My No-Spend Month

July 2017 started out with the best intentions. My goal was this: endure a no-spend month. The rules are simple; aside from bills, gasoline, and the absolute necessities (medicine, basic groceries, baby and school supplies) go through the entire month without spending money. It's all over Pinterest, so I figured my broke self would give it a try.

I started strong. When I grocery shopped, I used copious amounts of coupons. I sold some old stuff that made up for my forgotten and unexpected expenses of a library fine, Amazon Prime membership, and a doctor visit. I worked on a very detailed budget and it looked beautiful.

About two weeks in, I spent a little extra on some clearance shoes for Abby. Not a huge deal, but I probably could have waited. I also got Chick-fil-A after work.... Guilty pleasure. One thing lead to another, and I gave in. My No-Spend Month was a bust.

And ya know what? I'm okay with it.

Sure, I could have worked harder to avoid spending money. But at the end of the day, I realized that I can save money and still buy things that I want. Shocker, here's a list of things I figured out.

1. Sleep on it. If you're not 100% sure, write it on a "want" list and give it a few days. If you still want it, go ahead. 
2. Use every money-saving resource you have. Coupons, ibotta, ebates, sales. Shop smart and combine deals whenever possible. (Bonus: click the links for my referral codes to earn extra money!)
3. Build a budget. Try to be as detailed and honest as possible. Don't make it pretty, make it real. 
4. Be flexible. Your budget needs to change with the times. Look over last month and see where you can save money, but also look where you need to give yourself some more wiggle room.

Even though I failed the challenge, I still learned some great ways to save my money for things I really want and need. Maybe I'll try again with a better plan another time.

Let me know what you think in the comments! Have you tried a no-spend month? What are your best money saving tips? I want to know!

xoxo, a.

The Dictionary Your Parents Need

A question for my peers: do you ever say something completely normal and your parents look at you like you just beamed down from a UFO?? Yup, thought so. Well, if you don't have one of those tooootally cool parents that knows every word you say (parents, if you attempt to talk like us, here's a bit of advice: don't.), send them this link so they'll at least have some idea of what you're trying to say. Warning: I am posting the PG-13 versions of all of these, and though most of them are really not bad, you still won't completely understand them, so please do not attempt to say them. Thanks.

• Typical White Girl: an activity that personifies the starbucks-loving shopaholic "oh. em. gee." teenage girl
• Can't Even: to be unable to comprehend or deal with a situation
• Bruh: dude. what. no. stop.
• Hipster: glasses. suspenders. indie music. you get the idea.
• Perf: there is nothing more perfect.
• Salty: jealous. bitter.
• Thirsty: desperate.
• Yasssss: absolutely YES
• Thot: well, it technically stands for "That Hoe Over There" soooo
• fr: forreal man, forreal.
• The Struggle (Is Real): life is so tough, first world problems, privilege kid problems, etc.
• (Eyebrow, Hair, Etc.) Game Strong: looking good! 
• Legit: this is real stuff.
• I Ship It: a relationship you totally want to happen.
• On Point: perfect and awesome and beautiful 
• Weak: laughter to the point of physical weakness. usually used much like "lol"- when you are actually not laughing at all.

Hope you enjoy these. There are many more, but these are the first ones that came to mind. 

xoxo, a.

Things They Don't Tell You In High School

Hello, world! Oh, how I've missed y'all! To those of y'all that actually read these posts, I really do appreciate it. And if y'all could like, spread the word about my blog and tell your friends and colleagues to check it out, I would be so super grateful. I just want a bigger audience, because I spend a lot of time on these posts!

Anyways... The other day, I got to thinking... What did I really learn in high school that actually turned out to be useful in college? My opinion: not much. I know, that sounds really negative, but it's true! Granted, I am only a freshman, but still. I'm fully involved in college. I'm in several clubs/organizations, I go to classes, I play (intramural) sports, and I have a social life. Plus, on top of that, I have to live on my own and take care of myself!

This isn't to say high school isn't important. It is. It sucks, as everyone knows, but it is somewhat important. I mean, you learn stuff.... But a lot of the stuff you learn is only applicable for actual high school. You're not going to have to remember what year Albert Camus wrote The Stranger, but God knows you'll need to have his entire birthday memorized for that test.

On the other hand, there are some important things that you need to remember from high school. And what do you know, I'm gonna make a list! Enjoy! And please, take these with a grain of salt. While many of my friends agree with me, these are from my personal experiences, don't get your panties in a wad if you don't agree. So here are the things I think you really need to take with you from high school to college:

• Regular homework is useless. Occasionally you will have homework in college. Rarely, though. Sometimes you'll have to do some terms, maybe a few online practices. Otherwise, most "homework" is just writing papers, for which you are given plenty of time to prepare.
• Pay attention to your syllabi. In high school, these were viewed as useless wastes of paper that your parents had to sign. However, in college, these literally will save your life. When you get your syllabi, go straight to the schedule and immediately write it all out in your planner. That way, you'll know ahead of time when you have tests, due dates, and cancelled classes! Plus, they tell you about attendance policies, which differ with each professor.
• Good note-taking strategies are an absolute necessity. Some college professors use power points, some don't. Some post their information online, some don't. Each professor is different, and unlike high school, they usually don't all follow the same curriculum guide. Some professors allow laptops for notes, others despise the use of any kind of technology in their classes. Here's my advice:
• Laptop Notes: I love taking notes on my laptop (Google Drive!!!!) whenever I can. That way, I can get the information written down quickly and reorganize it later if necessary. Beware: it's easy to get distracted!!!
• Written Notes: Yup, sometimes you're gonna have to take notes the old-fashioned way. Personally, I remember things better when I write them down, so it's not so bad for me. Unfortunately, sometimes we have those classes that just make it boring. I suggest using lots of colors!! Use one color for the bulk of the notes, then other colors to highlight, underline, draw arrows, illustrations, and whatever else you need! These make your notes look more organized and just a bit more interesting!! 
• Planners are not for geeks. As I'm sure y'all saw in this post, I am obsessed with my planner. It's the most insanely helpful thing I have. Time management is a huge thing in college. In high school, your teachers reminded you every. single. day. about that paper. But in college, you won't even see your professors every day, much less have them remind you about something you, as an adult, should already know. 
• Procrastination is not a skill to brag about. I'll never understand why we all decided to do our projects the night before the due date... Especially considering we had homework for 7 different classes that same night! In college, you'd think it would be easier, considering the fewer classes you actually take per day. However, the opposite is true. Papers and projects are not flexible in college. High school teachers are pretty nice, they'll pretend to believe that your dog died and give you an extra day. But in college? Heck no, you should have turned that paper in a week ago anyways!!
• Don't limit yourself to "school" friends. It's okay to not have a ton of friends in your classes. In high school, you got along with whoever you were stuck with in class. In college, you see these people a lot less often, so don't force yourself to make in-class friendships. This is the time to think about the long-term, not just people to entertain you in class.

There's so much more I could say, but for now, I'll step off my soap box and let y'all figure the rest out on your own. An early congrats to the Class of 2015. These next few months will FLY by. Enjoy it while you can, but don't dwell on high school. College is awesome.

xoxo, a.

My First Semester

Well, Fall Semester 2014 is over. The exams have been graded, books have been returned, clothes have been packed, and every once of information has been drained from my head. All in all, I'm pretty happy with how it went. I definitely learned a lot, being my first time away from home and such, so I'm gonna share what I learned with y'all!

1. You really don't need all of your clothes.... I thought I'd dress up every once in a while to go to class. Boy, that idea wore off really quick. On average, you will most likely not have the energy to try so hard every day. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and I give major props to the girls and guys that put so much effort into their appearance! That takes work. Anyways. I bring home so much random junk every time I come home. Only bring what you really know you'll need. Space is precious in college. 
2. Organization is key. With every day consisting of a different schedule, it tends to get confusing. Due dates are given to you once. Most professors will not constantly remind you when something is due or when you're next test is. Keep a planner! I've told you this before, so please believe me! It's important! 
3. Do your best to get along with your roommate. You never know when you'll get sick and need someone to bring you gatorade or when your hair dryer will break and you'll have to borrow theirs! Plus, who else is gonna be cracking up with you at midnight when you know you have things to do early the next morning.
4. Find a hobby. Drawing, guitar, writing. Something small to fill gaps in your schedule.  I do Zentangles. They're so fun, and you can find all kinds of pattern ideas on Pinterest. 



One of my tangles! They're so fun to make!


5. DO NOT BUY YOUR BOOKS FROM THE ON-CAMPUS BOOKSTORE. I simply cannot stress this enough. This past semester, I paid $500 for RENTALS THAT I COULD NOT KEEP. That's absolutely ridiculous. This time around, I went online ahead of time and looked up all the books I will need for next semester. Then, I went on my Amazon Prime account (sign up through this link to give me $10 credit and get Amazon Student for $50 a year!!! SOOO worth it...)and looked up my books. Basically, I chose whatever option was cheapest. For large textbooks, like Calculus, I rented them through Amazon. For shorter reading for English, I simply bought them. Though Kindle is cheaper, I personally prefer having the book in front of me so I can mark in it and such. I had to get a couple through the bookstore because they're impossible to find, but they were still cheap. Basically, save money where you can. Rent, buy used, borrow, whatever you can. I'm not even getting my French book because I already have the online access code from this semester! So, instead of $500, I spent..... *drumrolls* $100!!!!! Hallelujah. A miracle has occurred. 
   
6. Stick to your studies. In my experience, college professors don't assign a lot of busy work. Yes, you'll probably have a decent amount of papers to write. It really depends on your major. But all in all, you have a lot more time to do your work, especially if you just get it done! Don't wait up all night (coughKelseycough) to do your paper. Get it done when you have time to kill before the caf opens for dinner, or while waiting for your friend to get out of class. You'll find a lot of little snippets of time that can be used just to write one paragraph at a time! You'll feel a lot less stressed and so much more confident- plus your GPA will thank you!
7. Go home. I love being at school with all my friends and all that freedom. But there's nothing like real food and movie nights with your family. They miss you, believe it or not. If at all possible, go home sometimes.

All in all, the best advice I can give you for your first semester is to enjoy it, but learn to hold your own. It's all about balancing your studies with your parties. I'm really looking forward to next semester, and the rest of my college career. If you have any other advice, tell me in the comments below! 

xoxo, a.  

Stress Relievers

As final exams draw near, my stress levels increase like the amount of caffeine I consume. Admit it: you're freaking out a little too. Well, fear not! I have some silly tips for quick, easy stress relievers!!

1. Take a bubble bath. Fellas, don't write this one off just yet. If you've never experienced a relaxing bubble bath, I suggest you try it. Turn off the lights, light a candle, and listen to your favorite music. It's fantastic, really.
2. Play a stupid game. Preferably something simple and almost childish. Or just something that you like. I play CafeLand on Facebook. Don't make fun of me, it's fun and it helps me escape my troubles for a while. 
3. Write. Journals, letters, blogging... Whatever! Just don't constantly tweet or post Facebook statuses.... Please....
4. Drink some tea. And I don't mean sweet tea. I mean chamomile or green tea. Something warm. It's relaxing and healthy! Just add some honey for the best remedy to any ailment, mental or physical!
5. Walk outside. Fresh air is the cheapest stress reliever around, and one of the most underrated. If you just HAVE to stay in your room, at least open a window to let a little air inside! 
6. Play with animals. Montevallo is freakin' awesome cause they have a day during exam week in which they bring animals from Hand-In-Paw just for us to play with for a stress reliever! Whether your school offers this or not, find a way to play with some cute animals or something. Spend a little extra time with Rover or Sir Fluffy, they'll enjoy it too! 

I hope these ideas will help you chill out! Just don't forget to study! Good luck to everyone taking exams in the next few weeks!! I feel your pain. But soon it'll be over and we can stuff our faces with food and fill our rooms with presents! Yay! 

xoxo, a.

The Best and Worst of School Technology

As school starts to get busy, I'm struggling to get posts online in time. I'm trying my hardest! And if anyone has any ideas for posts, please let me know!! I'd love to hear your suggestions!! Anyways..... Some high schools, mine included, tend to go overboard with technology. Some of their ideas are train wrecks, while others are very useful. Here are my reviews of stuff I used in high school:

The Best:

• Schoology: Okay, so this one is a toss-up. For high school, I loved it. But I'm not so sure it'll really be good in college. All of my classes could be easily accessed on my computer or on my phone, with an app that actually kinda works right. Occasionally, there were goofs, but as a general rule, this site was pretty cool. Hey that rhymed.
• Google Drive: I will literally swear by Google Drive. For starters, the interface is so simple, so you really don't have to learn anything new. Plus, you have plenty of free storage, and you can always purchase more if you really use that much (or just make another free account). Even better, you can access your files from anywhere with internet, and I'm pretty sure you can download your files for offline use as well (correct me if I'm wrong). 
• Canvas: I actually only used this for one class, so I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet. But so far, so good. It's pretty simple, and honestly it's very similar to Schoology, but more geared towards college students. 
• Air Printers: So now I can print from my phone? Maybe this should go on the worst list for feeding my procrastination addiction. I have started something awful, but wonderful: download google drive app, do work during class change, print from phone. Who said homework is meant for home? Due tomorrow? Do tomorrow (or the next day or next week or just never).

The Worst:

• Citrix: Throughout middle school, I thought the idea of being able to get to your school files at home was AWESOME or "awsum!!!!! (:" in middle school terms... However, after going through the pains of downloading twenty different virus-inducing softwares (is that a word?) and STILL not being able to get to my dadgum English project, I'm so done. Even at school, it took a good 10 minutes to load all my files, and half of them mysteriously disappeared. No thank you.
• Wyse Computers: They were the absolute coolest things in 2009 but yeaaaahhh no. If you find one that keeps all of its keys for a whole week, steal it, it's rare. 
• Sixteen Thousand Different Types of Computers: Why do we need to learn to use all these types of laptops that are going to fall apart and be replaced with something new in a week? Sorry if I'm partial to, I dunno, quality products.
• iPod Touch Carts: No, I'm not kidding. This is a real thing. Teachers at my school could check out a cart of 25 iPod touches for their class to use. Did they really think we're looking at an ACT Prep app when the selfie option is still there??? The iPad carts weren't so bad, but iPod Touches???
• Prometheus Smart Boards: If you can get these things to work, I guess they're actually kinda cool. But considering only the dorkiest, most underestimated genius teacher (who is also 6'8 and very young- yes I was totally crushing on him) was able to get it working, I'd say it's probably useless for the coach "teachers" and most public school teachers as well.

I guess that's it for this episode of "the greatest and worst school technology"!! More to come later!

xoxo, a.

Planner Probs

As I'm sure you've noticed from previous posts, I have an obsession with organizing. Charts, lists, color coding... It's all so exciting to me! Maybe I'm crazy, but at least I'm organized... Kinda... I tend to organize just for the look of it, then forget to keep it up. But this year, I'm determined to use my time well!

I'm obsessed with my Lilly planner.

So yesterday was Monday. And Mondays, for me, are torture. Four classes, starting at 9am and ending at 7:30pm makes for a loooong day. Plus, Mondays are just ew. Nevertheless, yesterday was probably one of my most productive day. Between my classes, I tend to nap, which I did yesterday, keeping me refreshed and focused in my classes. You'd think it would just make me drowsy in lectures, but it actually helps me out! As the day went on, I started to realize how busy this week is. Several tests, lots of studying, due dates, etc. And I figured, I spent $28 on this adorable planner, so I better use it! So I grabbed my wallet and my coupons and bought new highlighters. Okay, so I probably didn't really need them. But I knew what I was doing. I needed specific colors, cause I was about to get organized.

Monthly pages are so nice!

So here it is: my planner organization tips. You can find these all over Pinterest, but these are just my more personal version for y'all. I'm gonna format this like a page-by-page spread. (Each planner is different, I'm just showing you how I use the pages in my Lilly Pulitzer Large Agenda)

1. Monthly Pages: Almost all planners have these pages, and they can be annoying. Some people write every event on them. I, on the otherhand, stick to the important things. Major tests, due dates, birthdays, holidays, big events. Sounds like a lot, but in the long run, it's not that bad. These are color coded like my weekly pages, as you'll see in a minute. 

   

   Weekly pages- perfect for being
   very specific!

2. Weekly Pages: These are the reason we buy planners. These spreads have enough room for every homework assignment, church event, cookout, birthday, and what have you. The colors make the planner cute and organized- my two weaknesses.



• Color Coding: Each color has a designated use, helping me to visualize exactly what has to be done.
• Sticky Notes: Since this particular planner doesn't have notes sections for each week, I add in my own sticky notes.

  

  Notes pages are perfect for
  blog ideas! Yup, y'all are getting
  an exclusive sneak peek!

  My To-Do list can be removed and replaced if necessary. My shopping list can be taken out and accompany me to the store whenever I need it. The small note for caf meals helps me keep track of how many of my 5 weekly swipes I've used in the caf.
3. Notes Pages: These pages tend to go unused. Like, there's not enough for me to take class notes, and they're so awkwardly placed in the front or back of the planner. Obviously, you can use these for whatever you need. I decided to put blog post ideas on these pages. Usually these pages are best used for non-time-sensitive items and ideas. 



Pockets are perfect-
but only to hold a few
small papers. Don't
overload them!

4. Pockets: Most planners have at least one small pocket  omewhere inside. I rarely use mine, but it is useful for my color code sheet and small cards. For example, I have an information sheet on free tutoring offered at the university that includes hours and contact information. 
5. Stickers: Some of the fancier planners come with stickers! Use them, that's what they're there for! I'm a stickler when it comes to stickers (I just cracked myself up), so I don't use them often, but I'm gonna start! Plus, sometimes I add my own stickers. Momma gave me the Winnie-the-Pooh stickers before I moved out, so I put one in my planner every once in a while to remind me of home. :) -awwww- 

   

   Are these stickers cute,
   or what???

6. Random Suggestions: Planners are great, but sometimes you have to bring in your own resources to make them perfect for your personal needs. Here are some things that are helpful to me.


• Sticky Flags: Not only are these great for huge study sessions, they're great bookmarks! They aren't bulky, so your pages won't get all messed up. I like to put the arrow on the day I'm currently on. Otherwise, I put one on the monthly page just to keep track of where I am. Most planners do have tabs for each month and such, but those only help so much. Constantly flipping pages gets annoying!
• Best Handwriting: If my planner is a mess, I'm a mess. I do my best to make my handwriting extra neat in my planner. That way, every detail is very clear. Mind you- I don't have pretty handwriting as it is, so this is as good as it gets.
• Free Space: Use this to your advantage! Some may use it for more notes, if you simply don't have enough space. I, on the other hand, use it to doodle. That way, I keep my drawings in confined spaces and don't use up any unnecessary paper! Yay for saving the world, one doodle at a time! Plus, it makes my planner ever cuter!

  

  Doodles, for the win! Cute way to take up extra space, and to
  keep me awake in boring classes! -coughchemistrycough-

I apologize for the messiness- I told y'all I don't have the best handwriting. And the pictures are kinda messed up on this post... I couldn't get them to go where I wanted them to! I tried picking a good looking week to photograph, so I'm going with this week. Always keep in mind, your planner is, as my professors like to say in their syllabi, "a living and breathing document." Meaning, things can change quickly! For example, I meant to post this yesterday, but I didn't have time to take pictures and such, so I moved it to today! 

Hope y'all enjoy my post! I hope it helps some of my fellow scatterbrains, or even my fellow neat freaks. It's actually kinda fun being organized. It definitely helps me remain a little less stressed than usual. 

xoxo, a.

Gettin' Crafty

One for me, one for Kaye! At least we'll have one matching thing in our room.

Who doesn't love arrows?

A jewelry hanger I made!! Super easy!

I've always said the artistic gene skipped my generation. Though I still believe I lack in most forms of creativity, I am proud of the cute things I've made for myself and my friends! Nothing fancy, but a little paint and glitter never hurt anybody, right?

Short post, sorry guys. College stuff, ya know. I'll write whenever I can. Wish me luck!

xoxo, a.

Learning How To College

Well, it's been a month since I moved to Montevallo. Crazy how time flies, isn't it? I was so nervous

"If she doesn't scare you, no
evil thing will...." Props to
you if you got that reference.

about leaving home, but I'm learning to love it. Heck, sometimes I'd rather be in my way too tall bed in Brooke Hall than in Hoover. Literally everything has changed, and I love it. I have tons of holes in my ears (thanks mom). My hair is two colors. I have a new roommate (because Kaye betrayed me, now I'm stuck with Kelsey... Just kidding, y'all are both fab!). I actually study sometimes, but usually I'm sleeping or eating. Man, what a life it is...

It's an obsession... Whoops.

I'll have to admit, the biggest change I've encountered is my attitude. I've learned that I will be loved by great people if I am myself around them. My real friends will always come through for me. There's no better person to act like than myself. It's actually kinda fun, ya know? Not having to worry about how people will react to my hair, jewelry, makeup, clothes, etc. is so relieving. You wouldn't believe how much time you spend thinking about that stupid stuff! If I like the way it looks and feels on me, then I'm gonna wear it! Funny enough, I get more compliments when I'm wearing my favorite outfits than when I wear the "popular" clothes! Who knew?!

I guess y'all are probably wondering about how the sorority stuff worked out.... Unfortunately, I was dropped from recruitment. Nobody "wanted" me, so to speak. But fear not! While I was upset at first, I was expecting it, and there are no hard feelings! My closest friends all got bids, and I am so happy for them! Thank god we can still all be friends, Greek or not. Besides, that's money I don't have to spend.... (Not like I had the money anyways) Oh, and a great big shoutout to all the lovely Pi Chis, who read the blog too. :) Y'all were fantastic, especially group 5 ;)

I really have some great friends. I spend more time just watching tv with people than anything. It's so relaxed around here, so my stress levels have stayed down pretty well. It's manageable, at least. I have found the motivation to study for all my tests, which has helped my grades, though I haven't taken many tests yet. Plus, especially in the fall and spring, it's too beautiful to not go on the quad just to write and study, as I am doing at this very moment. And although I, like so many other college students, hate going to class, I don't gripe nearly as much, or as seriously, as I did in high school.

Overall, college is great. I have a feeling I'm gonna be saying that a lot. Montevallo is absolutely stunning, despite the calf-ache inducing hills and the squirrels that are absolutely hell-bent on attacking you. College is pretty cool, even though it's still technically school. More updates soon, I promise I'll try to write whenever I possibly can.

xoxo, a.

Honey, I'm Home!

I swear I don't get how everyone posted pics of their adorable dorms all finished and cleaned just hours after moving in... It took Kaye and I 3 days to get almost everything situated. But, now it's all kinda cute. Nothing matchy-matchy, and it's not like a super organized space, but it's pretty good for what little space we do have.

My bed-ft. Cheez-Its and my Macbook, of course.

Unfortunately, Brooke Hall isn't what I thought it would be. It's not the newest, nor the cleanest or updated halls. We can't control the temperature in our rooms, and we don't have carpet. However, the closet space is absolutely phenomenal, and I wouldn't trade our private bath for anything. Overall, I think I'll like it here. I can just go buy a rug and we have a fan blowing in our room and blankets for nighttime.

I can't say all of my planning and charting was in vain, but a lot of it was. About 2 things actually hold what they are supposed to, and there's still a couple storage things we need to buy, so we have a couple random items laying around the room.

Yoga with Kaye and Britt!

I have to say, as nervous as I was, I'm adjusting well. Yes, it's difficult, but I really truly enjoy it. Sunday, I went home to visit my parents and Sasha. Sasha greeted me like she's been away from me for years, peeing on the rug no mater how recently mom had taken her outside. Mom and dad were happy to see me, even though I'd only been gone for two nights. I will most likely be going up to Hoover every week or so,  depending on what's going on around campus. I just text Momma and tell her to make me some food, and I come home to nice hot Pizza Rolls. Naturally, when I came back, my friends and I went to hang out with some people, and the guys decided to make us Pizza Rolls. Go figure.

My Mondays are crazy, with 4 classes spanning from 9am to 8:30pm, but I get downtime in between each class. Tuesdays are chill, with only an 11am class, then yoga and frozen yogurt (aka Froyoga) with some friends, then Baptist Campus Ministries bible study in the evening. Very relaxed. Turns out, Kaye and I basically have the exact same schedule time-wise, but no classes together. Our Tuesday and Thursday schedules are switched though, so we will get some alone time.

Frands...

I sent a picture to my mom with all my friends like "Look!!! I actually have friends!! Yayy!!" I've actually had some people refer to me as "popular." Of course, I take that with a grain of salt, knowing that popularity isn't the key to everything. However, just hearing that made me very happy, and honestly proud, because I finally am comfortable enough with myself to be outgoing and make new friends and do new things. It's truly a great feeling.

I know this is a long post, and there are so many awesome stories I'd love to tell you, but I'll end with this one. This morning, Kaye and I had 9am classes. No problem, right? Wake up at about 7-8, get ready, go to class. Piece of cake. Unfortunately, Kaye's alarm(s) did not go off, not even one (she had set 3). At 8:48, I scraped the crusties from my eyes, rolled over, and looked at my phone, wondering why the sun was already so bright. After a few double takes, then some math, I yelled "KAYE IT'S 8:48!!!!" What happened next can only be described as a wild dash to see what was really necessary. I brushed my teeth, put on deodorant, thanked the good Lord I had fallen asleep in my clothes, and dashed off to class. Small campuses were made for rogue alarms, no joke. We both scooted into our classes right on time, looking absolutely horrid and probably not smelling much better.

Well, I'll leave it at this. I love college, I really do. Montevallo is such a wonderful place with such amazing people and activities. I feel so blessed to be here. Despite all my worries and the struggles I have faced,  I feel like this is my home. I know God sent me here for a reason, and I'm excited to really find out what that reason is. I wish I could explain how accepting, open, and fun everyone here is. And to my friends and fellow classmates: thank you. Y'all are so amazing and I love each and every one of you soooo much!

xoxo, a.

And So It Begins...

Tomorrow is the big day! It's hard to believe that after 18.5 years, I'm actually moving out. Packing has been... Interesting. I feel so overpacked, but there's still so much crap in my room that I'm not even bringing... How did I accumulate so much stuff? I blame my packrat sentimental mother. I keep EVERYTHING. Oh well, I'm sure my dorm will be full enough.

The guest room.. So much stuff...

Of course, the anxiety is starting to kick in. I'm excited, definitely. But this is such a huge step! I wish my sweet Zachary could be here with me, but duty calls (sob sob, sorry). At least I have my parents and 'Vallo friends. I wish Ern could be there with me (long story, miss you babe) but I have Marlee and Kaye and Britt! Yay me!

I have plenty food to keep me goin for a while, hallelujah!!!! College girl's dream, right?

Stay hydrated!

So. Many. Snacks.

I'm gonna cry, mom's gonna cry, dad's not gonna cry, Nanny's gonna cry, and Sasha will probably pee. Is it bad that I'm most upset about leaving the pup, though? Sorry mom, Sasha is my baby. I'm still excited though, really.

Packing the cars... Now there was a task. How the heck was I supposed to get everything I own (not really) into two cars??? Ugh, the struggle. Well, I mean.. They're actually packed pretty well. Between my OCD and mom's HUGE car, it fits pretty well. It's weird to have an empty closet and all but one outfit in the car... I'm beyond thrilled that it's supposed to be in the upper 90s-100 in Alabama this weekend. Man, what great weather to run in and out and up and down in.... Sooo looking forward to that....

This is a short post, but I have tons still to do... Wish me luck! I'll be posting whenever I can, but I may be relying on drafts for a while, so there may not be too many updates. Again, prayers and thoughts requested, this is gonna be tough. Thanks!

xoxo, a.

Review: Longchamp Inspired Monogram Tote

I promise I'm not trying to go commercial on y'all. I just think it's only fair that I occasionally give public credits to people who provide excellent products. I promise, I won't review every toothpaste on the marked and junk like that, only things that are relevant to this blog!

That being said, I'd like to introduce my first review. It seems as though I've done the impossible- I decided to join a sorority. So that means: Rush. And Rush means cute outfits and lots of parties (not that kinda party, mom) and lots of time spent not having time to freshen up. Hence, my newest purchase: my large Lonchamp inspired monogram tote. I bought it through Etsy, the most addicting site on earth... I spent a lot of time searching and reading reviews, careful to find a product worth the money. And I happened across this one. When I placed my order, I mentioned that I would either need it kind of soon, or I would need to change the shipping address to my college dorm. After just a couple prompt replies, I found that my order was actually ready to ship the next day. No extra charge! I ordered it Wednesday and received it Saturday. How fantastic is that? That alone made me super pleased with such a sweet gesture to ensure my satisfaction! The lady I contacted about the product was very sweet and prompt in replying.

And that was all before I even got it!! Y'all, I love this bag. It's big enough to hold everything I'll need for rush (extra shoes, makeup, snacks, etc.) but it's not awkwardly bulky or cheap! Longchamps were so popular in high school, but I never had the $145 to spend on them. This bag looks just like the real thing for a fraction of the price. It's so cute!!! I couldn't be happier with it all, and I highly recommend you checking out their Etsy shop!

I am obsessed with this bag!!! 

Thanks for reading this little review. Again, I promise I won't become some sell-out commercial blog. I just thought y'all would want to know about this really great purchase. I'm beyond excited to go to college (5 days what) and go through rush week. Now I have a totes preppy bag to make me feel like even more of a typical white girl! Life's good, man. Life is really good.

xoxo, a.

Things I Should Have Learned Long Ago......

    As I've started to get extra busy with college preparations, I've realized that getting an early start would have really helped me transition more smoothly and with less confusion. But considering my personality, I can never escape confusion. Here are a few things I should have done long ago...

1. take the ACT with plenty time to spare: I was fortunate enough to go to a school that provided a very helpful ACT Prep class, so on my one and only try, I made a 30. Cool, right? But what if I hadn't made that? I took it in April 2013, and the next test-taking option was like September. Heck, I was accepted to three colleges by the end of July, with two scholarships to boot. Applying to college in the summer is much easier than during the school year, which I would have been forced to do if I hadn't gotten so lucky on the exam.
2. DON'T LET ANY ODDITIES DURING THE ACT GO UNNOTICED: I simply cannot stress this enough. Long story short, I noticed the kid next to me sitting a little close, but didn't think much of it until 5 months later when my 30 on the ACT was being questioned. I nearly lost my score, my acceptances, and my scholarships. Luckily, I send them a heck of a letter along with grades and previous test scores proving that I actually am smart enough to make a high score. The other kid probably wasn't so lucky... The ACT board apologized and promised to keep my score as valid. Phew.
3. apply for housing early: I only got lucky in getting into Brooke, with private bathrooms...
4. start making lists: Okay, so I do this all the time. (Noooo, you don't say!!) This is more of a suggestion to everyone; preaching to the choir, I suppose. As high school wound down, I started to realize how many different things I have to keep track of. Now it's in full swing. Dorm rooms and classes and money, oh my. 
5. become independent: This seems obvious but even in high school we were babied. I still relied on my teachers to tell me the exact homework assignment, when it was written on the weekly syllabi or whatever. Learn to be proactive and get everything done ahead of time, if possible.
6. fall in love with your planner: I did it. I got my Lilly Pulitzer planner and I regret NOTHING. It's beautiful. Worth every penny, I'd say. I mean, c'mon, it lasts for 3 regular semesters!
7. save money: Boy, I love shopping. But would I rather smell like a peppermint or eat....? Priorities, ladies and gents. 
8. visit your school multiple times and just walk around campus: If it weren't for my almost weekly trips to 'vallo with friends, I would get beyond lost. At least now I have some sort of grasp on where most things are... I hope.
9. obsess over your school: If you love the school, you most likely will already do this. Get t-shirts, decals, cups, whatever. Be proud of the place you're going to further your knowledge! Be proud that you were able to achieve this great thing! I have several shirts, cups, pens, decals, and so many other things showing my Falcon pride. PV, anyone? (PS. No, I'm not decided, but I will most likely be choosing the Purple Team--- Montevallo stuff, it's pretty big.)

There's so much more I have to learn but at least I'm not in denial... I'm sure I'll have more to add to this list later.. Maybe it'll become a series??

xoxo, a.

How To: Prep for Freshman Year

So, I'm actually sitting here starting this post in the middle of July, when I still don't know how I really need to pack. But I'll forget to write this if I don't start now... Scatterbrain problems. Anyways, I love packing and organizing. The neat and orderly part, at least. All the messy bits annoy me. Whenever I decide to clean out drawers and such, I always end up with that one freakin' pile of random crap that has absolutely no place in my room. As I get ready to move out on my own (kinda), I am bound and determined to make it all as physically painless and seamless as possible. The emotional part carries no such promises, though. These tips are based on my personal situation, with one roommate with whom I share a bedroom and a bathroom, and we each have our separate closets. Plus, I will be going to school not far from home, so I have that advantage. So, once again, take these tips with a grain of salt, everything can be molded to your own situation in some way.

• Label your boxes. This one is kinda a no-brainer... If you use any plain cardboard moving boxes, just stick a sticky note on them saying what specifically is in them!! (Sticky notes so you won't write all over the box- they can be reused a million times and constantly marking things out gets really annoying) That way, you won't have to run around screaming "WHERE ARE MY UNDERWEAR?!?!?"
• Put things in their designated drawers/containers and take it all in together. For example, I'm using a small plastic set of drawers for my makeup. Instead of boxing up all that crap and having to reorganize it on move-in day, go ahead and put it in the drawers! Just tape the drawers shut really well for traveling. You'll save room in the trunk, plus you'll keep yourself sane when you  move in! It may be a little heavier than carrying things in separately, but it's totally worth it. Just don't load cheap drawers with heavy sweaters...
• If you can, leave seasonal stuff at home. I'm lucky enough to be going to school less than an hour from home. Hence, I will be leaving my sweaters and boots home until the weather starts changing. No fear, I do understand Alabama weather (or.. I know to expect really crazy stuff... ) so I know to keep a few jackets with me, because you never know when you'll need a blanket in August.... If you live too far away, I really dunno what to tell you. Your best bet would just be to buy a couple big bins and stuff them under your bed.



Yes, I have things designated for specific drawers.




Who's bringing what? Color coded, naturally.





• Plan ahead. Y'all know I do this big time. Make lists, spreadsheets, whatever it takes to stay organized. I have spreadsheets on my computer as well as handwritten lists in notebooks. Everyone is different, I just do it all. Some may call me crazy, others call me.... Crazier.

• Get creative. Who needs air freshener when you can just tape a dryer sheet to your fan? It works, I do it all the time! Leave it on for a few minutes to get a nice fresh smell, then stick it in your drawers to make your undies smell all purday. Better learn to play Jenga, your room is about to be stacks on stacks on stacks. (Unfortunately, said stacks are plastic and filled with sweaters, not cash)
• Learn to be cheap. Or, to be proper: thrifty. I prefer to be honest and say cheap. The Dollar Tree is your friend, folks. Dollar General brand products are actually fairly decent. In general, generic brands are the best thing ever. School supplies from the dollar store are my particular favorite. Soon to come: an entire post on my money-saving cheapskate strategies! Be on the lookout!
• One step at a time. You have all semester to procrastinate. Don't do it for move-in. Us Montevallo folks move in on August 22nd. Guess what day classes start? The 25th. That is 3 days to get settled in before it all begins. 3. Days. Although I won't complain, it's all because of some awesome renovations on campus (brand new furniture- turn down for what). Box up what you can as you go. Start a few weeks ahead of time. Whatever you can live without until you move in, pack it up. That way, you'll have even more time to keep it organized.

Erin and I!! She's a doll.

• Get to know people ahead of time. I'm fortunate enough to be a fantastic social media stalker (it's a known fact, I can do some major damage), so I have been able to make several friends by putting myself out there and introducing myself. I feel much more comfortable knowing a few people that will be living near me or in some of my classes. Of course, we're all gonna be strangers the first few days, but it's still nice to have someone to get lost with.

• That being said, don't be a stranger. Open your door! Talk to people! Your life starts outside of your comfort zone, so do something different! I would never have met Erin and become so close if it weren't for me commenting on her instagram picture. (Yup, I'm a creep. And yes, Ern, you have me to thank. Love ya!)

Yes, I am well aware that I'm giving you tips on stuff I haven't experienced yet. So, this is partially a reminder to myself of what I really need to do... Sorry for such a long post, I combined several drafts that I couldn't quite pull into full posts on their own. Best wishes!

xoxo, a. 

Down in the 'Vallo

One of the several gates to enter the cobblestone-covered campus.

To the right of my homepage, if you are reading this post before August 22, 2014, you will see a countdown until I move in to Montevallo. Can you tell I'm excited? Lemme tell y'all a little about my school.

First of all, it's beautiful. I mean, look it up online. Here. No excuses. It's covered in cobblestone walkways, which are infamous for tripping everybody. But, (hallelujah) they are relaying the bricks this summer, so the walkways will be flat, therefore safe---er... The lawn is always pristine and everything about the school is so beautifully made.

"Becoming" sculpture- unfortunately it's too slick to climb into the hands... I've tried.

It is a liberal arts school, with one of the best art programs in the country. However, the business, science, and education (holla!) programs are also top-notch. Everything as Montevallo is just perfection. It is a small school, with only about 3000 students. It sits in the heart of Montevallo, Alabama, about 45 minutes south of Birmingham. Montevallo is a college town, for sure. The town consists of the high school and college, and that's about it. Main Street is full of food and banks and everything geared towards the students, since it's just two blocks off the main campus. It's definitely not impossible to get lost on this campus, but compared to the giant campuses of Alabama and Auburn, I consider myself lucky. I have printed out my maps and circled all the important buildings; aka food, more food, student activity center (for the weight room pool), my home (Brooke Hall turn up!), and of course, classes. Everything is within a 10-15 minute walking distance, so there is no reason to be too worried. 

Everyone at this school is beyond amazing. They're all so talented... It's such an accepting environment, which is a huge deal to me, coming from such a preppy upscale school. When I walk on campus, I feel comfortable being who I am, not having to act like anyone else to look cool. I love the atmosphere. It's comforting to me, which is very good for my anxiety issues. 

Brooke Hall, my beautiful new home awaits!!

Needless to say, I'm beyond excited. I have already made so many friends, and I just can't wait to be with them all. 4 weeks and counting!

xoxo, a.