A Holiday Getaway

Merry Christmas everyone!  This holiday season, my family decided to switch things up and take a winter vacation to Playa Del Carmen in Mexico.  Soaking up the sun and exploring the local markets and indigenous history has made for an incredible holiday thus far.  Though the trip is not over, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite moments from the past few days.

 Ancient Mayan ruins from 900 AD

These are just a few pics that have been taken over the past couple of days.  The rest of the week holds many more adventures that I cannot wait to share!

Happy Holidays

XO,

Alexandra S.

Inspire- Study Playlists

I'm guessing everyone else is drowning in work just as much as I am right now.  Welcome to finals?  Although every time I sit down to study for finals I feel like a massive rock has been tied to me, I have created this playlist that has been making the studying…dare I say it…bearable!  Check it out below and comment what you think!

Wait for Me- Kings of Leon
Revelry- Kings of Leon
Old Pine- Ben Howard
Thunder Clatter- Wild Club
Cigarette Daydreams- Cage the Elephant
Cough Syrup- Young the Giant
My Darlin'- Miley Cyrus, Future
Who You Love- John Mayer, Katy Perry
Tennis Court- Lord
Brave- Sarah Bareilles
The Monster- Eminem, Rihanna
Good Life- Tyler Ward feat. Heather Janssen
Floats My Boat- Aer
All Bad- Justin Bieber
Hang Loose- Alabama Shakes

Hope This Makes Your Studying a Little Better!

xo,

Alexandra S.

Health- Working Out For YOU

I went to a workout class a few days ago while I was back at home for Thanksgiving and during the class, the instructor was chanting to the beat of the song to "really work up a sweat so that you can eat the thanksgiving pie later".  In the moment that seemed like a valid statement to make since Thanksgiving is quite obviously notorious for over-indulgence.  However, after the class I started to resent what the instructor was saying.  Working out to simply look a certain way, or to be able to justify certain foods should not be the primary focus of exercising.  I am not denying that it plays a role, but it should not be the sole purpose for working out.  I've come up with a few reasons why you should work out for YOU and also some reasons to simply work out in general.  Enjoy!

1.  Endorphins:  Endorphins are peptides that function as a neurotransmitter and are stimulated during hyperactivity.  Need a translation?  Endorphins are what give you that mysterious "runners high" and general lift in mental health and are stimulated during exercise.  If you are having a bad day, it can be so tempting to lay in bed and watch chick flicks all day and you can do that, but exercise first!  You might be surprised at how much your spirits will be lifted after even a simple workout.  Exercise in any form is one of the best ways to cure those lethargic, mopey, and tired feelings that every college student experiences.

2.  Self Sufficiency and Empowerment:  It is incredibly easy to slip into the pattern of letting others determine how happy you are going to be.  My advice is to not let that happen.  The purpose of exercising should be about making yourself happy and feeling good.  Whatever intentions motivate that statement are personal, but do not let other people decide if you need to exercise or not.  That is 100% up to you and I promise, you will feel better about exercising when it was your idea and no one else's. When you do it for you, and not for your mother, the new dress, or society, you will feel empowered.  It feels good to be strong- physically and mentally because it feels like you can conquer anything.

3*.  Mother Nature: Being a collegiate athlete, I've learned that a gym is a luxury and privilege.  If you do not have access to a gym, that is not a reason to skip the exercise!  Mother nature is the world's greatest gym if you ask me since you can run, hike, bike, ski, play games, etc!  Those girls who stand on the elliptical for hours at a time are doing nothing but burning empty calories.  They aren't even the calories you should burn!  Being active by running around and working different muscle groups simultaneously will help you burn fat as well as sculpt your entire body.  Pretty cool right?  I think so.

4.  Fit is a Lifestyle:  Being fit is about exercising to be mentally and physically strong, eating clean, and treating your body right.  If you want to be fit and healthy, don't attend the exercise classes five days a week to burn the calories on the breakfast you ate earlier.   It doesn't count to exercise for two hours just so you can drink at a party later.  Not drinking, or watching your intake in addition to working out is living a clean lifestyle that makes up being fit.  Your body is a temple, treat it carefully.

Those are some of my reasons for working out.  It makes me feel good and that helps me in other aspects of my life as well.  Working out is not that hard, dedicate an hour a day and that's it!

* a gym is not necessary *

xo,

Alexandra S.

Inspire- Morning Routine

I used to not be a morning person at all simply because mornings can often feel rushed and stressful for me and I hate starting my day off with those feelings rushing into my system.

However, I find that when I do mornings the right way, I am most productive and happy in the quiet hours before the hustle and bustle begins.  Let me assure you, I am not waking up before the sun rises but I am waking up with adequate time for me to feel fully awake and feel at peace before school starts.  Here is my morning routine and why I love it:

1.  Waking up:  I like to wake up at least an hour and half or more before my class begins.  It works nicely for me since my first classes aren't until 9:30 or 11:00.  When my alarm wakes me up, I usually stay in bed for an extra ten to fifteen minutes just getting accustomed to not being asleep.  One thing I really love when I wake up is my alarm sound.  I use my iPhone as an alarm clock and I have it set so that I can choose a song to wake up to rather than the blaring beeping sound.  I pick a song that it is upbeat yet soft so that I do in fact wake up, but am not scared by the sound.

2.  Getting Ready:  After I have made it out of bed I immediately go to the bathroom to wash my face, brush my teeth, etc.  This helps me feel more awake.  As I sit down to put on my makeup, I almost always light a candle (usually Vanilla) and put on a gentle  Ed Sheeran-esque playlist to create a soft and cozy environment rather than a harsh and rushed one.  I always take my time getting dressed and I also like to put on clothes that will make me feel more productive (so not sweats or Uggs).

3.  Breakfast: For breakfast I usually head to the coffee shop on campus and get some coffee or tea and a light breakfast.  During this time I find that I am most productive in either finishing up some homework or planning my day.  I think I am most productive simply because I am not trying to get it all done.  I leisurely do my work and when I do this I find I am most efficient.  Kinda backwards but it works!

I think for me, the trick is to take my time as well as be centered and calm throughout the morning.  If I save an important assignment for the morning of, it will lead me to a day of nervous energy and stress.  If I set aside that chunk of time in the morning to have my personal time and also get some work done, it makes an immense difference in how my days go.

Let me know what you do in the morning or what kind of playlists you like to listen to for the morning!

xo,
Alexandra S.

Autumn Fashion- Menswear for Women

Happy November!  Quick apologies for my hiatus, school has got me busy every second of the day, but I am back now :).

I personally love shopping in the Men's section of clothing stores; I think it offers a ton of great basic pieces that girls can wear in so many different ways.  It is especially easy to wear men's clothing during the fall since they do tend to fit looser which is nice for fall time and layering.  I came up with three different looks with a few of the pieces I have from the men's department.  Let me know what you think!


Look 1:  Girly with  military edge

I took this camo T-shirt that I got on clearance from Urban Outfitters and put it over a simple cotton black dress.  To give the tee a bit more shape on my body I tied a simple knot above my waist and this also helped show off the dress a bit more.  I wanted to be bold so I took a textured circle scarf that I got from a second hand store and added this to my look.  I really like how this added a lot more femininity to the outfit as well as made it more autumn appropriate.  To complete the look, I paired it all with my black Steve Madden boots to complete the edgy look.  I thought about wearing knee high boots but I felt that the military style boots kept the theme of the camo without overdoing it.  This look is casual yet put together so it is perfect to wear anywhere!  It is definitely one of go-to's for the rest of autumn.











Look 2:  Comfy, Casual, Classic

This outfit is basically my go to for class everyday since it is very simple, yet also put together.  The Hane's T-shirt is from the Men's section and was only $9.00 for a pack of 3 shirts.  What a steal!  To look more presentable than someone just wearing an oversized men's shirt, I paired it with some dark wash American Eagle skinny ankle jeans that I got on clearance for $30 dollars.  I rolled up the bottoms, added some leopard print flats, and a long gold chain necklace to keep this look classic and chic.  If it gets colder, add any jacket that adds some shape to your figure and you are good to go!  I love this look for everyday running around and staying comfortable in a cute way.

Look 3:  Oversized Sweaters

This is another go-to look for me.  I actually saw my brother wearing this long sleeve shirt, and I decided I needed it so I went and got one for myself.  This a simple long sleeve thermal in a dark maroon/ purple color that goes with EVERYTHING.  It is easily one of the most comfortable items in my closet which is good since I wear it so frequently.  Since it is thermal, it keeps me warm and cozy and since it is oversized it works well with leggings and boots.  I got mine in a size up just to really emphasize the "baggy sweater" trend.  This the easiest look out of the three to put together since it is just boots, sweater, and leggings.  Perfect right?!  If it is colder, you can add a chunky scarf or a military style jacket to give it some edge.

My advice is to not automatically skip over the men's section!  As I mentioned previously, it offers a lot of really great staple pieces that can be dressed up or down for an effortless look everyday.  

Hope you like it!  Let me know if any of you shop in the men's section also.

xo,

Alexandra S.

Blogger Diary- Sunday Thoughts

To be honest, I am not sure where I want to take this however I am in the mood to ramble so hello...

I woke up neither happy or sad, stressed or calm.  I just was if that makes any sense.  Unsure of what to make of this feeling (or lack thereof) I felt a walk would best clarify my clouded thoughts.  I wanted to just sort through my head and make sense of everything happening in my life.  Last week a lot of things happened that were hard for me to wrap my head around and so I needed to understand why these things were difficult for me.

Lately I have been feeling like I am in a strange middle ground between adulthood and youth and it is an interesting internal conflict that I am sure most other 20 year olds are going through as well.  An overwhelmingly large part of me is screaming: you are twenty years old, you don't need help and you should figure everything out on your own!  And I want this; I want to be able to know myself so thoroughly and completely that every bump that comes along I can work through systematically and handle in a mature manner.  However, this has been really hard for me and is proving to be more confusing than I planned on.  I have always considered myself someone who is rather in touch with my thoughts and emotions, so why am I still wanting to get my parents advice on matters? It is a strange feeling of wanting to assert my independence and do things on my own and then realizing that I am not necessarily at that point in my life.  I feel that since I have now reached my twenties, I should have life and everything figured out perfectly.  But that is not what the reality is and that is what is so scary to me.  I remember as a child thinking that twenty was so old and that twenty was the 'real grown-up age', but when I think about myself now, I don't feel like a grown-up.  Being in school is so incredibly rewarding and challenging and stimulating, but at the same time is so limiting to the outside world that it is a struggle to find the balance between independence and needing a little parental advice.

I have come to the conclusion that it is okay to not have everything figured out.  It is hard in college where every student seems to have their life plan figured out and already five steps ahead of tomorrow, but in the end it is okay to not know the answer to everything.  Chances are, all the other students are feeling the same way.  I think what is important is to keep your life in perspective and take every day one step at a time.  Whether it is school, friends, family, or everything that is proving to be challenging, the best way to find yourself is to find a perspective that makes it all fit together.  In life, there is SO much more to focus on than the next internship or what your friends think.  I feel that if I live my life in a way that continues to help me grow and figure out who I am, then I am on a good path.  The rest will come in time, because that is what happens and that is okay.

So for now, I am just going to take life as it comes because what else is there really to do?

This was quite a ramble, but hopefully it is relatable in some ways.

xo,
Alexandra S.

Health- Apple Cider Vinegar

Between hearing about this product from my friends and reading about it everywhere, I have picked up on the ever amazing apple-cider vinegar.  Yes, vinegar.  While this seems a bit random, it is actually a very beneficial and multi-purposed solution to many things.

Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural cleanser, it is great for cleaning and detoxing in a gentle yet effective manner.  Here are some of the ways I like to use apple cider vinegar in my everyday life.

1. Internal Cleanser.
  You are in college therefore, it is bound to happen that between parties and late night study sessions, your stomach and liver will start to feel not so great; this is because your body needs to be cleansed and refilled with pure ingredients!  I like to sip on a mug of hot water with a about a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to help cleanse my system.  And it works amazingly.  It seems to be some sort of miracle ingredient because literally five minutes later I feel so refreshed and like a new person.  I like to add a dash of agave for a natural sweetener too since it can be a bit harsh at first.

2.  Hair Rinse
     I recently tried this and fell in love. Apple cider vinegar is a great way to remove excess buildup from your hair.  Between styling products, heat, and just the days general buildup, apple cider vinegar can really help your hair.  The main ingredient in this vinegar is acetic acid which helps balance your hairs pH levels as well as promote hair growth, treat dandruff, and give your hair lots of bounce and shine.

To make this hair rinse all you need to do is mix 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar with a quart of water (distilled) and you are good to go!  To use it, shampoo your hair as normal, then spray the rinse in your hair...leave it in for only a few seconds and wash it out with cold water to lock in all the properties.  Don't condition your hair after because you won't need to and it could actually reverse the effects.  I would recommend doing this once a week.

3.  Face Mask
    I have yet to try this because I haven't had time to get the other ingredient, but apple cider vinegar is supposed to make a great face mask.  It is said to reduce inflammation and prevent break outs-  AKA the perfect remedy for every college student.  All you need to do is mix some apple cider vinegar with calcium bentonite clay powder (which you can find at any vitamin shop or health food store) and mix it together.  Coat an even layer all over your face for about 10-15 minutes and wash off with warm water.  I read that when it is on your face you can actually feel your skin pulsating, how crazy is that?! I am definitely going to try this out.

4.  All purpose Cleaner
     As if those weren't enough reasons to convince you why Apple Cider Vinegar is a magical product, it can also be used as a a natural all purpose cleaner since it is a natural disinfectant.  Just mix up 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with 1 Cup water, put in a spray bottle and you can clean almost every surface.  This is great for cleaning your dorm room when a deep cleaning is necessary and you know you aren't filling your room with hardcore chemicals that are not good for your body.

I think my favorite part about apple cider vinegar is the multiple purposes I can get out of it.  It makes my life extremely cost efficient and I can treat my body with amazing care with only one product!  Apple Cider Vinegar is so cheap and can be found in any grocery store.

Let me know what you think!

xo,
Alexandra S.

Motivational Monday

I found this quote the other day and I thought it was perfect to start the week off on a good foot.  I know a little Bob Dylan can always pick me up!

Enjoy the Monday!

xo,
Alexandra S.

Outfit of The Day- Sunday Brunch

While most of the kids on campus roll into the dining hall on Sunday morning in last night's makeup and sweatpants, I like to dress up a bit.  I think it is fun and also putting on an actual outfit usually helps me be more productive in the day since I am not tempted to crawl back in bed.  For this lovely Sunday I channeled my girliest self and created this outfit that is perfect for fall.  I especially love this outfit because I got the best deal out of it!

My white lace dress is Urban Outfitters and I found it on clearance for $9.00.  When I saw it, I didn't know if I wanted it mostly because it is fairly short, but for $9.00 I felt like I couldn't pass it up and I am so glad I didn't.  It is fun and girly but since it is also basic, you can add anything to it to make it edgy or soft.

I paired it with this denim jacket that is technically my mom's (sshhh), some black tights from Forever 21, and suede booties.

The booties are probably my favorite part of the outfit.  They are Dolce Vita and originally over $100 but I found these adorable shoes at Marshall's for around $80 over the summer.  While they are still a bit of a splurge, you are getting such an amazing deal on them. If you ever want designer or pricier items, go to Marshall's first because they have the best deals on everything!

I added a simple gold necklace to keep the theme of simplicity but add a subtle pop.  I am not normally one for lace, but I really like the lace detailing paired with the rougher texture of the denim; it adds an unexpected dimension.

This outfit goes perfectly for a fall Sunday and I am sure I will be re-wearing this again, since it is casual and cute.

xo,

Alexandra S.

P.S.  Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexandraRedein

Instagram: http://instagram.com/alexsonett

Tumblr: http://girlinafantasyland.tumblr.com 

Confessions- 6 Things To Tell My Freshman Self

When I think back to my freshman year of college I just get a strong urge to laugh because of how clueless I was to everything.  But of course, that is normal for a freshman!  It would not be right if someone came in to college 100% dialed in.  However, here are six things that I wish I knew when I was a freshman to help me get through the daily obstacles a little bit more gracefully.

1.  Take the professor, not the class.
     Ever heard of Rate My Professor ?  I hadn't until halfway through my first semester.  Although a class may sound stimulating and interesting, chances are if the professor is boring the class will be boring too.  It is actually amazing to me how much a good professor can make a mediocre subject so interesting!  I am in a class right now that does not particularly interest me subject wise, but the professor who is a highly established literary scholar in his field, is so knowledgable and passionate about the class, that I find myself practically clinging to every word in class; and really, it can't get better than that.  It will make homework, exams, and papers a hundred times easier to get through. Trust me, take the professor, not the class.

2.  Your new best friend- H20.
     Seems a bit random, but I never realized how little water I was consuming in college until it starting impacting my daily activities big time.  Carry a water bottle with you to class because it will not only save you from dehydration, it is definitely a good item to keep in your hands if you have the urge to start tapping your pen.  Also, prepare a water bottle before you go out at night.  There is absolutely nothing worse than coming back to your room at 2 AM and waking up at 5:30 AM with that pounding headache- signs of a good night.  Get water ready before you go out so when you come back you can drink the whole bottle and feel good as new in the morning!  Learned that one the hard way when I first came to college.

3.  Look for everything FREE.
     Although as my dad says, nothing is every actually free.  As a college student though, you may beg to differ.  Since it seems to be inevitable that every college student has a lack of dollars in their wallets, it becomes a mission to find every free opportunity that presents itself.  I now have the largest collection of random things in my room that I pick up from every booth or festival that occurs and it is a bit baffling how often I actually use them.  For example, the last time I bought pens was actually my freshman year of college.  All my sleep shirts are the shirts that are given out for free at every school event.  Get on that free stuff hype, it's worth it.

4.  Dining hall steals
     There was a big debate in my philosophy class if borrowing/stealing fruit, cups, plates, snacks from the dining hall was moral or not.  In my opinion go for it.  As a innocent freshman I actually went and bought silverware and plates from target.  Don't do it.  If you have a backpack it is easy to swipe whatever you need and just keep it in your room for the semester or year then give it back at the end!  I don't see it as wrong if you give it back at the end.  Also, most freshman don't have access to cars to go to the market all the time.  Definitely grab some fruit or cereal to go for those late night munchies in the library.  It's not wrong, just go for it.

5.  Don't stay on campus every weekend.
     Although it can be difficult to get to places without a car, find a way! If you go to school away from your hometown, make the extra effort to find cool concerts, festivals, shows, events, that are off campus.  Not only is nice to get a break from campus, it is super fun and a great way to get to know the city you go to school at.  There is usually a way to get anywhere you want so make it happen!  It also makes your Instagram more interesting and you can document your adventures on Facebook or Twitter, then everyone can see how much fun you are having!

6.  Social Media YES
     Some people may disagree, but I am an avid social media user and I think it is the best possible thing for every college student to get on board with.  Not only is it super fun and a good way to connect, more and more companies are using social media as a way to promote their business so it looks really good if you know what you are doing.  It helps foster connections, get answers quickly, and keeps you updated on the latest news and trends.

Those are the first things that popped into my head for things I wish I knew as a freshman.  A bit random, but hey that's college right?

xo,
Alexandra S.

Wear- The Look for Less

I've been seeing a lot of great fall trends lately that are super easy to wear in an everyday setting such as leather, cropped sweaters, and a lot of basic staples that are put together to create an effortlessly chic outfit.  However, with these trendy styles comes a hefty price, that I as a college student am not willing to pay.  I took inspiration from stores like Aritzia and Club Monaco to put together an adorable outfit that is perfect for the quintessential fall day.

Since I am getting older and style is becoming more sophisticated I do find it worthwhile to invest clothing that may be a little more than places such as Forever 21 or H&M (even though those are still great stores!) but still not outrageously high prices.  For my outfit today I went a simple color blocked outfit topped with a camo jacket to add some edge.

I'm wearing a basic white chiffon tank top from Zara and I threw over a cream cropped sweater from Urban Outfitters.  I saw this cropped sweater trend EVERYWHERE usually with a silk tank and a cashmere type sweater.  This look gives you the same exact style for a fraction of the cost!

I topped the sweater and tank off with this super cool camp jacket from the Men's section of Urban Outfitters.  The jacket has leather detailing on the shoulders and pockets that perfectly incorporate the leather trend in a doable, everyday style.

Finishing off the look with a wine colored lipstick from Buxom (the color is Tokyo) and a simple braid in my hair, I felt just as chic and fashion forward as any other person wearing the expensive version.

I think it is really important to be able to find affordable trendy pieces because they are going to go out of style eventually.  You don't want to waste money on things that last for only a season or two.  If you want to invest in something, I would recommend a really solid, staple piece that will be wearable no matter what the trends are.

I hope everyone has an amazing fall day!  Enjoy the beautiful air while it lasts :)

xo,
Alexandra S.

Inspire- Grateful, Surprise, Happy.

One thing my mom taught me about a year ago is to understand and think about your day in a positive light.  I told her it was much easier said than done, but nonetheless was curious to see how she was able to achieve these nightly goals.

She said at the end of every day write down three things: one thing you were grateful for in the day, one thing that surprised you, and something that made you happy.  Simple, right?  It definitely took me a long time to regularly get in the habit of thinking about it and writing them down, but once I started to do it regularly, I can honestly say I sleep a little better and wake up a little fresher.

Usually I just jot down the three things from that very simply, not a lot explanation written by it because I know it in my head; for the sake of this blog post, I will elaborate on my day's 3 realizations.

Grateful:  My beautiful lab Lovey.  Lovey has been in our family for 7 years and I have enjoyed every minute (mostly) with her.  She really is so lovable and the sweetest lab you will ever encounter.  As I am home for a brief fall break, I walked in the door expecting her wagging tail but instead I saw her laying on the floor post intensive surgery.  My parents said they almost had to put her down; she had four tumors.  It was so shocking seeing her like this, when just two months ago I said goodbye to her perfectly happy and seeing her running around like a puppy.  The next few days were hard, but today I saw so much improvement in her and-que the cheesiness- I was just so grateful to see her back wagging her tail and basking in the sun.  It is so easy to take advantage of the presence of a pet, but when things take a turn for the worse, it puts it in perspective.  Lovey is my best friend and I am eternally grateful to have her in my life.

Surprising: Today I found the beauty of the fall leaves surprising.  Down in Southern California we kind of skip the fall and go straight from summer leaves to dead, barren trees.  Not all that exciting.  Since I am home for a couple days, I have just been surprised at the pure and raw beauty that my home town has to offer.  Every time I come home I expect the beautiful hills, but I am still taken aback at how stunning this place I call home is.  The leaves everywhere are golden and orange.  It is just breathtaking, and today it surprised me.  In the best way possible of course!

Happy:  Again, mushy...but my family made me happy today.  They make me happy most days, but taking in my last day with them before heading back to school, I was just happy to be around them!  We definitely are a crazy family but I love every minute of it, so I am going to go sleep smiling thinking about our adventures together.

Above: My beautiful momma and I celebrating
our birthdays this past August.




Right:  Family beach day! Yes, it was in the summer, but say hello to the rest of the family!
Thanks mom for playing photographer.







Overall, I have just found that these little exercises have helped me with my general attitude and well being throughout the day and especially when I go to sleep.  Since I tend to carry all my stress right before I go to sleep, this helps relieve some of that and end on a note that will typically leave me with even the slightest smile.

Let me know if you decide to try it out and if you think it helps!

xo,
Alexandra S.

Inspire- Music Mondays

Monday's are a struggle for seemingly everyone; for a college student they seem to be exponentially harder after the weekend.  Chances are you are exhausted from the weekend, exhausted from the day of classes, then piled up with a load of work that will have you in the cafe studying all night.  

For me, having a good playlist always makes studying a lot more enjoyable as well as motivational.

Here are some of my fave songs so far for October that have been on my monday playlist.

Enjoy! xo,
Alexandra

Yes Yes- The Colourist
Shake it Out- Florence + the Machine
Austere- The Joy Formidable
Give Me Love- Ed Sheeran
Tongue Tied- Grouplove
Ships in the Night- Matt Kearny
No Faith In Brooklyn- Hoodie Allen, Jhameel
Tennis Court- Lorde
Heartbreaker- Justin Bieber
Pumpin Blood- NONONO
My Darlin'- Miley Cyrus
How Does it Feel- The Green ft. Kimie
Nothing Left to Lose- Matt Kearny
Something Good- Alt-J
Sweater Weather- The Neighbourhood
These Streets- Bastille
Burn- Ellie Goulding
Daydreamin'- Ariana Grande

Don't forget to follow me on Spotify to check out all my other playlists!

Autumn Beauty- Top Products

Because autumn is my favorite season, everything that comes with it is always an automatic favorite as well.  For fall, I love keeping my beauty routine really simple and classic since I like to play around more with my fashion.  Since the weather does get colder, a lot of people start to stray towards darker looks, but I like to keep mine pretty clean.  Don't get me wrong, I love a great dark lip, but chances are I won't be rocking that just to go study.  So, here are some of my favorite fall must haves to complete every fall look in an effortlessly chic look.

Let's start with the nails;  These two Essie polishes are my obsession!  The first lighter one is Ballet Slippers.  Perhaps one of the most well known Essie colors, this is definitely a favorite of mine.  I love this color because it is opaque and the perfect balance between a nude and baby pink.  The simplicity of it ties every color together.  It is a great way to stay professional because it is such a neutral color, so it's perfect for interviews or work.  The more pink nail polish is Essie's Vanity Fairest and I am in love with this color.  This baby pink color has a hint of shimmer to give a flirty vibe and is not as opaque as Ballet Slippers so it is great for complimenting outfits rather than being part of of the outfit.  Both colors are perfect for fall because rather than being dark and vampy (which is still amazing) these are really great basics that will come in handy at any time during the season.

Another cult favorite is the MAC blush in the color Plum Foolery.  As you can tell from the title, it is a plum colored blush that is my go to for fall.  The plum base is complimented with a golden shimmer that simply screams autumn.  I love this because it is such a great way to warm up your face and hide that cold weather pasty color.  All my friends love to borrow this color from me and from this, I've seen that it looks amazing on so many skin tones.  This versatile blush is a great staple and a gorgeous color overall.  What more could a girl want?!

But of course, what would I do without Benetint?  This cheek and lip stain is hands down my favorite stain I've come by.  When I'm not in the mood for a lip gloss or lipstick, I just dab a little  onto my lips and it creates the perfect pink color, making it look like my lips are naturally flushed.  And for your cheeks, if you want a matte, simple look, this is great for that windblown cheek flush color that every girl lusts after.

And last, but certainly not least is MAC's dazzlegloss in Date Night.  First of all, this lipgloss actually smells like marshmallows so that is reason enough to be a fall fave.  Other than that, this is one of the most unique colors I have a come across;  It has a sort of raspberry base which is perfect for seasonal changes but it is accented with blue, yes blue, shimmer in it.  I didn't think I would wear this a ton because of the blue, but I find that it is very subtle in such a pretty way.  Go try it out for yourself and see what you think!

These are just a couple of my autumn favorites, and I can't wait to try out more!

xo

Alexandra

Healthy Eats- Dorm Room Musts

If you love food as much as I do, you know that it is almost impossible to not be munching on something delicious.  So often in college, students are constantly busy or they they don't have the proper means to make a real snack so the snacks often consist of yucky process foods like Easy Mac, Ramen noodles, chips, soda, candy, etc.  These foods are not good for you!  Though they are easy and cheap to purchase, the processed sugar, added fat, and unnatural additives will actually prevent you from getting that extra stamina you might be looking for.  Processed sugar (sugar added to anything usually in a package), might give you that boost of energy for an hour, but you WILL crash leaving you feel even more tired than before and running on low energy.  All these types of packaged, processed foods usually contain a ton of simple carbohydrates which are bad for you.  Of course, you need carbohydrates in your diet to survive, however, you want to be consuming COMPLEX carbohydrates which are found in several different foods that are just natural foods, nothing in a box.

As a poor college student, I 100% understand the cost dilemna, so I have compiled a quick list of foods from Trader Joe's that are not only inexpensive, but healthy and will keep your energy up!  You can swap these out for typical college snacks.

*also, a quick tip:  when looking at the nutrition facts, look at the ingrediants list...usually the more ingredients listed, the worse it is for your body. *

DORM ROOM SWAPS:

Potato Chips, Cheetos, etc.-------> Pita Chips

These pita chips are so addicting.  I prefer them to regular potato chips because they offer so much flavor and they are filling.  These are simply baked pita bread sprinkled with some sea salt.  Here you are getting the complex carbohydrates and no added ingredients (minus salt) so these are a great snack in moderation.  They are also very plain so they are great for adding things to!






Dried Fruit, Fruit bars, Fruit snacks--------> Real Fruit.

I don't know why people seem to be so obsessed with getting fruit flavored food items.  Why not get the actual fruit???? I could/do eat fresh fruit for breakfast lunch and dinner because it is so amazing. When I go to the market I always pick up apples, grapes, berries, bananas, and then whatever seasonal fruit is available.  Fruit is great because the natural sugar in it curbs sweet tooth cravings, and since fruit is full of complex carbs, it keeps you full for a while which makes it a fantastic snack.  Or, lets be real, it is so fun to Instagram because of the vibrant colors. Eat fruit! It's so worth it.

Veggie Sticks/Chips-------> Carrots.

I'm actually obsessed with carrots.  These baby carrots from Trader Joe's are so easy to keep in your room and have on hand!  They have that super satisfying crunch to them and they are really filling.  Carrots are filled with Vitamin A as well other vitamins and have only .2 grams of fat.





Trail Mix--------> Raw Almonds, or other raw nuts.

Raw almonds are one of my favorite snacks.  Raw almonds are loaded with protein which will keep you feeling full for longer and will actually reduce cravings in between meals.  Almonds can be high in fat, but don't be scared off by the word fat!  This fat is rich in Omega-3's which is essential to actually burning fat and regulating your metabolism.  Almonds are considered a super food which means they are unbelievably good for your body.  The best part is, you only need a small handful (11-12) to keep you full.  This is a great alternative to trail mix which has nuts in it, but also contains chocolate, and dried fruit which is excessively high in sugar.

These are just a few of my must haves in the room!  Let me know what you think.

xo,
Alexandra S.

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Wear- TOGA Party

I go to school in Southern California, so although it never gets too cold, the school put on an event for the students to try and end the summer season with a big of a bang.  What better way to do that then TOGA PARTY!!!! Yes, typical I know, but a blast nonetheless.  It was set up outside near fountains so people were dancing all around and also splashing around.  Since this is one of the most attended parties of the year, people get pretty into the costumes and go all out.  I wanted to dress up without spending money on a toga so my friends and I had a fun DIY toga time before going out where we all helped each other make the perfect toga.

Mine was just a white bed sheet that I wrapped around myself in an unnecessarily  complicated way and since I didn't have any pins, I tied a purple ribbon around my waist to hold it all together.  The ribbon was a fun way to add a pop of color without using anything expensive.  I topped off the look with a pair of wood-heeled wedges and some fun bracelets!  I chose to keep my look pretty simple-mostly out of fear of getting thrown in the fountains, but I like the idea of a toga party because you can really dress up your toga any way you want!  One my friends paired her toga with a thick leather belt which looked awesome, and my other friend decided to wear a silk sheet to make it look a little dressier.







Of course, there are a ton of different ways to dress up a toga, below are some ideas to make your toga stand out more!

I love this  leather and chain headband from Juicy Couture because I think it gives off the perfect amount of a Greecian vibe, while staying modern.  The braided detailing mixed with the leather and gold chain is the perfect pop to add to any toga!

Of course, gladiator sandals are another obvious pick!  These adorable Steve Madden gladiators are perfect because they add a perfect pop to a rather plain sheet, and they are comfortable to walk/dance around in.

I would also suggest adding some fun arm cuffs to complete your look!  Like I said, you can take this look so many ways so it is all about what look you are going for.

xo,
Alexandra S.

Inspire - A Morning Stretch

Dreading the start of Monday?  Me too.  Of course everyone seems to get the case of the Monday's.  Rather than sulking in the dreariness of the realities that Monday's often seem to bring, I am going to try and start the week off on the right foot.

I have always loved doing yoga, but never seem to be able to find for it.  Although a lot of people do yoga for the physical benefits it offers, I always seem to get the most out of it mentally and emotionally.  Something about the flow and the smoothness is simply calming and centering to me.  But, being in college and having a jam packed schedule every day is obviously not conducive to living "calmly" and I tend to forget to breathe sometimes.  When I saw this awesome 15 minute yoga asana to balance your root chakra off of the Free People Blog, I was so excited to try it out.  Come the morning time I did, and I loved it.  It helped start my day out on the right foot and calmed my energy so I wasn't a total mess running around from class to meeting to class to practice.

I am going to try and start doing this at least a few times a week if not more.  Since it is so short and not that difficult, it is hard to get bored doing it.  Even if you don't feel a mental difference, at least it is a great morning stretch!  Go ahead, try it out- you might be pleasantly surprised :).

xo,

Alexandra S.

Welcoming Fall Into Your Room

I feel like I have been counting down the days for the start of fall season and it is finally here!  Since I am in Southern California I am still forced to wearing shorts and tanks (even though I have been lusting after my scarves and boots for forever!) so I thought I would try to make my dorm room feel a bit more fall-like.

Originally getting inspiration from Tumblr, I thought a wall of all my favorite pictures would add a nice fall touch since it gives the room a homey vibe.  I then brought out all my candles and of course, have been burning Bath and Body Work's, Leaves non-stop.

I've noticed that when the season changes to fall, the colors tend to get a little darker.  While I love incorporating dark into my fashion, I like to keep my room decor a light color scheme, just to create a bit of balance.

So, this is what my re-vamped, fall inspired room looks like!  I love the way it turned out-still giving off a California vibe, but with a little autumn incorporated.  I printed out the photos from CVS and are dirt cheap to print which is why I love it.

Check it out!

xo,
Alexandra S.

Welcome :)

Hello!

If you have stumbled upon this blog, then welcome!  This is my very first blog post on this site (and ever) so I am excited to embark on this journey.  To be quite honest, I had the idea of starting a blog for months now, but kept putting it off because I wanted to keep finding better ideas.  Finally, I just sat down and created this!  Personally, as a twenty year old girl in college, I love all things Pinterest, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, however can not really afford all of the amazing things out there.  This blog is for me to document my trials as a college student in finding the best way to make my experience the best it can, in a realistic sense.  In my efforts of documenting all of this, I hope that I can try to shed some light and be (somewhat) helpful for other girls out there as well!

So let's get blogging!

xo,
Alexandra S.