get twin extra long sized sheets as well as a mattress pad!

Cute and Girly

1 - 2 - 3

Simple and Sophisticated

1 - 2 - 3

Wild Animal

1 - 2 - 3

Comment with your opinion!

<3 Jay

6.04.2010

The Most Important Meal of the Day, in the Palm of your Hand!

Let's face it. You are bound to end up running late at least once during your days at school. No matter how much (or how little) time you have to get ready, it is always important to eat something before starting your day. After sleeping, your body needs to refuel its blood sugar in order for us to function properly during the day. In college, the best way to eat breakfast on the go is by purchasing Breakfast Bars. Here are 3 of my favorites...

Kellogg's, Vanilla Crisp Bars - Amazon.com

Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars - Amazon.com

Slim-Fast Optima Meal Bars - Amazon.com

What's your favorite "on the go" breakfast? Leave a comment and let me know!

<3 Jay

6.03.2010

Themed Party Thursday - Issue 01. - Eighties Party

Here's the situation: You were just invited to a themed party and you don't really feel like buying a crazy outfit you'll probably never wear again. Fear not! By picking up just one basic item from your closet and adding a few accessories you can fit in at any themed party! Not only that, but by shopping wisely, you can wear this item over and over again. This week's issue will be tackling the infamous EIGHTIES PARTY.

THE DRESS: Any florescent dress will do. This one is from American Apparel.

THE PARTY: This dress can easily be transformed into a super retro outfit. By adding some leg warmers, fishnet stockings, converse and a denim vest, your flirty pink dress turns into the perfect 80s party outfit.

Leg Warmers - Amazon.com Fishnets - Amazon.com

Converse - Amazon.com Vest - Forever 21

HOW TO REUSE THE DRESS: A bright dress can make you stand out when going out to dinner. Instead of the eighties accessories, pair the dress with some black stockings, a cute belt and some wedges!

Tights - Amazon.com Belt - Forever 21

Shoes - Cutesygirl.com

Have you reused an eighties party outfit? Leave a comment and let us know!

<3 Jay

Microwave Mug Cakes

In your first year at school, it will be pretty uncommon for you to have an oven in your room; however, fear not bakers! I recently read about a new quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth using 2 things most college girls have in their room: a microwave and a mug. The idea? Microwave Mug Cakes! It's an inexpensive single serving cake that you make in the microwave. How cool is that?! The creator Stacey J. Miller has created a book with 101 Mug Cake Recipes. I've picked one of my favorite recipes to share with you: Chocolate Chocolate Chip.

Ingredients

4 Tablespoons cake flour

4 Tablespoons sugar

2 Tablespoons cocoa

1 Egg

3 Tablespoons milk

3 Tablespoons oil

Instructions

Mix flour, sugar and cocoa

Spoon in 1 egg

Pour in milk and oil and mix well

Put in microwave for 3 minutes

Let stand for 2 minutes or until the cake stops rising

Eat right out of the mug! Enjoy!

What good would this recipe be without a really cute mug? Make sure it's microwave safe!

Left - Urban Outfitters Center - Target Right - Target

Left - Kohls Center - Zazzle Right - Kohls

Left - Urban Outfitters Center - Urban Outfitters Right - Zazzle

Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment and let us know!

<3 Jay

6.02.2010

What should I wear? Issue 01. - Presentations

Throughout your years at school, you will most likely have to give a presentation in one of your classes. The best way to get an A is to have confidence in yourself. For us girly girls, looking stylish and put together often allows us to have more confidence in our abilities. Here are my top 3 tips for feeling confident when the attention is put on you (and no, imagining your classmates in their underwear will only make you more nervous)!

Wear flat and comfortable shoes - When you're already concerned about stumbling over your words, you should not have to worry about stumbling to the floor as well! Heals are fun and sassy but you should leave them in your closet on the day of your presentation. You will most likely be on your feet, so make sure you are comfortable!
Tie your hair back - When I get nervous, I tend to play with my hair a lot. This is distracting for me and for all of my classmates. When presenting, tie your hair back into a sleek bun; it looks professional and you wont have to worry about it falling into your face!
Smile - Corny, I know. But seriously, if you look confident, you'll feel confident. Trust me.

Want some outfit ideas for your up coming presentation? Check these out! Most of these styles can be ordered online so you wont have to worry about getting off campus to get to the mall.